Quick Overview
- 1#1: Flexport - Digital freight forwarding platform that streamlines global logistics from booking to delivery.
- 2#2: Freightos - Online freight marketplace providing instant quotes, bookings, and rate management for shippers.
- 3#3: project44 - Real-time supply chain visibility platform for tracking freight across all modes.
- 4#4: FourKites - Predictive visibility platform offering real-time tracking and analytics for freight shipments.
- 5#5: MercuryGate - Cloud-based TMS for freight optimization, execution, and carrier management.
- 6#6: Oracle Transportation Management - Enterprise-grade TMS for planning, optimizing, and executing global freight operations.
- 7#7: SAP Transportation Management - Integrated TMS solution for freight planning, tendering, and execution within ERP ecosystems.
- 8#8: Descartes - Logistics suite with freight rating, routing, and compliance tools for shippers.
- 9#9: Manhattan Associates - Supply chain platform with transportation management for freight execution and optimization.
- 10#10: Shipwell - Digital freight platform connecting shippers and carriers for efficient booking and tracking.
Tools were ranked based on a blend of features, including end-to-end functionality and real-time capabilities; user experience, such as ease of adoption and intuitive design; reliability, evident in consistent performance across diverse logistics environments; and overall value, ensuring alignment with both small-scale and large-enterprise needs.
Comparison Table
Navigate the world of freight shipping software with a comparison of top tools, including Flexport, Freightos, project44, FourKites, MercuryGate, and more. This table outlines key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help readers find software that aligns with their logistics needs, from real-time tracking to operational efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flexport Digital freight forwarding platform that streamlines global logistics from booking to delivery. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Freightos Online freight marketplace providing instant quotes, bookings, and rate management for shippers. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | project44 Real-time supply chain visibility platform for tracking freight across all modes. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | FourKites Predictive visibility platform offering real-time tracking and analytics for freight shipments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | MercuryGate Cloud-based TMS for freight optimization, execution, and carrier management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Oracle Transportation Management Enterprise-grade TMS for planning, optimizing, and executing global freight operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | SAP Transportation Management Integrated TMS solution for freight planning, tendering, and execution within ERP ecosystems. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Descartes Logistics suite with freight rating, routing, and compliance tools for shippers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Manhattan Associates Supply chain platform with transportation management for freight execution and optimization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Shipwell Digital freight platform connecting shippers and carriers for efficient booking and tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
Digital freight forwarding platform that streamlines global logistics from booking to delivery.
Online freight marketplace providing instant quotes, bookings, and rate management for shippers.
Real-time supply chain visibility platform for tracking freight across all modes.
Predictive visibility platform offering real-time tracking and analytics for freight shipments.
Cloud-based TMS for freight optimization, execution, and carrier management.
Enterprise-grade TMS for planning, optimizing, and executing global freight operations.
Integrated TMS solution for freight planning, tendering, and execution within ERP ecosystems.
Logistics suite with freight rating, routing, and compliance tools for shippers.
Supply chain platform with transportation management for freight execution and optimization.
Digital freight platform connecting shippers and carriers for efficient booking and tracking.
Flexport
enterpriseDigital freight forwarding platform that streamlines global logistics from booking to delivery.
Seamless fusion of digital freight forwarding software with in-house customs brokerage and global carrier partnerships for true end-to-end automation.
Flexport is a comprehensive cloud-based logistics platform designed for global freight forwarding and shipping management. It enables users to book shipments across ocean, air, and land modes, track in real-time, handle customs clearance, and access advanced analytics for supply chain optimization. By integrating proprietary software with licensed customs brokers and carrier networks, Flexport delivers end-to-end visibility and automation for international trade.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time shipment visibility and tracking across global networks
- Robust automation for bookings, customs, and compliance
- Deep integrations with ERPs, e-commerce platforms, and carriers
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit very small shippers
- Initial setup and onboarding can be time-intensive
- Stronger focus on international than domestic freight
Best For
Mid-to-enterprise-level businesses managing high-volume international freight shipments seeking integrated software and services.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume, services, and contract terms; typically starts at several thousand dollars monthly with volume discounts—contact sales for quotes.
Freightos
specializedOnline freight marketplace providing instant quotes, bookings, and rate management for shippers.
Freightos Instant: the pioneering instant online booking engine for ocean freight rates and capacity.
Freightos is a comprehensive digital freight platform that serves as a marketplace connecting shippers with carriers for ocean, air, and trucking shipments worldwide. It provides real-time rate quotes, instant booking capabilities, advanced analytics, and tracking tools to streamline international logistics. The platform automates quoting, procurement, and payment processes, making freight management efficient for businesses of various sizes.
Pros
- Real-time rate comparisons from multiple carriers
- Instant online booking for ocean freight
- Robust analytics and benchmarking tools
Cons
- Limited depth in trucking compared to ocean/air
- Enterprise pricing requires custom quotes
- Steeper learning curve for advanced analytics
Best For
Mid-to-large shippers and freight forwarders seeking a digital marketplace for global freight procurement and management.
Pricing
Freemium model with free rate tools; enterprise platform via custom quotes, typically starting at $500/month based on volume.
project44
enterpriseReal-time supply chain visibility platform for tracking freight across all modes.
World's largest track-and-trace network connecting over 1 million carriers for seamless, real-time multimodal visibility
Project44 is a premier supply chain visibility platform specializing in real-time freight tracking and management across all transportation modes, including truckload, LTL, intermodal, ocean, air, and rail. It connects shippers, carriers, and logistics providers via a massive global network, delivering predictive ETAs, automated exception management, and advanced analytics to optimize operations. The platform emphasizes data interoperability and AI-driven insights to enhance supply chain resilience and efficiency.
Pros
- Unmatched multimodal visibility across all freight modes
- Vast partner network with billions of data points for real-time accuracy
- AI-powered predictive analytics and automated alerts
Cons
- Steep implementation and onboarding process
- High cost unsuitable for small operations
- Relies heavily on carrier EDI/API adoption for full functionality
Best For
Large enterprises and 3PLs managing high-volume, complex multimodal freight shipments globally.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via subscription, typically $50,000+ annually based on shipment volume, users, and modules.
FourKites
enterprisePredictive visibility platform offering real-time tracking and analytics for freight shipments.
Dynamic ETA predictions leveraging AI and the world's largest carrier network for unmatched accuracy.
FourKites is a supply chain visibility platform specializing in real-time freight tracking and predictive analytics for shippers, carriers, and 3PLs across road, rail, ocean, and air modes. It provides end-to-end shipment visibility, dynamic ETAs, exception alerts, and performance benchmarking to optimize logistics operations and mitigate risks. With integrations to numerous TMS and ERP systems, it enables data-driven decisions for complex supply chains.
Pros
- Real-time visibility across 2+ million carriers globally
- AI-powered predictive ETAs with high accuracy
- Robust analytics and benchmarking tools
Cons
- Premium pricing not suited for small operations
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Custom integrations can take time to implement
Best For
Enterprise shippers and 3PLs handling high-volume, multi-modal freight needing precise visibility and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically subscription-based with per-shipment or tiered volume fees starting at $50K+ annually.
MercuryGate
enterpriseCloud-based TMS for freight optimization, execution, and carrier management.
Advanced multi-modal optimization engine that dynamically selects the best routes and carriers across all freight modes in real-time
MercuryGate is a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) tailored for freight shippers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs). It offers end-to-end capabilities including route optimization, real-time visibility, carrier management, and execution across truckload, LTL, intermodal, ocean, and air freight modes. The platform leverages advanced analytics and automation to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs for complex logistics operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-modal freight management with strong optimization tools
- Real-time visibility and tracking powered by IoT integrations
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- Enterprise-level pricing may not suit small to mid-sized businesses
- Customization often requires professional services
Best For
Large enterprises and 3PLs handling high-volume, multi-modal freight shipping with complex supply chains.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for enterprise deployments, depending on volume and modules.
Oracle Transportation Management
enterpriseEnterprise-grade TMS for planning, optimizing, and executing global freight operations.
AI-powered multi-leg planning engine with advanced rail and intermodal optimization
Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) is a comprehensive, enterprise-grade transportation management system (TMS) designed for complex global supply chains. It enables multi-modal freight planning, execution, optimization, freight payment, and carrier management across road, rail, ocean, air, and intermodal shipments. OTM integrates seamlessly with Oracle's SCM and ERP suites, providing real-time visibility, analytics, and AI-driven decision-making for large-scale logistics operations.
Pros
- Robust multi-modal planning and optimization with AI/ML capabilities
- Seamless integration with Oracle ecosystem and third-party systems
- Advanced analytics and real-time visibility for global operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex user interface
- High implementation costs and long deployment times
- Premium pricing not suitable for small to mid-sized businesses
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, high-volume, multi-modal freight shipping needs across global networks.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing; typically starts at $100,000+ annually based on users, volume, and modules.
SAP Transportation Management
enterpriseIntegrated TMS solution for freight planning, tendering, and execution within ERP ecosystems.
Embedded advanced optimizer with AI-driven algorithms for real-time freight cost simulation and multimodal planning
SAP Transportation Management (TM) is an enterprise-grade transportation management system (TMS) that streamlines freight shipping across road, rail, air, and sea modes. It provides tools for planning, execution, optimization, tendering, tracking, and settlement of freight orders, with real-time visibility into shipments. Deeply integrated with SAP S/4HANA and other ERP systems, it supports complex global supply chains and compliance requirements.
Pros
- Advanced optimization for route, load, and multimodal planning
- Seamless integration with SAP ecosystem for end-to-end supply chain visibility
- Robust carrier management, tendering, and freight settlement capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex configuration
- High implementation costs and long deployment timelines
- Premium pricing not ideal for small to mid-sized businesses
Best For
Large multinational enterprises with complex, high-volume freight operations needing deep SAP integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; annual subscriptions often start at $100,000+ depending on users, modules, and deployment scale.
Descartes
enterpriseLogistics suite with freight rating, routing, and compliance tools for shippers.
MacroPoint's industry-leading real-time visibility network connecting millions of shipment events across carriers worldwide
Descartes offers a comprehensive suite of freight shipping software solutions designed for transportation management, including shipment planning, carrier selection, rate optimization, and real-time visibility across multimodal freight. Platforms like MacroPoint provide end-to-end tracking and collaboration tools for shippers, carriers, and brokers. It excels in automating compliance, tendering, and analytics to streamline global supply chains and reduce costs.
Pros
- Vast global carrier network for rate shopping and tendering
- Advanced AI-driven optimization and real-time visibility
- Seamless integrations with TMS, ERP, and WMS systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High enterprise-level pricing
- Interface feels dated in some modules
Best For
Large enterprises and 3PLs managing high-volume, international multimodal freight with complex compliance needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $20,000+ annually based on modules, volume, and users.
Manhattan Associates
enterpriseSupply chain platform with transportation management for freight execution and optimization.
AI-powered dynamic carrier selection and rate management for real-time cost optimization
Manhattan Associates offers a comprehensive Transportation Management System (TMS) as part of its Manhattan Active suite, designed to optimize freight shipping across multimodal carriers. It provides end-to-end visibility, carrier rate shopping, load planning, execution, and settlement for efficient supply chain operations. The platform leverages AI and cloud-native architecture for real-time decision-making and scalability in complex logistics environments.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven optimization for rate shopping and load planning
- Seamless integration with WMS and other supply chain modules
- Scalable cloud-native platform for enterprise-level volumes
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Custom pricing lacks transparency for smaller businesses
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, high-volume freight shipping needs requiring integrated supply chain management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically starting at $100,000+ annually based on scale and modules.
Shipwell
specializedDigital freight platform connecting shippers and carriers for efficient booking and tracking.
AI-driven intelligent automation that dynamically matches loads to carriers and optimizes rates in real-time
Shipwell is a modern freight management platform that provides end-to-end transportation management system (TMS) capabilities for shippers. It offers real-time visibility, automated tendering, carrier sourcing through its digital marketplace, and streamlined invoicing and payments. The software leverages AI to optimize load matching, rate procurement, and operational workflows, primarily targeting domestic truckload and LTL freight.
Pros
- AI-powered carrier matching and tendering automation
- Strong real-time visibility and tracking across shipments
- Robust integrations with ERPs, accounting, and 3PL systems
Cons
- Pricing lacks transparency with custom quotes only
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited support for international or air/ocean freight
Best For
Mid-market shippers managing high-volume domestic truckload and LTL freight who need automation and visibility.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually based on volume and modules—contact sales for quotes.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools demonstrate varied strengths, yet Flexport emerges as the top choice, leading in streamlining global logistics from booking to delivery. Freightos stands as a strong second, excelling in instant quotes and rate management, while project44 shines in real-time supply chain visibility, each offering distinct value for different operational needs. Together, they highlight the evolving landscape of efficient freight management, catering to a range of shipper requirements.
Elevate your freight operations—explore Flexport first to experience the seamless, end-to-end logistics management that sets the benchmark for excellence.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison