ERP Software for Logistics
Logistics service providers coordinate the movement of goods across complex carrier networks, modes, and geographies. ERP systems for logistics must unify rate management, shipment execution, carrier payment, customer billing, and real-time tracking into a single operational platform that reduces cost-per-shipment and improves service reliability.
Compare ERP Systems for Logistics
Select up to 4 ERP vendors to compare side by side. Filtered to show systems with strong logistics capabilities.
Key Challenges for Logistics
Managing and comparing carrier rates across hundreds of contracts, modes, and lanes simultaneously
Providing real-time shipment visibility to customers across multiple carrier networks and tracking systems
Reconciling carrier invoices against contracted rates and identifying freight bill discrepancies at scale
Coordinating multi-stop, multi-modal shipments with dynamic re-routing when disruptions occur
Maintaining compliance with DOT, FMCSA, customs, and international trade regulations across all lanes
Scaling operations during peak seasons without proportional headcount growth
Integrating customer order systems via EDI and API without custom development for each client
Best Logistics ERP for SMBs
Recommended for companies with $10M–$250M revenue and 10–200 employees.
NetSuite
mid-rangeCloud ERP with solid logistics financials, inventory management, and a broad integration marketplace for connecting carrier APIs and customer systems.
Best for: Small to mid-size logistics companies needing unified financials and operations
Acumatica
mid-rangeFlexible cloud ERP with consumption-based licensing, strong distribution modules, and good support for logistics workflows through partner-built extensions.
Best for: Growing logistics providers seeking scalable cloud ERP without per-user fees
Infor CloudSuite Distribution
mid-rangePurpose-built for distribution and logistics with strong inventory, procurement, and multi-location order management capabilities.
Best for: Mid-size logistics operators with distribution center operations
Aptean Ross
mid-rangeIndustry-specific ERP with logistics and distribution modules covering order management, purchasing, and financials in a single platform.
Best for: Mid-size logistics companies wanting an industry-focused ERP
Tecsys
mid-rangeSupply chain and logistics platform with strong order management, transportation, and billing capabilities designed for complex logistics operations.
Best for: Logistics companies with complex multi-client billing requirements
Extensiv
mid-rangeLogistics-specific platform connecting order management, warehouse operations, and carrier integrations with strong multi-channel fulfillment support.
Best for: E-commerce logistics providers and fulfillment-focused operations
Best Logistics ERP for Enterprise
Recommended for companies with $250M+ revenue and complex multi-site operations.
Oracle TMS
enterpriseMarket-leading transportation management platform with global carrier network, advanced optimization, and deep integration with Oracle Cloud ERP for end-to-end logistics management.
Best for: Large logistics operators and shippers managing high-volume, multi-modal freight
SAP TM
enterpriseComprehensive transportation management module within SAP S/4HANA covering freight order management, carrier tendering, settlement, and real-time event monitoring.
Best for: Enterprise logistics and shipping operations running SAP ecosystems
Blue Yonder TMS
enterpriseAI-powered transportation management with advanced load optimization, dynamic routing, and carrier collaboration capabilities for high-volume freight networks.
Best for: Large carriers and logistics networks requiring AI-driven freight optimization
Manhattan Associates TMS
enterpriseUnified supply chain platform combining transportation management with warehouse and order management for integrated logistics execution at enterprise scale.
Best for: Integrated logistics operators managing transportation and warehousing together
Essential ERP Capabilities for Logistics
Multi-modal rate management across TL, LTL, ocean, air, and parcel carriers
Automated carrier tendering and load-matching with contract rate enforcement
Real-time shipment tracking and exception management across carrier networks
Freight audit and payment with automated carrier invoice reconciliation
Customer billing and accessorial charge management
Route optimization and dynamic re-routing for multi-stop shipments
EDI and API connectivity for customer order management system integration
Customs and trade compliance documentation for international shipments
Performance reporting on carrier KPIs, lane costs, and service levels
Spot quoting and spot market procurement for capacity procurement
Logistics ERP Cost Ranges
SMB
$60,000 – $200,000
10–40 users
Implementation: $40,000 – $150,000
Mid-Market
$200,000 – $800,000
40–200 users
Implementation: $150,000 – $600,000
Enterprise
$800,000 – $5,000,000+
200–2,000+ users
Implementation: $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+
Implementation Considerations
Prioritize carrier EDI connectivity early — onboarding carrier partners is the longest-lead item in most logistics ERP projects
Map customer billing rules and accessorial charge logic before configuration to avoid revenue leakage at go-live
Define real-time tracking data sources (carrier APIs, project44, FourKites) and how they will feed into the ERP
Plan for a parallel run period where legacy TMS and new ERP operate simultaneously to validate data accuracy
Engage operations supervisors and dispatch teams in UAT to ensure the system reflects real-world workflow complexity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is logistics ERP and what makes it different from a standard TMS?
Logistics ERP integrates transportation management with financials, customer billing, procurement, and HR in a single platform. A standalone TMS focuses narrowly on freight movement and carrier management but requires separate accounting and billing systems. Logistics ERP eliminates integration complexity and provides a unified view of operational and financial performance.
How does ERP improve freight cost visibility?
ERP consolidates carrier rates, fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and actual freight invoices in one system. Automated freight audit compares carrier invoices to contracted rates and flags discrepancies before payment. Management dashboards show cost-per-shipment trends by lane, carrier, and customer, enabling data-driven rate negotiation.
Can logistics ERP handle both asset and non-asset operations?
Yes. Leading platforms support both asset-based carriers (managing owned trucks and drivers) and non-asset freight brokers (managing carrier relationships and spot procurement). Some platforms like Oracle TMS and Blue Yonder are designed for either model, while others like NetSuite are better suited to the financial and order management needs of non-asset brokers.
What EDI transactions are most important for logistics ERP?
The core logistics EDI transaction set includes 204 (Motor Carrier Load Tender), 210 (Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice), 214 (Transportation Carrier Shipment Status), 990 (Response to Load Tender), and 997 (Functional Acknowledgment). International operations also require 301/303 for ocean bookings and 309/310 for customs documentation.
How does real-time tracking integration work with logistics ERP?
Real-time tracking is typically fed into the ERP via integrations with carrier tracking APIs, GPS telematics providers (Samsara, Verizon Connect), or network visibility platforms (project44, FourKites, Descartes). Events (departed origin, in transit, delivered) are mapped to ERP shipment records and trigger automated customer notifications and exception workflows.
What is freight audit and payment (FAP) and how does ERP support it?
Freight audit and payment involves verifying that carrier invoices match contracted rates, accessorial rules, and shipment details before authorizing payment. ERP automates this by comparing invoices against rate tables and shipment records, flagging discrepancies for review, and batching approved invoices for payment. This typically recovers 2–5% of freight spend annually.
How should I evaluate logistics ERP vendors?
Key evaluation criteria include depth of carrier connectivity (number of pre-built EDI and API integrations), optimization engine performance for your volume and network complexity, total cost of ownership including implementation, customer support quality and SLA commitments, and reference customers operating a similar business model and scale.
What is the typical ROI timeline for logistics ERP?
Most logistics companies see measurable ROI within 12–18 months of go-live, driven by freight cost reduction (3–8%), improved billing accuracy reducing revenue leakage (1–3%), headcount efficiency gains from automation, and better carrier performance management. Freight audit savings alone often offset a significant portion of software costs in the first year.
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