TMS for LTL and FTL Operations: What You Need to Know
TMS for LTL and FTL Operations: What You Need to Know
Why Do LTL and FTL Operations Need a TMS?
If you’re moving freight—whether that’s Less Than Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL)—the complexity of managing quotes, dispatch, tracking, and billing only grows as your business scales. Many companies still patch operations together with spreadsheets, emails, and phone calls, which creates delays, missed updates, and unhappy customers.
A Transportation Management System (TMS) brings everything into one platform so you can manage both LTL and FTL operations without the headaches. By integrating with shippers, carriers, and drivers online, a TMS helps you reduce manual processes, increase visibility, and keep freight moving smoothly.
What’s the Difference Between LTL and FTL Operations in a TMS?
While LTL and FTL both require core workflows like quoting, dispatch, and billing, there are key differences in how a TMS supports each:
- LTL (Less Than Truckload):
- Requires frequent quoting and rate comparisons.
- High need for automated order entry and recurring templates.
- More complex customer updates since freight is consolidated with other shipments.
- Load board posting and compliance checks are especially important.
- Requires frequent quoting and rate comparisons.
- FTL (Full Truckload):
- Focuses more on carrier relationships and rate confirmations.
- Typically fewer touchpoints, but higher-value loads.
- Digital dispatch and ELD-based tracking provide greater visibility.
- Quote history and lane data help you rate with confidence.
- Focuses more on carrier relationships and rate confirmations.
A modern TMS must handle both modes seamlessly—because most freight companies run a mix of LTL and FTL every day.
How Does Rose Rocket Help Manage Both LTL and FTL?
Rose Rocket is built to give carriers, brokers, and 3PLs the flexibility to manage any mix of freight. Here’s how it supports both LTL and FTL operations in one place:
- Automated Order Entry: Save time on repetitive data entry for both recurring FTL routes and frequent LTL shipments.
- Digital Rate Confirmations: Share load details, collect docs, and confirm carrier acceptance quickly.
- Boards View: Organize shipments by mode, customer, or lane with filters and search tools.
- Post to Load Boards: Find capacity instantly for both single FTL moves or shared LTL freight.
- Compliance Ratings & Carrier Onboarding: Verify new carriers before assigning loads.
- Track & Trace: Offer customers real-time updates—whether their freight is moving as part of an LTL consolidation or a dedicated FTL load.
- Integrated Systems: Connect your accounting tools, ELDs, and partner platforms so both sides of the operation work off the same data.
With Rose Rocket, you don’t need one tool for LTL and another for FTL. You get a single, connected platform that adapts to the way your business runs.
Is It Time to Upgrade How You Manage LTL and FTL Freight?
If your team is juggling spreadsheets, chasing down updates, or struggling with slow legacy systems, your TMS isn’t just slowing you down—it’s costing you business. A modern TMS should make both LTL and FTL operations easier, faster, and more connected.
Ready to see how Rose Rocket can simplify your freight operations?
