Once upon a time, paperwork dominated the haulage industry and things changed for the better with the introduction of spreadsheets, but then a revolution happened and Transport management software came into play. Hauliers across the globe adopted the technology to the betterment of their operations, yet did they find the right piece of transport software for their company? With so many options being widely available to haulage firms, it can seem almost impossible to make a decision.
So we decided to talk to transport management system users and ask them about the factors you should consider before deciding which software solution is right for your business. Read on to see what they said and learn the four things haulage companies should think about before committing to a transport system.
M. A Ponsonby believe user-friendliness should be at the top of your list
M. A Ponsonby are a FORS Gold accredited haulier based in the West Midlands. They specialise in moving plant and heavy machinery. The company adopted transport software into their business just over a year ago and hasn’t looked back since. We asked their Transport Manager, Jack Ponsonsby what he watched out for when looking at different Transport Software Providers. He said, “The most important thing for me was to ensure the system was simple and user-friendly, as it’s a big step moving to a TMS in the first place.”
User-friendliness should be at the forefront of your mind when looking at transport software. The last thing any haulage company wants is a complex system from a company that offers limited or chargeable training. Look for systems designed with user-friendliness in mind from a company that offers unlimited training, so your employees can quickly learn how to use it and get up and running as soon as possible.
Freightlink Europe say that a system that allowed for collaboration was their priority
Freightlink Europe are a general haulage firm situated in Bradford. They have been using a Transport Management System for 2 years and you can learn about their journey with the technology so far by clicking here. Their Operations Director, Tom Peterson, offered a drop of advice for hauliers looking for a new system; “Consider how your team will use the system. At Freightlink our priority was to connect departments together.
A TMS has allowed us to do that and the company is better off for it.” A transport system improves interdepartmental communication for haulage companies. For Freightlink it has allowed them to bolster teamwork through connectivity.
MJ Refrigeration recommend looking for a transport software supplier who listens
MJ Refrigeration is a well-established, family-run haulage firm. The firm has recently left a transport software supplier in favour of a new one, so they know the pitfalls when scouting for a solution. The company’s Transport Manager, Sam Jones told us, “a listening supplier has helped us to progress our business. There are plenty of companies out there selling transport software but we wanted to work with a transport software provider that understood our needs and could provide us with a solution that was fitting for us.”
Finding a transport software provider that listens to you is the key to ensuring that you are signing up for something that is right for you. If they listen, it means they can understand your needs and wants and ensure that you are getting the right product that supports your operation.
Wains Transport recommends finding a system that is perfect for your niche
TASSC-qualified bulk haulier, Wains Transport are based in Cornwall. Their Managing Director, Aaron Wain has also previously adopted transport software before moving to a new solution. His advice suggests hauliers should focus on finding a system that revolves around the niche you’re in. Aaron said, “A lot of systems out there were not for us, on the outside they looked the same but when you dig deeper, you realise they’re not all fit for the job. Whilst there can be criticism made about anything, the transport system we currently have does almost everything we need it to do. I’m saving hours each week on my workload, the drivers are completing more work and the whole of the company’s productivity has been boosted. ”
So there we have it, four of the most coveted things hauliers suggest you watch out for when looking for a transport management system. The key takeaway should be that a lot of systems are unique in the way they work, so you should find the system that best suits you. Just like with dating or making friends, you have to find out about the individual before solidifying the relationship and looking for a transport system should be no different. Do your due diligence and talk to your potential transport software provider, make sure they fully understand you and your business, read their reviews and ask around about them, you may just find the perfect match for your haulage operation.
All of the above hauliers are affiliated with HaulTech through the use of our transport software. If you would like to learn more about our products then you can contact us today by clicking here, calling 01782 662244 or saying hello@haultech.co.uk. Likewise, if you would like to see what our customers are saying about us, you can visit Capterra and see what they had to say by clicking here.
