Don’t Waste Money – TMS or ERP for Small Trucking Companies?
The Problem Most Trucking Companies Face
If you’re running a trucking company, whether it’s a fleet of 5 trucks or 50 — you’ve probably hit this point: things are getting too messy. Dispatch is hectic, paperwork is piling up, billing takes forever, and you feel like you’re always reacting instead of planning.
Maybe you’re using spreadsheets everywhere, maybe a few disconnected apps. But now you’re thinking… should I invest in something better? That’s where the TMS and ERP question usually comes in — and we’re here to help you figure out which one makes sense for your operation.
What’s the Difference
So let’s break it down simply.
A TMS, or Transportation Management System, helps you run the day-to-day of your trucks. Things like scheduling routes, assigning loads, tracking deliveries, and making sure drivers stay compliant. It’s all about moving freight efficiently.
An ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning system, is more about the back office — managing your accounting, payroll, inventory, even HR. It gives you the bigger financial picture.
Most small and mid-size trucking companies start with a TMS. It gives them the biggest bang for their buck, and helps them get organized on the road. You can always connect it to an accounting tool like QuickBooks, and upgrade later if you need a full ERP.
Accounting Considerations For Trucking Companies
For trucking companies, both TMS systems with built-in accounting and integrations with QuickBooks offer benefits, but the optimal choice depends on the specific needs and priorities. TMS systems with native accounting offer a streamlined, all-in-one solution for transportation and financial management, while integrations with QuickBooks allow for leveraging a well-established accounting platform and its features.
Many TMS solutions offer features like invoicing, billing, and expense tracking directly within the system. This can streamline financial processes, automate tasks, and improve accuracy.
Conclusion
Here’s our advice: don’t over-complicate it. If your biggest challenge is managing loads, drivers, and deliveries, go with a good TMS that fits your budget. There are affordable options that scale with your business.
If your business is growing fast and you need serious financial controls or full integration across departments, then an ERP might be worth exploring, or you can build toward it.
The key is to choose what helps you run smoother today, not what sounds fancy.
If you’re not sure where to start, drop a comment or message us. We help trucking companies like yours choose the right tech.
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