What a TMS does
A TMS brings transport management together in a single system. Its typical functions:
- Planning and optimisation of routes and loads, and assignment of vehicles and drivers.
- Management of hauliers, rates and subcontracting.
- Execution and real-time tracking (integrated with telematics/GPS and the tachograph).
- Document management: consignment note, delivery notes and proof of delivery (POD).
- Freight settlement, invoicing and KPIs (costs, punctuality, utilisation).
TMS and ERP are not the same thing
The ERP runs the whole company (finance, purchasing, HR); the TMS specialises in transport. They are often integrated or form a single system. For tanker transport, a TMS is only useful if it covers how bulk work is actually done: product compatibility, cleaning, ADR and trailer swaps.
Giormo is an ERP/TMS specialised in tanker transport, not a generic TMS: it understands bulk operations from start to finish. See it.