A Transportation Management System (TMS) should make shipping easier, not harder. Get it right, and you’ll cut costs, streamline operations, and gain better visibility over your entire supply chain. Get it wrong, and you could end up with a system that slows you down, frustrates your team, and wastes money.
Avoiding these mistakes will save you from unnecessary headaches and help you pick a system that truly works for your business.
Thinking Only About Today’s Needs
Your business isn’t standing still, so why choose a TMS that won’t grow with you? Many companies make the mistake of picking software that fits their current needs but doesn’t leave room for expansion. What happens when shipment volumes double? Or when new delivery routes or suppliers are added?
A future-proof TMS should:
- Handle growing order volumes without lagging
- Support multi-carrier and multi-modal shipping options
- Offer flexible pricing plans to scale with your business
- Integrate easily with new software and tools down the line
If a system isn’t built for long-term growth, it’s only a temporary fix—not a smart investment.
Prioritizing Features Over Usability
A TMS packed with advanced features sounds great on paper—until you realise your team has no idea how to use it. Overly complex systems slow down operations instead of improving them.
Here’s what happens when usability isn’t a priority:
- Employees stick to old manual processes because the new system is confusing
- Training takes too long, delaying implementation
- Errors increase, as staff struggle with complicated workflows
Instead of chasing the most feature-heavy option, look for transportation management systems that balance power with ease of use. A clean, intuitive interface, along with mobile accessibility and easy training, makes a world of difference.
Use A Cheap TMS, Pay for It Later
Price matters, but going for the cheapest TMS can cost you more in the long run. A budget-friendly system might lack essential features, require expensive add-ons, or come with poor customer support.
A smarter approach? Look beyond the upfront cost and consider return on investment (ROI). A system that reduces errors, speeds up shipping, and optimizes routes will quickly pay for itself—while a bargain-bin TMS might end up costing you time, money, and frustration.
Ignoring Integration Needs – Messes Waiting to Happen
Your TMS doesn’t work in isolation. It needs to connect seamlessly with the software you already use—whether that’s your ERP, warehouse management system, or e-commerce platform.
Failing to check integration capabilities leads to:
- Messy, error-prone manual data entry
- Disruptions in workflow that slow down your supply chain
- Lack of real-time visibility, making tracking and decision-making harder
Before committing to a TMS, check whether it supports API connections or has built-in integrations with your existing systems. The fewer workarounds needed, the better.
Underestimating the Importance of Real-Time Visibility
A modern TMS should give instant access to critical logistics data. If you can’t track shipments in real-time or monitor potential delays, you’re flying blind.
What happens when visibility is lacking?
- Shipments miss deadlines, causing customer complaints
- Costs creep up due to undetected inefficiencies
- Supply chain issues go unnoticed until they become major problems
Look for a system with real-time tracking, custom dashboards, and detailed analytics. The more visibility you have, the more control you gain.
Skipping Customer Support Research
Your TMS will inevitably have technical issues. When that happens, will you get fast, reliable support—or will you be left waiting for days with unresolved problems?
Don’t make the mistake of assuming all vendors offer the same level of service. Before signing a contract, ask:
- Is support available 24/7?
- How quickly do they respond? (Check reviews from real users.)
- What support channels exist? (Phone, email, live chat?)
A great TMS with terrible support quickly becomes a liability. Choose a provider that stands behind their product with responsive, knowledgeable assistance when you need it.
Skipping the Test Phase – A Costly Gamble
Would you buy a car without a test drive? Of course not. So why commit to a TMS without testing it first?
A live demo is helpful, but it’s not enough. If possible, run a trial or pilot program before making a final decision. This allows you to:
- See how well the system fits your daily operations
- Identify any integration issues before it’s too late
- Get feedback from your team on usability and performance
If a vendor doesn’t offer a test period, that’s a red flag. A reputable company should be confident enough in their system to let you try before you buy.
Make a Smarter TMS Decision
Choosing the right TMS isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about finding a system that truly improves your logistics. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save yourself from frustrating delays, unexpected costs, and inefficient workflows.
Instead of rushing the decision, take the time to compare options, test usability, and prioritize long-term value. The right TMS will make your operations smoother, your team happier, and your bottom line healthier.
