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#44

AscendTMS is ranked #44 in the Freight Broker Software product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

AscendTMS Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, AscendTMS pricing starts at $99 (Per User, Monthly).

Price
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Starting From
$99
Pricing Model
Per User, Monthly
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

AscendTMS is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for AscendTMS:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

AscendTMS Benefits and Insights

Why use AscendTMS?

Key differentiators & advantages of AscendTMS

  • Access for Free: Sign up to try the various features and tools without credit cards, contracts or deals. AscendTMS has a special pricing design. It offers a free plan, mainly for smaller teams. The paid plan is also reasonably priced per user, making it a competitive option.
  • Improve Decision-Making: Use GPS tracking and data analysis to get useful insights that support carrier, pricing and route planning decisions. These insights can improve processes and make them more efficient.
  • Minimize Errors: Give employees custom access to information based on their roles. This helps simplify tasks and ensures everyone knows what they need to do. Managing user roles can reduce the chances of errors and make operations more efficient.
  • Report Taxes: File IFTA taxes with the click of a button, and the app does all the heavy lifting. AscendTMS records where businesses bought fuel, their routes, miles through each state and the tax rates. The manual adjustment mode lets managers import fuel card data. The system then calculates the exact IFTA tax for each state.
  • Save Time: Boost ROI by automating load postings, driver tasks and payroll calculation. Managers can save planning and analysis time with fewer tasks to handle.
  • Gain Visibility: Manage and track freight using one platform. It lets companies create loads and pick carriers. Real-time visibility into the supply chain improves efficiency.

Industry Expertise

For brokers and 3PLs, AscendTMS simplifies work by automating tasks like pricing and booking. It handles shipping progress on different transports and quickly updates clients.

AscendTMS makes route planning easy for truckers. It scans driver behavior, supports rule compliance and provides immediate updates.

For shippers, it offers visibility into the supply chain. They can choose carriers based on various factors and talk directly on the platform.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of AscendTMS reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Reduce Manual Work: A TMS cuts out manual work and makes processes simpler, saving time.
  • Save Money: The solution provides smarter routes, combines loads and arranges better transport rates. This leads to major cost savings.
  • Track Shipments: See shipment routes and take care of issues as they happen.
  • Update Customers: A TMS keeps firms in the loop about delivery so they can give customers timely updates.
  • Increase Capacity: TMS solutions can handle more volume and grow with business needs.

Cons

  • Expensive: Starting and maintaining a TMS can cost a lot due to licensing and subscription fees.
  • Difficult Setup: Teaching employees a new system can take a while. Adding a TMS to existing software can be tough.
  • Hard to Use: TMS platforms can be hard to use thanks to numerous features that aren’t all essential.

Researcher's Summary:

AscendTMS is a user-friendly digital tool. It helps all types of companies manage their transport needs. It’s especially useful for professionals who work in shipping, load carrying and routing. Supply chain activities can be seen live, which helps improve freight flow.

The solution costs nothing for small teams and has a fair price for larger teams. It doesn't involve any extra fees or license costs.

Key Features

  • Load Management: Use the Load Financials tool to keep track of income, budget and expenses. Easily add financial information to a load and monitor profits or losses. Businesses can also export financial data to an accounting system, which makes it easier to track finances.
  • Document Management: View and scan PoD documents that drivers send. Manage important company documents like driver paperwork, credit applications, carrier packets and contracts. Attaching them to carriers, customers, and loads is quick and easy.
  • Truckload Rate Index: Get a free truckload rate index with AscendAccuRate. Access line-haul rates for any lane (low, medium, high and average RPMs) using pickup and drop-off locations. This tool compiles the averages of hundreds of thousands of actual loads. Stay on top of the changing market with real-time rates.
  • Asset and Fleet Management: Give asset management tools to carriers, brokers and shippers. Manage power units, trailers, containers and drivers. Transfer assets or third-party carriers to any load from one screen. Text messages help track drivers.
  • Driver Payroll and Settlement: Choose data ranges for each driver and select different payment types, such as per pallet, per case, hourly, per mile or on a per hundred pounds basis. The system also considers costs like per diems, stop fees and fuel passes.
  • Claims Management: Let drivers take pictures of the cargo at pickup and delivery locations. This feature protects firms from non-legitimate claims. These pictures, sent via text message, are automatically linked to the correct load. They're date and time-stamped and help reduce the amount of a valid claim. This creates unmistakable proof to support companies in case a claim arises.
  • Ascend Dashboard: Access key information about the business in a simple-to-read format. Access modules like Financial Quick Look, Load Volumes, and National Rate and Fuel Trends.

Approach to Common Challenges

  • Flawed Operations: Legacy systems and manual tasks can cause mistakes and lost time. AscendTMS provides a single site to handle loads and transports. This removes the need for lists and random data. It improves workflow and lessens the chances of employee mistakes.
  • Narrow Visibility: AscendTMS lets managers GPS track vehicles and deliveries as they happen. This visibility decreases delays and mixups and avoids costly problems.
  • High Costs: Poorly planned routes, excessive fuel use and incorrect carrier choices can increase transportation costs. The software can help save money by helping customers choose cheaper carriers and plan better routes.

Cost of Ownership

Frequently asked questions regarding AscendTMS pricing include:

Q: Does AscendTMS provide a free trial?
A: Yes, AscendTMS offers a 30-day free trial of its premium plan for users to test before subscribing.

Q: What pricing plans does AscendTMS offer?
A: AscendTMS is available in two price plans:

Free Plan: This plan is best for companies with fewer than three users. It offers key functions such as managing shipments, choosing carriers and basic tracking.

Premium Plan: This paid plan is $99 per user per month and provides everything from the free plan. It might also offer more high-level features, but these aren't listed publicly.

Limitations

At the time of this review, these are the limitations according to user feedback:

  • May not have the customization for very high-end transport companies.

Training Resources

AscendTMS’ University page center provides the following educational materials:

  • Scheduled Training: Demonstrates software capabilities.
  • Recorded Training: Covers thought leaders’ presentations on utilities, administration and more. 
  • Expert Payroll, Accounting and Tax Assistance: Offers user assistance with their trucking business for accounting practices, tax reporting and business management.<
  • Tips and Tricks Video Section: Contains short videos on the interesting but often missed nooks and crannies of AscendTMS.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions regarding AscendTMS include:

Q: What is Ascend TMS used for?
A: AscendTMS is a software that helps businesses with logistics. It can help plan shipments, keep track of freight, handle documents, and manage transportation costs. Additionally, it can also send out drivers.

Q: Who owns Ascend TMS?
A: The owner of AscendTMS is InMotion Global, Inc.

Q: How do I cancel AscendTMS?
A: To cancel your AscendTMS account, you need to email [email protected]. Please note that only an admin user can ask for this cancellation.