Chicago-based supply-chain intelligence firm Project44 has launched an intelligent transportation management system (TMS) to transform fragmented logistics into unified, AI-powered decisions.

As part of its Movement decision intelligence platform, the intelligent TMS aims to improve how global companies optimise their supply chains by enabling smarter, faster and more data-driven transportation management.

Traditional TMS, plagued by long implementation timelines and rigid architectures, struggles to keep pace with today’s dynamic logistics. As a flexible, modular, cloud-native offering, this intelligent TMS is said to deliver core transportation planning and execution functions, reducing deployment time and cost compared with traditional systems.

“Our intelligent TMS is fundamentally different,” said Jett McCandless, CEO of Poject44. “It wasn’t bolted onto a visibility platform, it was born from it. By unifying transportation management with our decision intelligence platform, we are giving our customers the ability to automate what was previously un-automatable. This is not just a better TMS, it is the future of transportation management.”

With multi-modal orchestration, users can plan and manage freight across all major modes – FTL, LTL, ocean, air, parcel, intermodal and drayage – from a single interface. For ocean specifically, shippers gain accurate port-to-door rate quotes, AI-powered ETAs, predictive sailing schedules and port-level operational insights.

Users can instantly obtain real-time rate quotes and estimated transit times from capacity providers across all modes. They can tender shipments with one-click booking, including LTL rating-booking, FTL rating-booking and ocean booking, eliminating the need for custom EDI setups while supporting spot and contract rates.

Users can select the best mode and route for each shipment through AI-driven optimisation that analyses cost, service level, speed, capacity and constraints. Automated order consolidation uses a flexible rules engine to group orders based on location, delivery date, fill rate and shared route constraints, with 3D load planning to increase asset use.

Optimal carriers can be selected using AI-optimised trade-offs across cost, transit time, service reliability and sustainability. Built-in benchmarking provides performance insights powered by Carrier Assure’s predictive scores to refine procurement strategy over time.

“The native integration of Carrier Assure within Project44’s intelligent TMS gives shippers data-driven insights to mitigate risk when choosing carriers,” said Cassandra Gaines, CEO of Carrier Assure (www.carrierassure.com). “Our predictive performance scores are embedded directly into planning workflows, helping reduce transportation risk across every mode.”

Users can launch mini-bids in minutes to secure better rates on strategic lanes. The freight procurement analytics module highlights savings opportunities across cost, service level and spot market exposure, driving continuous optimisation.

Purchase orders (POs) can be turned directly into shipments inside the TMS with no system switching. Once created, shipments are automatically tracked down to the SKU and advanced shipment notice (ASN) level through native order visibility, enabling better inventory alignment and faster fulfilment.

Critical documents such as BOLs, PODs and invoices can be centralised through manual upload, API or the DriveView app. Built-in eBOL support streamlines LTL workflows. Real-time collaboration with internal teams and external partners through shared visibility reduces friction and improves problem resolution.

Manual reconciliation can be eliminated with automated invoice validation. The freight audit engine flags discrepancies in real time, speeding payment cycles. Historical spend insights analyse carrier usage, accessorial charges and lane trends across modes to power smarter budgeting and contract negotiations.

Because the intelligent TMS is natively connected to yard management through appointment management, it enables automated dock operations with self-service appointment scheduling. Carriers book pickup and delivery slots based on real-time facility availability while integrated ETAs reduce dwell time and boost throughput.

The product (www.project44.com/platform/tms) operates as an integral part of Movement, Project44’s decision intelligence platform, providing real-time visibility and insights across every mode and geography. The platform’s architecture uses a single API integration through the connection centre, enabling clicks, not code implementation while connecting over 250,000 carriers for out-of-the-box access to capacity and data.

Early adopters are already seeing results, including 4.1% reduction in transportation costs, 17% increase in on-time performance, over 60% time saved on quoting carriers, and a 22% increase in billing and documentation accuracy.

“It’s a great time to be in supply chain with Project44 as a partner,” said Hans Moorlag, director of North American logistics at Suntory Spirits (www.suntoryglobalspirits.com). “The integration of advanced technology streamlines our processes and increases customer satisfaction, provides essential performance data and measurement, and creates a culture of collaboration and innovation. Together we identify challenges and transform them into opportunities, enabling Suntory to stay agile and responsive in a rapidly evolving market.”

Project44 (project44.com) provides visibility into more than 1.5 billion shipments annually for over 1000 brands in manufacturing, automotive, retail, life sciences, food and beverage, CPG, and oil, chemical and gas.