Digitize now or fall behind: discover why transport management software is essential for SME carriers to survive and thrive in 2025.
The European freight industry is at a breaking point. Freight volumes are projected to reach €436.9 billion by 2025 , while carriers face driver shortages, soaring costs, and tightening regulations. Small and mid-sized carriers (SMEs) must adapt quickly — and digitalization through transport management software (TMS) is their clearest path forward.
In this article:
- 🚛 Freight Market Disruption in 2025
The freight industry is growing — but so are its problems. Learn how rising demand, driver shortages, and congestion are putting pressure on European logistics. - 📉 Challenges for SME Carriers
Margins are tight, competition is fierce, and most small carriers are still running on manual processes. We break down why that’s no longer sustainable. - 📈 Why Digital Freight Management Pays Off
This isn’t just about tech — it’s about results. Discover how digital freight tools reduce costs, speed up operations, and win more jobs. - 🧠 How IMPARGO Helps You Win
You don’t need a big IT team to go digital. See how IMPARGO’s transport management software is built for SME carriers — fast, simple, powerful. - 🔎 Final Take: Digitalize or Fall Behind
The time to digitize is now. Data shows the winners in 2025 will be those who act early — not those who wait. - ❓ FAQs: What Carriers Are Asking
Got questions about transport management software? From onboarding to sustainability, we answer the most common questions SMEs have.
Freight Transport Faces Massive Disruption in 2025
The freight industry is growing — but so are its problems. Learn how rising demand, driver shortages, and congestion are putting pressure on European logistics.
- Freight growth: European road freight market expected to grow 2% in 2025, reaching €436.9 billion.
- Driver shortages: Over 200,000 vacancies now, growing to 745,000 by 2028.
- Operational costs: Fuel, wages, and insurance costs are rising.
- Congestion losses: €100 billion lost annually to road congestion.
Manual freight management cannot keep up with these market forces. Software for transport management systems enables SMEs to remain agile, efficient, and profitable.
Challenges for Small and Mid-Sized Carriers
Margins are tight, competition is fierce, and most small carriers are still running on manual processes. We break down why that’s no longer sustainable.
- Low profit margins: Often under 5% .
- Manual processes dominate: Over 60% still lack full digitalization .
- Inefficiency: Manual operations cause 20–30% wasted truck capacity .
Without transport management system software, these businesses risk falling behind faster, unable to scale or compete with larger players.
The Business Impact of Digital Freight Management
This isn’t just about tech — it’s about results. Discover how digital freight tools reduce costs, speed up operations, and win more jobs.
- Route optimization: Reduces fuel costs by up to 15% .
- Faster quoting: Freight cost tools speed up quoting by 20% .
- Shorter wait times: Time slot management reduces warehouse delays by 40% .
- Higher competitiveness: 94% of transport companies cite digital process improvements as critical .
Adopting transport management software solutions not only boosts efficiency — it secures your company's future.
How IMPARGO Empowers SME Carriers
You don’t need a big IT team to go digital. See how IMPARGO’s transport management software is built for SME carriers — fast, simple, powerful.
IMPARGO offers a simple yet powerful TMS platform tailored to SME needs:
- Automatic route optimization for faster, greener transports.
- Real-time freight cost calculations to quote competitively.
- Digital time slot management for faster warehouse turns.
- Easy onboarding without heavy IT investments.
👉 Book a Free Consultation with IMPARGO’s Experts
With IMPARGO, small carriers can operate like logistics giants — without the complexity.
Conclusion: Digitization Isn't Optional Anymore
The numbers are clear: digital transformation is survival.
Small and mid-sized carriers that invest in transport management software today will be the ones still thriving in 2025 — faster, greener, and more profitable.
Plus, as the EU Green Deal pushes for a 90% reduction in transport emissions by 2050 , smart logistics will be key to compliance and competitiveness.
Don't wait! Future-proof your operations now before it’s too late.
👉 Schedule Your Free Demo with IMPARGO
FAQs: People Also Ask
What is transport management software?
Transport management software (TMS) helps logistics companies optimize, automate, and manage freight transport, reducing costs and boosting efficiency.
Why do SME carriers need a TMS in 2025?
Without TMS solutions, SMEs risk inefficiency, lost margins, missed delivery windows, and inability to scale in a tightening freight market.
How fast can I start using IMPARGO’s TMS platform?
IMPARGO offers seamless onboarding for SMEs, typically going live within a few days — no heavy IT required.
Does transport management software help with sustainability?
Yes, optimized routes and fewer empty miles reduce emissions, aligning your company with EU Green Deal targets.
