Top Flexport Competitors and Alternatives

Last Updated on April 22, 2023 by Ewen Finser

In 2015, the San Francisco-based software company Flexport revolutionized the world with its cloud software and data analytics platform. Flexport offers a wide range of cloud-based services for their clients, such as freight (air, ocean freight, truck, and rail), warehousing, drayage and cartage, financing and insurance, and even customs brokerage.

Do you need a freight forwarding service? 44% of freight forwarding customers say they love the service due to the provider’s expertise and cost-savings opportunities.

If you think you’ll benefit from freight forwarding (digital freight forwarder tools), you might think Flexport is the company you should choose. But is Flexport the best option for you? Here are the best Flexport alternatives.

What Is Flexport?

Flexport is a freight forwarding company and the first of its kind to fully function on an online dashboard. The company was founded by Ryan Petersen in 2013. His goal was to simplify the transportation of large-scale goods and shipping internationally, all while using software and automation.

They aim to digitize the shipping process, including the international shipping process. Products can move through customs with ease thanks to their global network.

Flexport is also unique thanks to its standards on compliance and regulation. With every freight shipment, Flexport promises there will be an expert involved in every shipment they process.

How can customers receive these benefits at a lower cost? You can thank technology. Technology enables fewer transaction costs and automates the shipping process so you find the best rates. In addition, technology reduces the number of errors in your shipment, not only saving you time but also money.

Flexport has also been receiving attention from the press. For example, Inc. places Flexport on the number 8 spot of the 10 Fastest-Growing Companies and the fastest growing in the shipping market in 2019.

Why Do Customers Love Flexport?

There are many reasons why customers love Flexport. For starters, it’s modernizing the shipping and freight industry. We’re rapidly relying on technology more every year, and Flexport is one of the many technological freight solutions available.

One of the key solutions offered by their platform is connecting all freight functions. The freight process has many steps: when there’s an order, warehousing staff has to get the order together, and the order goes through the shipping process.

Handling this process manually is difficult and time-consuming; now, e-commerce brands can simplify this process with freight technology, which also saves money and enhances visibility in all departments. You’ll also have quicker shipments and some customers even reported early shipments.

Flexport also offers additional benefits. This includes improving customer service, logistics analytics, and tracking processes. Flexport is also scalable, so growing businesses can always have a solution. Because Flexport has expertise in freight and international shipping, brands will experience fewer delays when shipping overseas.

Flexport Pros and Cons

Flexport offers many benefits for businesses of all sizes. But Flexport may not be the best solution for you. Here are the important pros and cons you should know.

Pros

• Manages the supply chain efficiently
• User-friendly and easy-to-use software
• Effective KPI tracking
• Manages shipments effectively
• Excellent customer service
• Real-time visualization of importing status
• Search function for past shipments
• Offers supply chain solutions on one dashboard
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Even though Flexport prides itself on having humans and technology work on your freight, many customers complain that the company isn’t as personal as they expected.
• If there’s something wrong with a shipment (late shipments, etc.) Flexport doesn’t take the blame. Many customersdon’t think that’s fair, especially since Flexport promises to have an expert overseeing all shipments.

Best Alternative to Flexport: ITS Dispatch

There’s a reason why ITS Dispatch is the number one Freight Broker solution in North America. Not only is ITS Dispatch easy to use but its software is also affordable.

Even though they target small and medium-sized businesses, anyone can benefit from this powerful freight broker software. Some of the features of this software include load tracking, one-click invoicing, complete load management, carrier payables, and integrations such as with Quickbooks.

Not only that, but you have free support and the software can support unlimited users.

Pros

• Has the ability to expand in case you need more capabilities
• If you host your own trucks, you can calculate fuel.
• Can connect drivers and shippers easily
• Supports freight both nationwide and USMCA
• User-friendly
• Create invoices easily

Cons

• Some users have reported software issues and bugs
• Support is closed on weekends
• Some users have reported inputting information can be difficult

Tailwind TMS Software

Tailwind TMS offers powerful software that’s perfect for freight brokerages and trucking companies.

On their platform, you can manage customers, operations, admin, dispatch, and you receive a free POD capture app. Tailwind TMS also supports different integrations, such as payroll and Quickbooks.

Pros

• Powerful software with incredible features
• Excellent customer service

Cons

• Some users reported this software can be slow

FreightPOP

FreightPOP is a cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) that aims to make logistics simple. They have one login that lets you manage all inbound and outbound transportations. This includes LTL, parcel, ocean, FTL, and international air (global trade air freight).

Customers especially love how they can use FreightPOP to get the best deals on shipping. That’s because FreightPOP has over 300 connections to different brokers, carriers, and marketplaces.

Another benefit of FreightPOP is it can work with your existing workflow. You can integrate FreightPOP with different WMS, ERP, and CRM systems.

Some of their most well-known clients include NewEgg, Toshiba, and Forever 21. FreightPOP is ideal for a variety of businesses, especially e-commerce. Even automakers can ship with FreightPOP.

Pros

• Accurate data collection
• Easy-to-use software
• Excellent customer service
• Loaded with features
• Easily track your shipments

Cons

• There is no mobile app

Shipwell

Shipwell is one of the leading platforms enabling tech solutions for the supply chain industry. They power their system with machine learning and you see all data in real-time. They’re also continuously improving their system and always find ways to deliver better business intelligence.

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• Track all shipments in real-time

Cons

• Some users reported glitches, especially when uploading load details or adding several purchases to a load

Freightview

Do you ship parcel or LTL freight? If so, you’ll want to use Freightview. Freightview shows you all negotiated parcel shipping rates so you can easily find the best option. You can also prepare bills of lading, schedule pickups, track your shipments, and print shipping labels.

Freightview makes the process as easy as possible. They offer a unified address book to save addresses. You can also visualize your shipping data in different ways, such as a graph, chart, spreadsheet, and report.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Data is readily available
• Excellent customer service

Cons

• Editing capabilities aren’t as flexible as competitors’

Trimble TMS

Trimble TMS offers all functions you need for your operations, such as route optimization, load planning, tracking, dispatch, and driver and equipment managing.

This software is even optimized for administrative functions, such as payroll, invoicing, document management and accounting, and settlements.

Pros

• Packed with necessary features for your operations
• Easy to use

Cons

• Users reported the system frequently crashes as well as issues with receiving data and sending documents

Kuebix TMS

If Trimble isn’t a powerful enough system, you’ll love Kuebix. This TMS uses advanced Freight intelligence to optimize supply chain opportunities with control, visibility, and the use of predictive analytics.

It also meets supply chain needs with integrations, premier applications, and managed service programs. Since it’s built on the latest cloud technology, it has a low TOC and rapid implementations.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Can easily perform essential functions, such as booking shipments
• Excellent customer service
• Reporting can be customized to fit your company’s analytical needs

Cons

• Users reported the shipment tracking is unreliable

Logitude World

Logitude World is a true freight forwarding software solution powered with SaaS. This platform runs on the cloud; it not only covers the full freight lifecycle but does so with optimum functionality.

The entire platform is easy to use and features different modules. You can also work on a shipment directly using predefined modules.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Full range of features
• Powered by the cloud

Cons

• Users have complained about the customer service

GoFreight

GoFreight is unique because it’s a full web-based freight management software. This platform increases efficiency because you and your team can work from anywhere.

The software is high-quality and will assist you with all daily freight tasks. This includes security filing, ocean/air/inland operations, inventory control, invoicing, freight tracking, load plan, sales, PO management, and accounting.

Pros

• Packed full of powerful features
• Administrative features are also effective
• Also offers a profit and volume chart, aiding in important business decisions
• Efficient web-based platform
• Excellent customer service

Cons

• Some users complained the software still lacks functions (though they’re always adding new functions)
• Users complained that some functions are difficult to use

Logistically TMS

Logistically TMS is the perfect solution for brokers, 3PLs, and shippers. It’s a cloud-based software that’s powerful yet simple to use. Logistically TMS offers full lifecycle management support on one platform, from payment to billing.

This is also an affordable option, perfect for the smallest companies. But Logistically TMS comes packed with advanced features, analytics, and insights so big companies can also benefit from this platform.

Logistically TMS also integrates with any back-office system at no extra cost, as long as it uses industry-standard APIs.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Can view pricing and time for shipments

Cons

• Users said the platform could use more features

Descartes Aljex

Descartes Aljex is another platform that’s ideal for businesses of all sizes. Some of the biggest companies in the world, such as Pepsi Logistics, use Descartes Aljex. But Aljex also has convenient package options for small businesses.

These packages are packed with all essential functions, such as a customer web portal, accounting, factors, carriers, and agent offices. These packages are offered at an incredible value so anyone can afford this software.

Descartes Aljex also uses state-of-the-art cloud-based software. Unlike other platforms on this list, Aljex also includes training and hosting.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Incredibly fast
• Works efficiently
• Since it’s a cloud-based platform, you can use the software from anywhere
• Optimizes different integrations
• Effective freight management
• Users reported they made a great ROI

Cons

• Not customizable

Dossier Fleet Maintenance

Dossier Fleet Maintenance supports for-hire, private, and public fleets. This platform runs on automation, not only improving efficiency but can also save you time and money.

Dossier Fleet Maintenance automates your PM scheduling, fleet records, fuel costs and MPGs, repair orders and histories, parts inventory control, cost control, work pending and campaign management, auto reordering, tire management, warranty management, license/permit renewals, and more.

Pros

• Effective functions and features
• Impressive automation capabilities

Cons

• This platform provides training, but it’s costly

ShipHawk

Are you a mid-level company or large enterprise that needs more advanced solutions? If so, ShipHawk should be your choice. ShipHawk automates warehouse operations, order fulfillment, and more. This platform can also help you save on shipping.

Pros

• Handles many tasks for you, such as negotiating rates and updating tracking information
• Works with multiple shipping partners
• Handles a variety of functions on one platform
• Excellent customer service

Cons

• Not a good option if you’re not familiar with the industry — they handle many complex functions that are made for bigger and more experienced businesses

TruckingOffice

TruckingOffice is more than just a TMS software. This software aims to help you profit. It does so by showing you which loads make more money and which make you less money.

TruckingOffice also makes organization easy — you can use this software to manage your expenses, dispatches, and invoices. This software also makes it easy to keep up with your truck maintenance as well as your drivers.

Pros

• Offers comprehensive features and tracking
• Expense control
• Full dispatch data
• Driver compensation calculation
• Easy to use
• Lots of flexibility
• Cloud-based platform
• Excellent customer service

Cons

• Can be time-consuming to learn and use
• No integration
• Can’t be used for freight brokerage

FAQs

Conclusion: Top Flexport Competitors and Alternatives

Our pick for the top Flexport competitor is ITS Dispatch. This is one of the most recognized and highly rated freight software platforms in the country. It’s an easy to use platform that comes packed with features, more features than even Flexport can boast.

But there are many high-quality freight and shipping platforms that cater to all types of businesses and businesses of all sizes. Look into each of these companies and decide which ones work best for you.

Many of these platforms offer data analytics. But do you need a more robust reporting tool? Take a look at how to find the best data analytics tools.