This document introduces a Transportation Management System Lite (TMS-Lite) as an alternative traffic solution for logistics professionals. A TMS-Lite provides key benefits of a full TMS without the high costs and complex implementation, making it suitable for companies with 10-5,000 shipments per month. It allows standardizing processes, increasing logistics efficiency, and saving costs through improved buying behaviors and real-time reporting. Implementation is quick through a cloud-based software.

1. Dec.
2012
Transportation Management System
An Alternative Traffic Solution for the Logistics Professionals
 What is a TMS-Lite system?
 What are the features and capabilities of a
TMS-Lite system?
 Why choose a TMS-Lite rather than a fully
implemented TMS?
 How can a TMS-Lite save my company
Glenn Lanier
money?
Way Cool Trucking
12/19/2012

2. Contents
Overview
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 3
Basic Capabilities………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
Expectations of a TMS-Lite.……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Comparison
Capacity…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Target Client……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Limitations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 4
Communication
Efficiencies of TMS Communication…………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Savings
Improve Buying Behavior………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Expected Cost Reduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Automation
Dispatching……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Reporting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Tracking…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Optimizing Carrier Capacity
Carrier Network………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Implementation
Cloud based software……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Getting your Carriers involved……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Summary
Want More Information?......................................................................................................... 11
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

3. Overview-
A TMS-Lite solution is one that is geared towards gaining key benefits
without the cost and complicated implementation of a full blown
TMS. It is ideal for organizations that have 10 - 5,000 shipments per
month.
A TMS-Lite solution empowers traffic/ logistics managers by better
enabling opportunities in:
o Reducing costs and generating immediate ROI.
o Standardizing processes.
A standard TMS-Lite system is a
o Increasing logistics savvy without challenging perfect alternative to
implementations. outsourcing. A TMS-Lite provides
With a TMS-Lite solution, basic implementation costs are typically all the essential functions while
zero. The only costs are the internal time that is taken to change your maintaining control, and avoiding
internal processes and these should be minimal. IT resource
requirements are non-existent unless there is a need to enable unnecessary spend of
multiple systems to talk to one another. The typical platform is alternatives.
operated on a secured web (cloud) based system with a SAAS
(software as a service) agreement. Costs associated are typically on a
monthly or per shipment basis.
An organization’s savings are achieved by:
o improving buying efficiencies,
o Enhancing spot bid performance,
o Real time reporting metrics,
o Waste reducing freight billing.
Logistics processes become more standardized and efficient.
Implementation is typically very well received. The users experience
immediate benefits over current methodologies. The web based
environment also provides flexibility to perform necessary tasks when
out of the office.
The purpose of this white paper is to introduce and outline the TMS-
Lite’s features, benefits, limitations, and processes. It also compares
the TMS-Lite to alternative full TMS solutions and outsourced third
party (3PL) solution.
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

4. Comparison-
A TMS-Lite solution is most appropriate for organizations that have
monthly shipments between 10 and 5,000. Below are some key
advantages of a TMS-Lite system versus a full blown TMS.
 TMS-Lite –vs- full TMS:
o Primary emphasis is on core high-value functions that prove
immediately beneficial to better empower the Traffic or
Logistics Manager.
o A much lower monthly or per unit cost model with limited if
any upfront fees.
o Zero IT requirements or minimal IT requirements for more
advanced features.
o Implementation in days* not months.
o Due to its simple yet effective core functions,
implementation, training, and adaptation are easy.
 TMS-Lite –vs- 3rd party outsourced solution:
o Your organization remains in control over your process and
therefore is able to make better decisions for the benefit of
your company.
o Changing outsourced parties can be costly and very time
consuming.
o Price variances for a TMS-Lite provider tend to be very small
versus an outsourced solution.
Limitations-
The following are key limitations of a typical TMS-Lite product versus
a fully blown TMS.
o Minimal integration with respect to inventory management.
o Limited load consolidation features.
*Basic implementation takes approximately 2-5 days. Any additional
requested services may delay implementation.
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

5. Communication-
A TMS-Lite solution will greatly reduce unnecessary communications
over email, phone, and fax. The primary advantages include:
 TMS-Lite–vs- Email/ Fax
o Ease and standardization of carrier information. Email is a bit
more complex especially when coordinating a shipment for
bid. Bids will be returned in a variety of formats whereas a
TMS-Lite solution will streamline into a one.
o Through use of an integrated chat feature, all discussions on a
shipment are kept and tied to that shipment thus eliminating
the need to search for historic email correspondence.
o A TMS-Lite offers a clear and standardized method to provide
information to carriers thus making it easier for carriers to
understand, reply, and communicate quickly and effectively.
o Eliminates the need to create carrier groups and send group
messages. Also eliminates a carrier clicking “reply-to-all” on
sensitive correspondence.
o Carrier rate confirmations are generated directly from the
system. Eliminating the need to manually fax/ email the
The TMS-Lite is a simple, value
information. added solution that is a step up
from managing your business
 TMS-Lite -vs- Phone with phone, email, and
o Allows Traffic/Logistic Managers to focus on your work at
hand without fielding unnecessary phone calls. Integrated spreadsheets.
load by load IM features contained within a TMS-Lite can be
first leveraged before escalating to a telephone conversation.
o Better visibility for carriers. The carriers know immediately
what loads you are working on and what opportunities are
available to them. The carriers also know when a load has
been covered avoiding the dreaded call “did you cover that
yet.”
o Integrated features allow you to continue working even when
you have to step into a meeting or out for an appointment,
thus taking advantage of any and all good opportunities that
may arise.
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

6. Savings-
Historically, one of the main barriers to using a full blown TMS system
was the cost to implement. Although these costs have come down
considerably with the implementation of SAAS solutions, the costs are
still present. The advantage to a TMS-Lite solution is that many
providers offer this at zero implementation cost. The only thing you
pay for is your internal time implementing the system. This allows for
a quick and immediate positive ROI. Organizations that implement a
TMS-Lite can expect to achieve an approximated 15% overall
reduction in costs. These reductions are achieved through:
o Improved buying efficiencies – Through use of the
standardized tools, carriers are able to lower their cost in
doing business and thus put you on a more level playing field
with other companies that have higher purchasing spend.
Options provided for
o Spot bid performance – Better leverage and execution of the
spot bid process aids in selecting the most opportunistic tendering freight include:
carrier. Contract rates, Flat rates,
o Reporting – Real time metrics enable the ability to easily
and the bidding option.
collect, assimilate, and analyze data. Network weak spots are
clearly visible allowing you to target and focus resources in Through a TMS-Lite spot
areas needing improvement. bidding selection your
o Freight billing – Standardization of the process minimizes
issues/ errors and thus eliminating waste.
selected carriers/brokers
will compete and quote on
your load to get you the
lowest price possible.
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

7. Automation-
A TMS-Lite allows you to maintain a quality standard database of your
locations, carriers, and contracts. Sophisticated search tools allow
you to navigate and locate this information efficiently. Specific
advantages include:
1. Fluid communication and informational tools with
locations.
2. Ability to maintain carrier performance levels, insurance
documents, etc.
3. Carrier contracts are fully integrated with the assignment
module insuring agreed parameters are met and rates are
minimized.
4. Instant reporting features to track progress and efficiency.
 Dispatch:
With a TMS-Lite you have the ability to store relevant and precise
information in a shipping location database. This makes it easy to
provide carriers with clear and precise dispatch instructions needed to
execute flawlessly. Through this standardization process you benefit
as follows:
o Minimization of issues in which the product is left on the
dock.
o Ensure carriers are picking up and delivering to the correct
location.
o Minimization of unnecessary accessorial charges.
o Minimization of billing errors.
o Ability to alert carriers of any special needs/requests at a
customer’s receiving dock.
 Reporting -Performance Matrix
Leveraging a TMS-Lite also provides you with access to instant real
time reporting that can be customized to your individual needs. By
having this data close at hand it enhances awareness and alerts you to
key areas of weakness thus allowing instant changes / adjustments.
Some of the most common reporting tools include:
o Carrier on time performance.
o Financial performance over time.
o Lead time versus cost/ carrier performance. Carrier utilization
analysis.
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

8.  Track and Tracing:
o A TMS-Lite should contain web based transportation track
and trace features. The key benefits include the following:
1. Confirmation that your shipments have arrived to the
customer on time.
2. Instant BOL and customer signature reporting if desired.
3. ETA’s to your shipment dock.
4. Notifications of late trucks and issues associated.
5. Historical performance reporting.
o Typically, the information is entered in the system by the
carrier. However, some organizations have leveraged the
web based nature of a TMS-Lite in order to allow their guard
shack to enter the data upon carrier arrival and departure of
their facility (thus negating unnecessary discussions regarding
detention time). Other organizations have also encouraged
their customers to enter the times upon arrival as well at the
receiving location.
After an order is assigned, it is
sent to the track and trace
feature where the status of all
trucks (pick up, delivery, and
in-transit) can easily be viewed.
The alert feature will also
notify for any late or detained
trucks, and send auto
notifications of the truck status
to the customer if desired.
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

9. Optimizing Carrier Capacity-
Having the perfect carrier mix is essential to effective traffic
management. A TMS-Lite can assist with this by providing the
following:
1. A unique and confidential carrier database allowing you
to navigate between, primary, secondary, and other
carriers in your network.
2. Resources to help expand your carrier network when
desired.
3. Accurate and clear metrics to assist you in understanding
how your carriers are performing and the ability to target
network weak spots.
4. Fast execution on orders to take advantage of spot
market opportunities.
 Carrier Network:
A TMS-Lite solution is geared towards the Customers ability to
leverage their independent carrier base. However, some TMS-Lite
providers allow the access to a network of secondary or tertiary
carriers if desired.
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

10. Implementation-
Implementation of you TMS-Lite system is designed to be quick and
easy. Users typically see immediate positive results versus the old
methodology thus embracing this adaptation. The normal transition
process includes:
1. Importation of key items into the TMS-Lite database such
as:
a) Carriers and their contracted rates.
b) Shipping locations and contact information.
2. Toggling general settings to conform to your unique
environment.
3. Engaging with you current carrier base to get them
established on the new system.
4. If desired: Coordinating with your IT department to allow
various systems to pass data to one another. Though the use of the web based
feature you can receive necessary
 Cloud-based Software:
o A TMS-Lite can be accessed from home, work, and mobile
information (even on your mobile
devices. device) and assign carriers to
shipments with the touch of a key.
o Typically, a TMS-Lite are web (cloud) based systems operating
on a SAAS (software as a service) platform. This platform
allows traffic/ logistics managers to make necessary decisions
when they have to be away from their desk.
 Getting Carriers Involved:
Getting your current carrier/3PL base integrated into a system is as
simple as point and click. Once the shippers account is activated the
Traffic Manager can contact the carrier directly or utilize a TMS-Lite
team member to sort that process.
.
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

11. Summary-
The goal of this White Paper was to introduce a TMS-Lite; a new
management system that empowers traffic and logistics
managers to better perform their role by increasing efficiency and
reducing transportation spend. Hopefully now you have a better
understanding of what a TMS-lite solution is, how it’s structured,
and what some of its benefits and limitations are.
 Want More Information?
o If you would like to discuss this topic further, or would like
to demo a TMS-Lite solutions please leave us an inquiry
on our website’s contact page or through our provided
email.
Way Cool Trucking LLC is a Logistics technology solutions provider that offers cloud solutions SAAS TMS-Lite solution to
Logistic Professionals.
For more information regarding Way Cool Trucking LLC and their logistical services please visit
www.WayCoolTrucking.com.
Glenn Lanier
Way Cool Trucking
T: 214-233-8067
E: Glenn@WayCoolTrucking.com
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©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic Professionals

12. Copyright ©2012 WCT Transportation Management System – Cloud Solutions for Logistic
Professionals. All Rights Reserved.
Way Cool Trucking is not responsible for the performance or support of third party services and does not
make any representation or warranties whatsoever regarding quality, or reliability of these provided
carriers/3pl’s.
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