Freight Broker TMS FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Tai TMS? We've got answers.

Getting Started & Basics

What Tai is, who it is for, and what it takes to run it.

What is Tai TMS?

Tai TMS is a comprehensive Transportation Management System built specifically for freight brokers. It's a cloud-based platform that automates the shipment lifecycle for both Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight, from initial quote through final delivery and invoicing.

Unlike generic TMS software, Tai is purpose-built for brokerages. We understand the unique challenges freight brokers face because our development team includes freight industry experts with 20+ years of experience. Tai eliminates manual data entry, automates routine operations, and integrates directly with carriers, load boards, and accounting software.

Core capabilities include:

• Automated quoting with real-time carrier rates
• Direct API/EDI integration with LTL carriers
• Load board integration (DAT, Truckstop, 123 Loadboard, etc.)
• Real-time shipment tracking and visibility
• Automated carrier bill audit and reconciliation
• Customer self-service portal
• QuickBooks and accounting integration

Who is Tai TMS designed for?

Tai TMS is designed specifically for freight brokers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers handling domestic FTL and LTL shipments in the United States.

Ideal users include:

• Mid-sized to enterprise freight brokerages
• Brokerages looking to scale without adding headcount
• Brokers handling both FTL and LTL shipments
• 3PLs managing multi-modal domestic freight
• Brokerages wanting to eliminate manual processes
• Operations frustrated with legacy TMS systems

You're a great fit for Tai if:

• You spend hours manually entering shipment data
• You're juggling multiple platforms
• You want to provide customers with real-time visibility
• You need better carrier bill reconciliation
• You're ready to automate repetitive tasks
• You want to grow without proportionally increasing staff
• You want to book 40% more freight per person
• You're looking to book 20% more spot quotes
• You want to build better relationships with carriers

Tai is NOT designed for asset-based brokers or carriers (companies with their own trucks) or shippers managing in-house transportation.

What makes Tai TMS different from other freight broker software?

Three things set Tai apart: automation depth, freight broker expertise, and ease of use.

1. Automation Built for Brokers

Tai automates workflows for both LTL and FTL shipping. From the moment a quote request is received until the invoice is paid and synced to QuickBooks, Tai handles the workflow, helping to reduce manual intervention and human errors. Our automation saves brokerages an average of 11 hours per week per user.

2. Built by Freight Experts

Our development team includes logistics professionals who've worked in freight brokerages for 20+ years. We understand broker workflows, pain points, and the nuances of FTL vs. LTL operations. This expertise means Tai is designed around how brokers actually work, not how software engineers think they work.

3. Modern, Intuitive Interface

Tai features a clean, modern interface that requires minimal training. Most users report significant productivity improvements within the first week.

Additional differentiators:

• Direct carrier integration (API/EDI). No third party needed
• Integrated LTL rating with local, regional, and nationwide carriers
• Automated document processing and carrier bill audit
• Built-in advanced automation
• Branded customer portal for self-service
• Transparent, straightforward pricing
• Robust support for both modes, FTL and LTL shipping

Is Tai TMS cloud-based or on-premise software?

Tai TMS is 100% cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service). There's no software to install, no servers to maintain, and no IT infrastructure required.

What this means for you:

• Access anywhere: Web-based interface accessible from any device with internet
• Automatic updates: New features and improvements roll out automatically, no manual upgrades
• Zero maintenance: We handle all server maintenance, security, backups, and uptime
• Quick implementation: Easy go-live process
• Predictable costs: Simple monthly subscription, no hardware investment

Requirements:

• Modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari)
• Stable internet connection
• That's it, no special hardware or software needed

All your data is securely stored in enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure with automatic backups, 99.9% uptime, and bank-level security.

Do I need special technical knowledge to use Tai TMS?

No. Tai TMS is designed for freight brokers, not IT professionals. If you can use a web browser and standard software like email or Excel, you can use Tai.

The interface is intuitive:

• Clean, modern design similar to consumer apps
• Point-and-click navigation
• Minimal jargon or technical terminology
• Context-sensitive help throughout the system

Training is straightforward:

• Most users report significant productivity gains within the first week
• Onboarding time varies by company size, historical data, and integrations to set up
• Online training videos cover all primary functions
• Live onboarding sessions with our team
• Ongoing support via phone, email, and chat

For more complex setups (like carrier integrations or accounting sync), our implementation team handles the technical heavy lifting. You focus on your business, we handle the technology.

Features & Functionality

What the platform actually does, mode by mode.

What are the core features of Tai TMS?

Tai TMS provides end-to-end automation for the freight brokerage workflow. Here are the core capabilities:

1. Quoting & Rating

• Instant LTL rates from all major carriers (API-EDI integrations)
• FTL rating with lane history and pricing tools
• Quote templates for common lanes
• Customer self-service portal for instant quotes
• Historical rate analysis and market trends for FTL

2. Load Coverage & Carrier Management

• Integrated load board access (DAT, Truckstop, 123 Loadboard etc.)
• Historical carrier database with performance history
• Automated carrier selection based on lane and rate
• One-click carrier dispatch
• Carrier compliance management (insurance, authority, etc.)

3. Shipment Tracking & Visibility

• Real-time tracking for FTL and LTL shipments
• Automated carrier check-calls (reduces manual tracking)
• Customer tracking portal
• Proactive exception alerts
• Delivery confirmation capture
• Built-in integrations with tracking and visibility platforms

4. Documentation & Billing

• Digital document upload and processing
• Automated POD (Proof of Delivery) collection
• Customer invoicing with customizable templates
• Carrier bill audit and reconciliation
• Discrepancy flagging and resolution workflow

5. Accounting Integration

• QuickBooks integration
• Automated AR/AP management
• Commission calculation
• Financial reporting and analytics
• Reduces billing cycle time by up to 65%

6. Analytics & Reporting

• Real-time dashboards (revenue, margin, volume)
• Carrier performance scorecards
• Lane profitability analysis
• Custom reporting
• Data export capabilities

Does Tai TMS handle both FTL and LTL shipments?

Yes. Tai TMS is a true multi-modal platform that seamlessly handles both Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments within a single interface.

FTL Capabilities:

• Load board integration (DAT, Truckstop, etc.)
• Carrier sourcing and rate comparison
• Automated dispatching
• Real-time FTL tracking
• Carrier rate confirmation and booking
• Lane-based pricing history

LTL Capabilities:

• Direct API integration with all major LTL carriers (UPS Freight, Estes, XPO, Old Dominion, etc.)
• Instant rate shopping across 20+ carriers
• Automated LTL dispatch via API/EDI
• Terminal-by-terminal tracking
• Interline shipment management
• Automated carrier bill audit for LTL

The Power of Multimodal: Many brokers handle both FTL and LTL. With Tai, you manage everything in one system with one workflow. No need to toggle between multiple platforms or maintain separate systems for different freight modes.

Can I integrate Tai TMS with load boards like DAT and Truckstop?

Yes. Tai TMS integrates directly with major load boards, including DAT, Truckstop, and other capacity tools. These integrations enable you to search for carriers, post loads, and book capacity all within the Tai interface.

Load Board Integration Features:

• Search available capacity across multiple load boards simultaneously
• Post loads to load boards with one click
• View carrier contact info and book directly
• Rate comparison across different load boards
• Historical load board performance data

Does Tai TMS integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes. Tai TMS has native integration with QuickBooks, allowing you to automatically sync financial data between your TMS and accounting system.

QuickBooks Integration Capabilities:

• Automatically create customer invoices in QuickBooks
• Sync accounts receivable (AR) data
• Push carrier bill data to accounts payable (AP)
• Sync customer and vendor records
• Map Tai revenue/expenses to QuickBooks accounts
• Eliminate duplicate data entry

Billing Automation:

When you mark a shipment complete in Tai, the system can automatically:

1. Generate the customer invoice
2. Create the invoice in QuickBooks
3. Calculate carrier payment due
4. Record the payable in QuickBooks
5. Update your revenue and margin tracking

Time Savings:

Our QuickBooks integration reduces billing cycle time by up to 65% and eliminates manual data entry errors that can cause accounting headaches.

What carriers does Tai TMS integrate with?

Tai TMS integrates directly with over 100 carriers via API and EDI connections, including all major LTL carriers and numerous FTL capacity providers.

Major LTL Carriers (Direct API):

• FedEx Freight
• XPO Logistics
• Estes Express
• Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL)
• ABF Freight
• Saia Motor Freight
• R+L Carriers
• Southeastern Freight Lines

FTL & Capacity Tools:

• DAT iQ (API integration)
• Truckstop
• Parade

Can customers access Tai TMS to track their shipments?

Yes. Tai TMS features a branded customer portal that provides your shippers with self-service access to quotes, bookings, tracking, and documents.

Customer Portal Features:

• Request Quotes: Customers can enter shipment details and receive instant quotes (LTL) or request FTL pricing
• Book Shipments: Self-service booking with saved addresses and preferences
• Track Shipments: Real-time tracking visibility for all active loads
• Access Documents: Download BOLs, PODs, invoices, and other documents
• View History: Complete shipment history and previous quotes
• Reporting: Basic analytics on their shipping patterns and costs

Integration & Compatibility

What systems does Tai TMS integrate with?

• Accounting Software: QuickBooks and other accounting integrations available
• Load Boards & Capacity Tools: DAT Load Board, Truckstop, Direct Freight, 123Loadboard, Parade, CargoChief
• LTL Carriers (100+ via API/EDI): All major LTL carriers (ABF, FedEx, ESTES, ODFL, XPO, Saia, etc.)
• FTL Carriers: Custom API connections available for frequent carrier partners
• Rate Shopping Tools: Built-in LTL rating via carrier API/EDI, FTL rate intelligence tools
• Document Management: Tai document processor
• Communication: Email integration (Gmail, Outlook, Office 365)
• Payment Processing: Denim, HaulPay, Global Payments, Road Sync, Triumph
• Carrier Onboarding: HIGHWAY, RMIS, TRUCKSTOP

Pricing & Plans

How much does Tai TMS cost?

Tai TMS pricing is based on active users (per seat/per month). We offer transparent, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.

Typical Pricing Structure:

• Per-user monthly subscription
• Simple 12-month terms, no multi-year lock-in
• Includes all core features (not tiered/limited)
• Based on the number of shipments

Implementation & Onboarding

How is the process of implementing Tai TMS?

As a new customer, you will benefit from being assisted by an Onboarding team with different processes in place to help you succeed.

Implementation Timeline:

• Setup & Configuration: Account setup and user provisioning, access to our Learning Management System (LMS)
• Data Migration & Testing: Kickoff call, import customer and carrier data, integrations setup, training and TMS knowledge
• Testing & Go-Live: Transition to the Support team for live shipments

What training do you provide?

Tai provides comprehensive training through multiple formats to ensure your entire team is confident using the system.