Transportation Management - FAQ

TMS - Benefits


2023 Global Transportation Management Benchmark Report

Descartes conducts annual benchmark research among global transportation professionals. The 2023 study reveals that higher (fuel) costs and a shortage of drivers pose challenges, while investments in visibility present opportunities.

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TMS & Sustainability

How can a TMS help in calculating current emissions?

A Shipper TMS is the ideal place to determine the carbon emissions by collecting and analyzing data of all the transportation activities of an organization and applying the same logic across the different forwarders/carriers. Of course, taking into account the applicable modality, weight and type of transport. Data which is typically only fully available in a TMS. Here are the key aspects of how a TMS will measure carbon emissions:


• Mode of transportation
A TMS can optimize the different modes of transportation (truck, train, ocean, plane) used by an organization. These different modes have, of course, different carbon footprints. This information is crucial to estimate carbon emissions.

• Load weight
A TMS can calculate the weight of the load carried by each mode. The weight of the load will impact the amount of fuel consumed, which will affect carbon emissions.

• Distance traveled
A TMS can calculate the distance traveled by mode. By knowing the distance traveled, the TMS can estimate the amount of fuel consumed and the resulting carbon emissions.

• Fuel consumption
A TMS can determine the fuel consumption of each mode. This data can be used to estimate the carbon emissions generated.


By collecting and analyzing data based on these factors, a TMS can provide an accurate estimate of an organization’s carbon emissions from their transportation activities. This information can be used to report which is mandatory in the EU from 1 jan 2024 for medium/large sized companies and to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

A Shipper TMS is the ideal place to determine the carbon emissions by collecting and analyzing data of all the transportation activities of an organization and applying the same logic across the different forwarders/carriers. Of course, taking into account the applicable modality, weight and type of transport. Data which is typically only fully available in a TMS. Here are the key aspects of how a TMS will measure carbon emissions:


Mode of transportation
A TMS can optimize the different modes of transportation (truck, train, ocean, plane) used by an organization. These different modes have, of course, different carbon footprints. This information is crucial to estimate carbon emissions.

Load weight
A TMS can calculate the weight of the load carried by each mode. The weight of the load will impact the amount of fuel consumed, which will affect carbon emissions.

Distance traveled
A TMS can calculate the distance traveled by mode. By knowing the distance traveled, the TMS can estimate the amount of fuel consumed and the resulting carbon emissions.

Fuel consumption
A TMS can determine the fuel consumption of each mode. This data can be used to estimate the carbon emissions generated.

By collecting and analyzing data based on these factors, a TMS can provide an accurate estimate of an organization’s carbon emissions from their transportation activities. This information can be used to report which is mandatory in the EU from 1 jan 2024 for medium/large sized companies and to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

How can a TMS help in reducing carbon emissions?

By leveraging the capabilities of a TMS, businesses can optimize transportation operations, reduce fuel consumption, minimize emissions, and make more sustainable choices in their logistics processes. This leads to environmental benefits, cost savings, and improved corporate social responsibility in the transportation and supply chain sector.

Load Consolidation and Collaboration: A TMS enables load consolidation, which involves combining multiple shipments into a single load. By maximizing truck capacity utilization, a TMS reduces the number of vehicles required for transportation, leading to fewer emissions and lower energy consumption.

Carrier Selection and Collaboration: A TMS allows businesses to select carriers based on various criteria, including carrier performance, service levels, and environmental sustainability practices. By choosing carriers with greener practices, such as fuel-efficient fleets or alternative energy sources, companies can align their transportation operations with sustainability goals

Mode and Carrier Optimization: By considering factors like transit time, cost, and environmental impact, a TMS can help businesses make informed decisions to shift to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation where feasible.

Data Analysis and Reporting: A TMS captures and stores transportation data, providing valuable insights for sustainability initiatives. By analyzing transportation data, businesses can identify inefficiencies, track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sustainability, and make data-driven decisions to improve environmental performance.

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