What to Consider When Selecting Trucking Software: Research

Hopefully, you have analyzed your internal systems, resources, and business goals. (Part 1) So let’s pick up where we left off; next steps in selecting the best trucking software for your business.

1. Get social and do your research

Reach out to respected business peers and partners. Learn about their trucking software (TMS), or packages they’re considering. These exchanges can create a variety of new opportunities. For instance; say you’re an LTL trucking company, if you and your interline partners or agents all share the same trucking software (TMS) package, you should all experience substantial discounts from the provider. Reason being, in this scenario, the processes of sharing information between your companies is drastically simplified.

Additionally, inquire about the different types of technologies your peers are utilizing. Some appropriate questions to ask are:

• Are drivers using any form of mobile dispatching?
• Are drivers scanning BOL or DR images from the road? Are the images easily uploaded and indexed into their TMS package? How has this improved workflow?
• Does their data-entry occur off-site? What is the average cost per bill?
• Do they have to manually apply pricing during the rating process?
• Are they using an in-cab fleet management package?
• Do they offer EDI? Are they required to use a VAN? What are their EDI and or VAN costs?
• Do they offer web services? How have web services helped them attract new business opportunities?
• How well does their TMS package integrate their technologies? What are the recurring costs associated with these technologies vs. the benefits?
• How does their TMS package impact staffing or IT?
• What is their TMS provider’s DRP (disaster recovery plan)?
• What sort of relationship do they have with their software provider? Do they hear from them frequently? How quickly do they respond to issues? What is their upgrade process? Do they have to pay for upgrades, new versions or releases?

Work towards achieving an overall vision of how your peers, and their trucking software (TMS) partnership, helps grow their businesses. Does the partnership make them more competitive? Are they confident their partnership is future proof? This step can seem time-consuming, however it may be the most invaluable step in determining your next TMS software purchase.

Next: It’s time to consider the cloud