What Is a Transport Management System (TMS)? The Simple Explanation for SMEs, Carriers & Shippers
Table of Contents
- What Does a Transport Management System Do?
- TMS Features: From Route Planning to Invoicing
- What Are the Real Benefits of a TMS?
- Scalability: From 5 to 500+ Trucks with One System
- SAP TM, fireTMS, Alpega vs IMPARGO TMP®
- Who Should Use a TMS?
- Try a TMS for Free or Book a Demo
- Frequently Asked Questions About TMS
What Does a Transport Management System Do?
A Transport Management System (TMS) is software that digitalizes all logistics processes related to transport planning, execution, and billing. It replaces manual tasks with one platform that automates planning, cost control, GPS tracking, communication, and documentation.
Small and mid-sized companies especially benefit: A TMS saves time, cuts costs, and gives clarity—even with just a few trucks.
TMS Features: From Route Planning to Invoicing
- ✅ Plan truck routes with tolls, driving times, and CO₂ calculations
- ✅ Calculate transport costs including toll, fuel, driver wages & margin
- ✅ Manage orders & offers – digitally and clearly
- ✅ Coordinate subcontractors and automatically send statuses
- ✅ Generate invoices directly from transport data
- ✅ Integrations with telematics, ERP, accounting, CRM, and more
What’s unique about IMPARGO TMP®: all modules work together – whether you’re a dispatcher or a driver.
What Are the Real Benefits of a TMS?
- ✓ Cut costs with optimized routes, automatic toll calculation & better utilization
- ✓ Save time with fewer spreadsheets, fewer calls, more automation
- ✓ Use real-time data for tracking, ETA, and customer updates
- ✓ Reduce errors through digital workflows & clear responsibilities
These benefits help you run a more professional operation—whether you're a small fleet or a global shipper.
Scalability: From 5 to 500+ Trucks with One System
Your fleet is growing? No problem. The IMPARGO Transport Management Platform grows with you.
Start free – and add drivers, vehicles, and integrations as your needs expand. Our platform adapts to your business model, not the other way around.
Best of all: Sign up free in under 2 minutes.
SAP TM, fireTMS, Alpega vs IMPARGO TMP®
Major providers like SAP TM and Alpega offer complex solutions—mostly for enterprises with internal IT departments. fireTMS primarily serves Eastern European markets.
IMPARGO TMP®, however, is designed for the European mid-market:
- ✅ Easy to use – no training required
- ✅ Mobile Driver App with GPS & status updates
- ✅ Automated toll, cost & CO₂ calculation
- ✅ Integration with ERP, accounting, CRM & more
Book a free demo and compare.
Who Should Use a TMS?
- Carriers with their own fleet
- Freight forwarders that plan and assign transport orders
- Shippers & manufacturers that outsource or control transport
Whether it’s direct haulage, local distribution, or inter-plant logistics – the IMPARGO platform supports FTL, LTL, Express, Silo, Distribution, and more.
Try a TMS for Free or Book a Demo
Ready for the next step?
One platform for planning, tracking, and cost control – made for road freight.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMS
What’s the difference between TMS and ERP?
ERP handles finance, HR & inventory. A TMS focuses on transport planning, costing, and execution.
Is a TMS worth it for small transport companies?
Yes. Even a small fleet can save time and appear more professional with a TMS.
How much does a TMS cost?
IMPARGO offers a free plan. Add modules and users as needed.
How does a cloud-based TMS work?
You log in via browser or app—no installation. Your data is securely stored in the EU and always accessible.
