What is a TMS, and When Does a Freight Broker Really Need One?

If you’re a freight broker still juggling spreadsheets, emails, sticky notes, and a dozen browser tabs, you’re not alone. Every brokerage starts somewhere, and most go through a phase where they’re doing just fine without a TMS. 

But at some point, “just fine” starts costing time, money, and sanity.

This post breaks down what a TMS actually is, when it makes sense to invest in one, and how to think about options like Sunnybrook, Aljex, and Ascend TMS if you’re starting out or scaling up.

What Is a TMS?

A Transportation Management System (TMS) is software built to help freight brokers and logistics companies manage shipments, connect with carriers, handle documentation, track loads, and automate repetitive tasks…all in one place.

Think of it as your digital command center. A good TMS should:

• Help you plan, book, and manage shipments

• Store customer and carrier info

• Generate and send invoices and rate confirmations

• Automate load tracking and status updates

• Keep everything organized so you don’t miss a beat

  
  
  
  

When Do Freight Brokers Actually Need a TMS?

Here’s a quick litmus test.  You probably need a TMS if:

You’re booking more than 10–15 loads a week You’re spending hours tracking down paperwork You’ve double-paid a carrier or lost track of an invoice Your team is growing and needs a shared system You’re managing both full truckload and LTL You’re looking to integrate with tools like Highway, Trucker Tools, or QuickBooks Online

Even if you’re just getting started, having a TMS early on can help avoid messes down the line, especially if you plan to grow quickly.

What Are the Benefits of Using a TMS?

The biggest win? Time. And in freight, time is money.

Here’s what a good TMS can do for you:

Faster load booking with lane history and carrier profiles Team collaboration with internal chat and task tracking Paperwork done right — no more manual BOLs, POs, or rate cons Real-time visibility for customers and shippersFewer errors, faster cash through automation and integrations

Popular Starter TMS Options: A Quick Look

If you’re in the market, here are a few starter-friendly TMS platforms worth knowing about:

Sunnybrook

Built for brokers, by brokers Fast to implement (live in under a week) Includes powerful integrations, customer and carrier portals, and two-way sync with QuickBooks Online No charge for integrations … ever Ideal for new and growing brokerages that want to scale without outgrowing their tech

Ascend TMS

Cloud-based, with a free version Strong brand recognition among smaller freight teams Good for very early-stage brokers doing minimal volume Some advanced features require add-ons or upgrades

Aljex 

One of the older TMS players Popular with long-established brokerages using hosted systems Legacy feel and steeper learning curve, but strong in certain niche freight sectors

Not sure which direction to go? The best choice depends on your goals, your current pain points, and how much time you’re spending on work that should be automated.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until You’re Drowning

If your freight brokerage is starting to grow, it might be time to stop duct-taping workflows together.

Whether you’re looking at Sunnybrook, Ascend, Aljex, or any other TMS, the right platform should help you spend less time on admin and more time booking freight, building relationships, and getting paid.

Bonus Resources 

Want to dive deeper? Here are a few helpful links:

FMCSA Licensing Portal TIA: Transportation Intermediaries Association FreightWaves News Sunnybrook TMS Features Overview

Want help thinking through if a TMS makes sense for your team?  Book a chat with us. No pressure, no sales pitch. info@sunnybrooksoftware.com 913.210.0514