In an industry where time is money and precision is everything, many transport operators find their current Transport Management System (TMS) is no longer fit for purpose. Your TMS isn’t working hard enough for your business if you still rely on manual processes, clunky workarounds, or multiple systems that don’t speak to each other.

At Fargo Systems, we frequently talk to businesses frustrated with the limitations of their legacy or off-the-shelf TMS, particularly regarding the planning and financial accuracy required in today’s intermodal logistics landscape. So, what should a modern TMS deliver, and how do standard systems fall short?

Where Other TMS Platforms Fall Short

Many solutions promise to streamline operations, but beneath the surface, they often rely on outdated structures and rigid logic. Here are some of the most common complaints we hear:

• Traffic sheets lack intelligence: Containers are not intelligently matched to available trucks, and port delays or status changes are not visible. Planners are left in the dark.
• Revenue accuracy is poor: Jobs split across multiple vehicles often result in imprecise profit and loss reporting, and finance teams can’t accurately account for resource usage.
• Dashboards are just data dumps: Rather than insightful, real-time visualisation, many dashboards offer static data or generic views that don’t reflect business priorities.
• Mapping isn’t integrated: Without live mapping tied to job status, fleet visibility remains limited and reactive.
• Manual processes persist: Rate confirmations, invoices, and reports are often handled via email or external documents, adding time and introducing risk.

What a Best-in-Class TMS Should Deliver

Here’s what modern logistics operators can (and should) expect:

Traffic Sheet Intelligence

Fargo’s TopsTMS® doesn’t just display jobs – it thinks. Our smart traffic sheet includes:

• Suggested Matches: Based on job details, container status, and fleet availability.
• Exception Alerts: Real-time port status integration and rule-based exception notifications.

Mapping That Powers Decisions

Integrated mapping provides visibility at a glance, supporting proactive planning, improving customer communication, and reducing wasted mileage.

True Fleet Profitability

When a job spans multiple vehicles or resources, Fargo’s TMS accurately:

“Proportions revenue across each allocated fleet unit and captures associated costs per trunk, offering a detailed and fair profit and loss breakdown.”

This is especially critical for businesses operating at scale or with diverse fleets.

Automation That Saves Time

Why chase rate confirmations or rely on manual invoicing?

• Rate Confirmations: Sent automatically based on job triggers.
• Invoice Generation: Linked to job milestones – no double entry.
• Reporting: Custom reports are pushed out automatically, ensuring stakeholders are always in the know.

Dashboards That Drive Action

Customisable dashboards for different roles mean everyone, from planners to directors, can view important KPIs updated in real-time.

Steve Collins, Managing Director at Fargo Systems, commented:

“Too many operators are still making do with outdated systems or off-the-shelf packages that simply can’t keep pace with the demands of intermodal logistics. Our TMS was built from the ground up to address the industry’s real-world challenges – not just automate outdated workflows, but rethink how technology should support operations.”

Martin Phillips, CEO of Seacon SG, added:

“Our partnership with Fargo Systems has transformed our inland container management. The transition from spreadsheets to TopsTMS® has streamlined operations and improved visibility and cost efficiency across our supply chain. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as we grow.”

Businesses That Deserve Better

We believe companies shouldn’t have to compromise. If your business is still battling limitations from a legacy TMS or common provider limitations, it’s time to ask the question:

So, is your TMS helping or holding you back?

Discover the smarter alternative
To see Fargo Systems’ award-winning intermodal TMS in action, get in touch for a no-obligation demo. Because you shouldn’t have to work around your software – your software should work around you.