10 Best TMS Softwares for Brokers to Improve Efficiency

What is a TMS System?

A transportation management system, or TMS, centralizes and automates freight management, allowing brokers to better manage loads, increase communication across teams, and optimize efficiency. 

One of the most important factors in choosing a TMS is integration capability. Your brokerage may already use accounting systems, CRM platforms, or load boards, so your TMS should seamlessly integrate with all of your freight broker software. The right TMS not only provides operational efficiency but also ensures your tech stack works together, minimizing manual data entry and reducing errors. 

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Let’s look at some of the best TMS software for brokers.

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Tai TMS

Tai TMS is designed to be an all-in-one solution for brokerages focused on efficiency and growth. One of its key selling points is that it can integrate with various tools, including accounting systems, CRM platforms, and even Denim. Tai also offers automations that can help simplify things like load matching, shipment tracking, and documentation. This TMS trucking software is a versatile choice for brokerages with various load types. 

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Best TMS software for: Medium to large brokerages looking for a scalable, all-in-one solution with automations and TMS integrations. 

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Turvo

Turvo is a modern addition to the TMS landscape. It’s concentrated on supply chain management and provides end-to-end communication and analytics solutions for brokers, 3PLs, shippers, and carriers. Because it’s a SaaS cloud TMS software, it can easily integrate with load boards, freight rates, and other solutions and provides powerful data insights, Google-like search capabilities, real-time insights, and interactions. 

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Best TMS software for: Brokerages that want a modern way to build strong relationships with carriers and shippers through their TMS trucking software. 

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EKA

EKA is all about unifying shippers, brokers, and carriers under one platform. Its unique dashboard offers frictionless management and streamlined operations, making it perfect for brokers whose main focus on maintaining strong relationships with their carriers and shippers. EKA has built its platform around strategic partners, including Denim, to create a customizable experience for their customers. 

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Best TMS software for: Brokerages that are focused on collaboration and want an innovative, cost-effective broker TMS software. 

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AscendTMS

AscendTMS is the best free TMS software platform that’s known for its user-friendly interface and scalability. It offers robust reporting features and seamless integrations, including freight software integrations with popular load boards. This makes it easy for brokers to match loads with carriers and improve efficiency. AscendTMS also leverages automated workflows to make operations a breeze. 

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Best TMS software for: Small to medium-sized brokerages that want to prioritize ease-of-use and are looking for load board integration for their day-to-day operations. 

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Quote Factory TMS

Quote Factory is a modern TMS transportation software that focuses solely on the needs of brokerages. They seek to “grow and disrupt” the freight industry by helping brokers execute shipments smarter. In the platform, you can find the right carrier in seconds and quote, book, and track LTL quickly and easily. Quote Factory wants to save brokers time so they can focus on building strong relationships with their customers and carriers. 

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Best TMS software for: Next generation brokers who want a TMS that’s solely focused on their needs and that has a modern interface and powerful tools. 

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EZ Loader

EZ Loader is the “best cloud-based freight broker software” that’s built for both full truckload and LTL shipping. One of its key benefits is that it focuses on load optimization, which helps brokerages maximize profit and reduce deadhead miles. This makes it one of the best TMS softwares for brokers.

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Best for: Brokerages that handle various types of freight, including full truckload, LTL, and drayage, and need a broker TMS software that can optimize for multiple load types. 

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Port TMS

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Port TMS is a straightforward, easy-to-use TMS that focuses on core functionalities like load management, invoicing, and tracking, making it one of the best TMS softwares for brokers. It’s a simple but powerful solution, making it ideal for brokerages that are just getting started with a TMS or that don’t require a ton of bells and whistles. It’s also one of the best TMS software options for small businesses.

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Best TMS software for: Small brokerages or brokerages who want a simple transition from spreadsheets to a no-frills TMS software. 

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Wave TMS

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Wave TMS is dedicated to simplifying, and transforming, logistics operations. Their comprehensive, user-friendly solution is made for freight brokers and 3PLs and combines powerful features, such as automated load matching and shipment tracking, into one seamless platform. 

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Best TMS software for: Brokerages or 3PLs that want a cloud-based TMS that’s focused on efficiency and smooth operations. 

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Logistically

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Logistically is a TMS platform made for brokerages of all sizes with customizable pricing starting at just $330/month, making it one of the best TMS softwares for small businesses. The integrated cloud TMS offers rate shopping, dispatch, tracking, and document retrieval, saving you valuable time. The platform also automates carrier and customer invoicing and can integrate with your customers’ order systems for full order lifecycle management. 

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Best TMS software for: Brokers that want a customizable TMS that’s easy to use and affordable. 

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Descartes Aljex 

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Descartes Aljex is a complete freight broker TMS software “built for freight brokers, by freight brokers.” The TMS software is backed by Descartes, one of the largest technology platforms for the logistics industry (among others). Their TMS is scalable, meaning that it can fit the needs of small startups and industry leaders. It offers a number of features, including automated order entry, carrier management, lane pricing, shipment visibility, and more. 

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Best TMS software for: Brokers who want a customizable solution and a user-friendly, all-in-one suite that covers their basic sales, operations, and management needs without all of the unnecessary fluff. 

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How to Choose the Right TMS for Your Brokerage

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are the backbone of every freight broker’s tech stack, driving efficiency, improving operations, and enabling growth. However, with a wide variety of TMS options available—each designed for different needs and specialties—selecting the right platform can feel overwhelming. Whether you need a TMS that integrates seamlessly with your current software or one that simplifies load management and enhances communication, there's a solution tailored for your brokerage.

When choosing a TMS, freight brokers should look for:

• Seamless integrations: Connects with your existing software.
• Automation: Simplifies tasks like load matching and tracking.
• Scalability: Grows with your brokerage’s needs.
• User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate and adopt.
• Customization: Tailors to your unique processes.
• Reporting and analytics: Provides insights for better decisions.
• Real-time visibility: Offers live tracking and updates.
• Communication tools: Streamlines customer and carrier interactions.
• Cost-effective: Delivers value without breaking the budget.

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As you explore the best TMS platforms, focus on finding a system that aligns with your unique business needs. The right TMS will help you eliminate manual tasks, reduce errors, and free up your team to focus on what matters most—building strong relationships and scaling your brokerage.

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Ready to see how TMS integrations can help streamline your operations? Discover how Denim can support your brokerage with personalized solutions and help you avoid back-office hires with TMS integrations. 

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