Quick Overview
- 1#1: FourKites - Provides real-time, multimodal freight visibility and predictive ETAs for shippers and carriers.
- 2#2: project44 - Delivers end-to-end supply chain visibility through a digital freight network connecting all parties.
- 3#3: Shippeo - Offers predictive arrival times and real-time freight tracking across global transportation modes.
- 4#4: Descartes MacroPoint - Cloud-based platform for real-time freight tracking, collaboration, and status updates.
- 5#5: MercuryGate - TMS solution with advanced real-time visibility, analytics, and multimodal freight management.
- 6#6: Tive - IoT-powered real-time tracking and visibility for freight shipments worldwide.
- 7#7: Roambee - AI-driven supply chain visibility platform using reusable sensors for freight monitoring.
- 8#8: Oracle Transportation Management - Enterprise transportation management system with comprehensive freight visibility and planning.
- 9#9: SAP Transportation Management - Integrated TMS offering real-time freight visibility, execution, and analytics within ERP.
- 10#10: Blue Yonder Transportation Management - End-to-end supply chain solution providing freight visibility, optimization, and execution.
These tools were selected and ranked based on technical performance—including real-time tracking accuracy and predictive analytics depth—usability, integration flexibility, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of shippers and carriers across global transportation networks.
Comparison Table
Freight visibility software is essential for streamlining supply chain operations, and this comparison table features top tools including FourKites, project44, Shippeo, Descartes MacroPoint, MercuryGate, and more to help businesses evaluate options. Readers will discover key features, real-time tracking capabilities, and unique strengths of each solution, enabling informed choices for their logistics needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FourKites Provides real-time, multimodal freight visibility and predictive ETAs for shippers and carriers. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | project44 Delivers end-to-end supply chain visibility through a digital freight network connecting all parties. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Shippeo Offers predictive arrival times and real-time freight tracking across global transportation modes. | specialized | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Descartes MacroPoint Cloud-based platform for real-time freight tracking, collaboration, and status updates. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | MercuryGate TMS solution with advanced real-time visibility, analytics, and multimodal freight management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Tive IoT-powered real-time tracking and visibility for freight shipments worldwide. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Roambee AI-driven supply chain visibility platform using reusable sensors for freight monitoring. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Oracle Transportation Management Enterprise transportation management system with comprehensive freight visibility and planning. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | SAP Transportation Management Integrated TMS offering real-time freight visibility, execution, and analytics within ERP. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Blue Yonder Transportation Management End-to-end supply chain solution providing freight visibility, optimization, and execution. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
Provides real-time, multimodal freight visibility and predictive ETAs for shippers and carriers.
Delivers end-to-end supply chain visibility through a digital freight network connecting all parties.
Offers predictive arrival times and real-time freight tracking across global transportation modes.
Cloud-based platform for real-time freight tracking, collaboration, and status updates.
TMS solution with advanced real-time visibility, analytics, and multimodal freight management.
IoT-powered real-time tracking and visibility for freight shipments worldwide.
AI-driven supply chain visibility platform using reusable sensors for freight monitoring.
Enterprise transportation management system with comprehensive freight visibility and planning.
Integrated TMS offering real-time freight visibility, execution, and analytics within ERP.
End-to-end supply chain solution providing freight visibility, optimization, and execution.
FourKites
enterpriseProvides real-time, multimodal freight visibility and predictive ETAs for shippers and carriers.
The world's largest real-time visibility network covering over 3 million assets for unparalleled multimodal tracking accuracy
FourKites is a premier real-time supply chain visibility platform specializing in freight tracking across road, rail, ocean, air, and intermodal shipments. It provides shippers, carriers, and brokers with accurate ETAs, exception alerts, risk predictions, and performance analytics through a vast network of over 3 million assets and integrations with major TMS and ERP systems. The platform enhances collaboration, reduces detention fees, and optimizes supply chain efficiency with AI-powered insights.
Pros
- Unmatched real-time multimodal visibility from the industry's largest tracking network
- AI-driven predictive ETAs and risk alerts with proven accuracy
- Seamless integrations with TMS, ERP, and carrier systems for quick onboarding
Cons
- Premium enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for SMBs
- Full visibility requires broad carrier adoption
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive for complex operations
Best For
Enterprise shippers, 3PLs, and logistics providers handling high-volume, multimodal freight who need comprehensive end-to-end visibility and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on shipment volume and features; typically subscription models starting at $50K+ annually.
project44
enterpriseDelivers end-to-end supply chain visibility through a digital freight network connecting all parties.
Massive direct carrier connectivity network spanning 1M+ carriers for unmatched real-time data coverage without intermediaries
Project44 is a leading freight visibility platform providing real-time end-to-end tracking for shipments across truckload, LTL, intermodal, ocean, air, rail, and parcel modes. It connects shippers, carriers, and logistics providers through a vast network of over 1 million carriers and automated EDI integrations for seamless data exchange. The software delivers predictive ETAs, exception alerts, performance analytics, and collaboration tools to enhance supply chain efficiency and decision-making.
Pros
- Unparalleled global carrier network with 1M+ connections for comprehensive coverage
- Advanced AI-driven ETAs and predictive analytics for proactive issue resolution
- Robust integrations with major TMS, ERP, and WMS systems
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing not suitable for SMBs
- Complex onboarding and implementation for full customization
- Occasional data latency in less integrated carrier networks
Best For
Large enterprises and 3PLs managing high-volume, multi-modal freight operations requiring global real-time visibility.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically $50,000+ annually based on shipment volume and features.
Shippeo
specializedOffers predictive arrival times and real-time freight tracking across global transportation modes.
AI-powered predictive ETAs achieving 95%+ accuracy using machine learning on historical and real-time data, without GPS hardware
Shippeo is a real-time freight visibility platform that tracks shipments across road, rail, air, and ocean without requiring GPS hardware, using geofencing, carrier APIs, and telematics partnerships. It employs AI-driven predictive ETAs with over 95% accuracy, anomaly detection, and collaborative tools for shippers, carriers, and customers. The solution integrates with TMS, WMS, and ERP systems, providing customizable dashboards, alerts, and performance analytics to optimize supply chain operations.
Pros
- Hardware-agnostic tracking with high-accuracy AI ETAs
- Multimodal visibility across all transport modes
- Seamless integrations and collaborative customer portals
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing may not suit small operations
- Initial setup requires carrier onboarding
- Advanced analytics have a learning curve
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multimodal supply chains seeking precise, real-time visibility without hardware investments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on shipment volume and features; typically starts at $10,000+ annually for mid-sized implementations.
Descartes MacroPoint
enterpriseCloud-based platform for real-time freight tracking, collaboration, and status updates.
The MacroPoint Network, a proprietary ecosystem connecting 120K+ carriers for automated, shared visibility without manual invites
Descartes MacroPoint is a comprehensive freight visibility platform that provides real-time tracking, ETA predictions, and collaboration tools for shippers, carriers, brokers, and 3PLs across truckload, LTL, and intermodal freight. It leverages a massive network of over 120,000 connected carriers with ELD integrations for automated status updates, document sharing, and exception management. The solution enhances supply chain control through analytics, mobile apps, and seamless integrations with TMS, ERP, and WMS systems.
Pros
- Vast carrier network ensures high coverage and reliable real-time data from ELD integrations
- Advanced AI-driven ETAs and predictive analytics reduce delays and improve planning
- Strong integration ecosystem with major TMS and ERP platforms for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for small to mid-sized operations
- User interface feels dated compared to newer SaaS competitors
- Initial setup and onboarding require significant configuration and training
Best For
Large shippers, 3PLs, and brokers handling high-volume, multi-carrier freight operations that prioritize network scale and deep integrations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume and features; typically $0.50-$2 per shipment or annual subscriptions starting at $50K+; contact sales for quotes.
MercuryGate
enterpriseTMS solution with advanced real-time visibility, analytics, and multimodal freight management.
Universal Control Tower delivering AI-driven predictive ETAs and exception management across all transport modes
MercuryGate is a cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) specializing in freight visibility, offering real-time tracking and monitoring across multimodal shipments including truckload, LTL, intermodal, ocean, and air. It provides proactive alerts, predictive ETAs, and advanced analytics to help users manage exceptions and optimize supply chains end-to-end. The platform integrates seamlessly with ERPs, WMS, and carrier systems for a unified view of logistics operations.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time multimodal visibility with proactive alerts
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Strong integrations with enterprise systems and carriers
Cons
- High cost suitable mainly for enterprises
- Lengthy implementation and onboarding process
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises managing complex, multimodal freight networks that require advanced visibility and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually based on volume and features—contact sales for quote.
Tive
specializedIoT-powered real-time tracking and visibility for freight shipments worldwide.
Rugged, carrier-agnostic IoT sensors providing precise, real-time condition monitoring (e.g., temp/humidity/shock) with 99% global coverage
Tive is a leading freight visibility platform that delivers real-time end-to-end tracking and condition monitoring for shipments across road, rail, air, ocean, and intermodal transport. It utilizes rugged IoT sensors to monitor location, temperature, humidity, shock, light exposure, and more, providing actionable insights through a centralized cloud dashboard. The platform integrates with TMS, WMS, and ERP systems to enable proactive alerts, analytics, and collaboration for supply chain teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-modal tracking with environmental condition monitoring
- AI-powered analytics, predictive risk alerts, and seamless integrations
- Reusable, long-battery-life sensors for cost efficiency over time
Cons
- Requires upfront hardware investment for sensors
- Pricing is enterprise-level and customized, potentially high for smaller operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced analytics and custom configurations
Best For
Mid-to-large shippers managing temperature-controlled, high-value, or time-sensitive freight across global supply chains.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; one-time sensor costs $50-150 per unit, plus SaaS subscription ~$10-25 per active tag/month (volume discounts apply; contact for quote).
Roambee
specializedAI-driven supply chain visibility platform using reusable sensors for freight monitoring.
AI-powered Digital Twin for predictive visibility and automated resolution of shipment exceptions
Roambee is an AI-powered supply chain visibility platform specializing in real-time freight tracking across multimodal transportation including road, rail, air, and ocean. It leverages IoT sensors for location, condition monitoring (temperature, humidity, shock, light), and predictive analytics to deliver ETAs, risk alerts, and automated exception resolution. Designed for enterprises, it integrates seamlessly with TMS, WMS, and ERP systems to optimize freight operations and reduce disruptions.
Pros
- Multimodal real-time visibility with condition monitoring
- AI-driven predictive ETAs and automated exception management
- Scalable IoT hardware options with flexible deployment
Cons
- High cost for smaller operations
- Hardware dependency can add complexity
- Steep learning curve for advanced analytics
Best For
Large enterprises managing complex, global multimodal freight networks requiring proactive risk mitigation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; subscription-based starting at $10,000+/month with per-asset/shipment fees and pay-per-use options.
Oracle Transportation Management
enterpriseEnterprise transportation management system with comprehensive freight visibility and planning.
Oracle Intelligent Advisor for proactive, AI-powered shipment exception management and predictive visibility
Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) is a comprehensive cloud-based transportation management system that delivers real-time freight visibility across multimodal shipments, from planning to execution and settlement. It provides proactive exception management, predictive ETAs powered by AI, and advanced analytics to optimize supply chain performance. OTM integrates seamlessly with ERP systems and IoT devices for end-to-end tracking and carrier performance insights.
Pros
- Robust real-time visibility and tracking across global, multimodal networks
- AI-driven predictive analytics for ETAs and exception resolution
- Deep integrations with Oracle ecosystem and third-party logistics providers
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex configuration for non-experts
- High implementation costs and long deployment timelines
- Overly feature-rich for smaller operations, leading to underutilization
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, international supply chains requiring enterprise-grade freight visibility and optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically starting at $100,000+ annually based on modules, users, and shipment volume.
SAP Transportation Management
enterpriseIntegrated TMS offering real-time freight visibility, execution, and analytics within ERP.
SAP Logistics Business Network integration for real-time, multi-tier collaboration and end-to-end visibility across carriers and partners
SAP Transportation Management (TM) is a robust enterprise-grade solution that streamlines end-to-end transportation processes, from planning and execution to freight costing and settlement. As a freight visibility tool, it delivers real-time shipment tracking, predictive ETAs, exception management, and analytics powered by AI and IoT integrations. It excels in providing holistic visibility across multimodal carriers and global supply chains, particularly within SAP's ecosystem.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time visibility with AI-driven predictive analytics and event management
- Seamless integration with SAP S/4HANA and SAP Business Network for Logistics
- Scalable for complex, global supply chains with advanced optimization capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation due to high complexity
- High costs make it less accessible for mid-sized businesses
- Overkill for organizations needing only basic freight visibility without full TM
Best For
Large multinational enterprises with existing SAP infrastructure and complex, high-volume transportation needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing via quote; typically $150,000+ annually for mid-tier deployments, scaling with users and modules.
Blue Yonder Transportation Management
enterpriseEnd-to-end supply chain solution providing freight visibility, optimization, and execution.
AI-powered proactive exception management with real-time alerts across the entire transportation lifecycle
Blue Yonder Transportation Management is a robust enterprise-grade TMS that delivers comprehensive freight visibility across multi-modal shipments. It provides real-time tracking, predictive ETAs, and exception management through integration with carriers and IoT devices. As part of a broader supply chain suite, it enables proactive decision-making and optimization for complex logistics networks.
Pros
- Real-time multi-modal visibility with carrier integrations
- AI-driven predictive analytics for ETAs and exceptions
- Scalable for global enterprises with strong supply chain orchestration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High cost suitable only for large organizations
- Less intuitive UI compared to dedicated visibility platforms
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global supply chains needing integrated TMS visibility.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, often starting at $500K+ annually based on scale and modules.
Conclusion
The tools reviewed stand out for redefining supply chain efficiency, with top performers delivering seamless visibility across diverse transportation modes. Leading the pack, FourKites emerges as the top choice, boasting unmatched real-time tracking and predictive ETAs. Close behind, project44 and Shippeo excel in their own right—project44 for its end-to-end network and Shippeo for global predictive capabilities—offering strong alternatives for varying operational needs.
Ready to streamline your freight management? Begin with FourKites to unlock real-time insights, reduce delays, and gain a competitive edge in your supply chain.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
