What is a transportation management system?

A TMS plans, optimizes, executes, and settles freight. Planners build loads and routes (single/multi-stop, parcel/LTL/TL/intermodal), rate against contracts, spot, tender to carriers, and track shipments with live ETAs and exceptions. Appointment scheduling, dock/yield constraints, and driver-hour rules keep plans feasible. Freight audit & pay closes the loop. Strong TMS platforms add scenario modeling and analytics so you can continuously improve cost, service (OTIF), and sustainability on one control surface.