Best 10 logistics intelligence software solutions (2024)

The importance of logistics intelligence in today's e-commerce landscape

Painful fact in the e-commerce sector is that logistics expenses represent 15-20% of net sales. The integration of real-time data analytics is therefore essential to make better decisions for optimizing logistical efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Almost a fifth of consumer goods executives emphasize the critical role of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in logistics optimisation. Predictions even suggest that AI will facilitate 95% of customer interactions by 2025. 

AI and machine learning not only offer advanced solutions for inventory management but also set new benchmarks in customer service through AI-driven chatbots, ensuring immediate and effective communication. 

These technologies are great solutions to deal with external issues like supply chain disruptions. 

What is logistics intelligence software exactly?

Logistics intelligence software can be described as high-tech platforms that use data analytics to monitor and improve the performance of logistical processes. These solutions collect various types of data from multiple sources to provide actionable insights into shipping, tracking, and overall supply chain management. 

Who needs logistics intelligence software?

Logistics intelligence software is relevant for a broad range of players in e-commerce, especially two specific groups:

Logistics intelligence software for online retailers

Logistics intelligence software is a vital asset for online retailers. It helps them to tackle logistical challenges that directly impact customer satisfaction.

By leveraging integrated logistics data, retailers can effectively evaluate carrier performance, enabling informed decisions in selecting the best partners for their business.

This software anticipates delays and communicates any issues to end customers, preventing frustration and enhancing the delivery experience. Additionally, it automates the resolution of shipping issues, significantly reducing the workload of the customer service department.

Logistics intelligence software for 3PL businesses

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers rely on efficiency and trust as their currency. Logistics intelligence software serves as the strategic asset essential for achieving this goal. 

This software gives 3PL businesses a detailed look into their operations. It tracks shipments, manages inventory, and optimizes transportation routes. This helps identify bottlenecks and streamline processes.

By using predictive analytics, companies can foresee logistical challenges and tackle them proactively, increasing customers’ trust. This proactive approach not only enhances effectiveness but also boosts confidence in the 3PL provider's capabilities.

The top 10 logistics intelligence software solutions of 2024

Let’s explore the top 10 logistics intelligence software solutions for 2024. These platforms offer unique features and stand out for their functionalities. Each solution has been carefully selected based on its innovation, market performance, and user feedback.

1. Tracey by Sendcloud

Website: Tracey by Sendcloud 

Tracey (yes, that’s us) leverages Europe’s largest dataset of shipping events to empower businesses in making informed shipping logistics decisions. 

Our parcel monitoring platform provides actionable data insights, aimed at reducing dependency on carriers and optimizing delivery experiences.

What makes us different? We include independent and highly reliable delivery predictions, carrier benchmarking, and the ability to manage parcels proactively. 

You can connect Tracey to your current systems through shipping and CS software integrations, or use the API to send shipping data directly to custom systems or data warehouses.

For: Enterprise businesses dealing with multiple carriers in various markets and/or shipping high-value or time-sensitive products

Key features:

• Smart parcel monitoring: For proactive solutions against lost or delayed parcels
• Delivery predictions: Based on historical shipping data, helping to make strategic decisions and proactively updating customers on delivery exceptions
• Carrier performance benchmarking: To compare 40+ worldwide carriers and choose the ones that best fit your shipping needs

Pricing: Custom pricing based on business requirements - more info available upon request

”Tracey’s plug-and-play business intelligence visuals put data from different carriers in a standardized format, making it easy to evaluate a carrier’s performance and compare it to other carriers.” - Roeland Lengers, IT Director Active Ants

2. Sifted

Website: Sifted 

Sifted logistics intelligence offers a mix of AI-driven insights, real-time monitoring, and carrier management, used for manufacturing and retail sectors, especially mid-market and small businesses. 

Its combination of features aims to boost shipping efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

For: Mid-market and small-business. Primarily manufacturing and retail industries.

Key features:

• Insights & alerts: Continuous monitoring for updates on shipping spending and performance
• Decision support: AI-driven modeling tools for supply chain adjustments, including impact assessments of changes in package sizes or distribution centers
• Carrier management: Tools for managing carrier operations and securing competitive rates

Pricing: SaaS model with tiered pricing plans - more info available upon request

3. Reveel

Website: Reveel 

Reveel is a smart logistics platform that uses AI to optimize parcel shipping. It simplifies the process of creating and managing shipping agreements, keeps track of contract terms, and enhances recovery services. With features like the Reveel Peer Index, businesses can compare shipping performance and uncover cost-saving opportunities.

For: Targeted at mid-market and enterprise segments

Key features:

• AI-powered monitoring: Automated tracking and comparison of carrier agreements
• Audit and recovery: Identification and recovery of billing overcharges
• Peer benchmarking: Comparative analysis with similar companies for strategic insights

Pricing: Customized based on business needs

4. FreightWaves SONAR

Website: FreightWaves SONAR 

Sonar offers logistics intelligence with real-time data across all transport modes globally, tailored for diverse industries. It offers advanced benchmarking, analysis, forecasting, customisable dashboards, and API integrations for operational efficiency. 

For: Businesses across various industries seeking freight market insights to guide decision-making.

Key features:

• Exclusive data access: Offers timely insights into global freight movements and market trends through near real-time data
• Advanced analytics tools: Provides analysis and forecasting capabilities for market insights
• Customisable integration: Enables enhanced operational efficiency with adaptable dashboards and API integrations 

Pricing: Custom pricing based on business requirements

5. Lojistic

Website: Lojistic 

Lojistic is a free logistics intelligence and analytics platform that offers tools for reducing shipping costs along with analytics and carrier connectivity. It aims to streamline shipping processes and provide actionable insights for businesses.

For: Businesses exploring cost-effective solutions for optimizing their shipping logistics

Key features:

• Historical shipment data: Provides practical insights based on historical shipment data
• Direct carrier management: Its ‘Carrier Connectors’ feature facilitates direct scheduling, route optimisation, and logistics management with carriers
• Analytics and integration: Offers analytics reports and a customisable API for integration with existing systems

Pricing: Free + add-ons available

6. 7bridges

Website: 7bridges 

7bridges offers a three-layered solution for optimizing supply chain management. The Baseline & Benchmarking layer evaluates performance and costs, the Simulation layer explores strategic factors, and the Automation layer streamlines shipping processes for improved efficiency.

For: Global and cross-border e-commerce enterprises

Key features:

• AI capabilities: Uses AI for real-time predictive analytics and scenario testing
• Comprehensive data integration: Provides a unified platform for all supply chain data, enhancing visibility and control
• Customisable AI workflows: Enables the creation of AI workflows tailored to specific supply chain challenges

Pricing: Customized to client needs

7. Parcel Perform

Website: Parcel Perform 

Parcel Perform is a platform designed to assist e-commerce businesses in improving their logistics and customer experience. It has features like comprehensive carrier integration, AI-driven predictive analytics, and customisable engagement tools, including branded tracking widget and tracking notifications.

For: E-commerce businesses in need of detailed logistics management and enhanced customer delivery experiences.

Key features:

• Carrier integration: Integrates with various carriers, providing logistics tracking capabilities
• Predictive analytics: Uses AI to forecast Estimated Delivery Dates (EDD) and generate logistics insights
• Customisation: Offers a tracking widget and delivery notifications that can be customized according to business and customer preferences

Pricing: Customized to client needs

8. ShipScience

Website: ShipScience 

ShipScience is a web-based logistics intelligence platform tailored for e-commerce businesses, focusing on shipping cost optimization and operational efficiency through data-driven insights.

For: E-commerce businesses of all sizes

Key features:

• Automated refunds: Uses algorithms for automatic refund claims on shipping issues
• AI-assisted analytics: Features AI for tracking and refund management
• Tailored dashboard: Offers a customisable dashboard for a unified view of multiple shipping accounts

Pricing: Customized to client needs

9. DAT iQ

Website: DAT iQ 

DAT iQ is a cloud-based analytics tool for freight brokers and shippers, focusing on providing data on freight rates, capacity, and performance analytics. It offers functionalities aimed at improving decision-making in freight logistics.

For: Freight brokers and shippers

Key features:

• RateView analytics: Provides pricing data with accuracy for a wide range of lanes, aiming for up-to-date market insights
• Benchmark analytics: Enables users to compare their freight spending against broader market trends and identify potential risks
• Custom analytics: Offers report customisation and market analysis, including data visualization capabilities

Pricing: Customized to client needs

10. Auditshipment.com

Website: Auditshipment.com 

AuditShipment.com is a cloud-based, AI-powered software solution designed for auditing shipping invoices to identify errors like incorrect charges and delays. 

It features error detection, predictive analytics for delivery issues, shipment tracking, and integrates with various third-party platforms.

For: E-commerce businesses, retailers needing invoice auditing and shipping optimisation.

Key features:

• Automated invoice error detection: Identifies surcharges, billing, and delivery errors automatically
• Predictive analytics and tracking: Offers insights on potential delivery problems and real-time tracking
• Extensive third-party integrations: Compatible with numerous logistics, accounting, and POS systems

Pricing: 

• Basic plan: Free for up to 50 packages/month
• Premium plan: 30% fee for successful refunds + unlimited packages available

How to choose the right type of logistics intelligence software

Selecting the right logistics intelligence software is crucial to optimizing your shipping operations and avoiding wasting time on choosing the wrong one. When selecting a tool take the time to evaluate its features and capabilities to ensure it meets your business needs and goals. 

Here are key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Areas of logistics operations

Your operations may span from warehousing to last-mile delivery. Look for software that offers full coverage across your logistical footprint. 

Imagine you’re shipping a large amount of your total shipments cross-border. Then it becomes essential to look for software with in-depth international logistics features, including customs clearance and international freight rate comparisons

2. Type of industry

Your industry's specific needs can significantly influence your choice of logistics intelligence software. A retailer specializing in perishable goods, for instance, will benefit from software that offers advanced features for cold chain logistics, including temperature tracking and real-time alerts. 

In contrast, an electronics retailer might prioritize software with strong capabilities in handling returns and warranty claims.

3. Compatibility with existing systems

The best logistics intelligence software should seamlessly integrate with your current tech stack. It means minimal disruption to your operations and leveraging existing data for actionable insights. 

Assess the software’s ability to integrate with your Warehouse Management System (WMS), customer service management software, and other critical operational tools.

4. Company size

Software scalability is crucial. For small to medium enterprises (SMEs), simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness might be essential.

Large enterprises, on the other hand, may need more robust, feature-rich platforms. Large enterprises often deal with complex supply chains and high transaction volumes. The right software should be able to handle this, without compromising performance.

5. Shipping volumes and types

Consider your average shipping volumes and the diversity of your shipments. High-volume shippers will need software capable of processing vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently. 

If you're dealing with a mix of parcel, LTL (Less Than Truckload), and FTL (Full Truckload) shipments, your software needs to be really good at dealing with all these different needs..

6. Integrations

The value of software intelligence software often lies in its ability to play well with others. Essential integrations include e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and carrier systems. 

These integrations not only streamline operations but also ensure accuracy and timeliness in shipping rate calculation, label printing, and tracking.

Optimize your shipping operations with Tracey's data-driven logistics

The journey to choosing the right logistics intelligence software is not about finding a one-size-fits-all solution but selecting a tool that aligns with your businesses’ needs and objectives.

By considering the outlined factors, you position your business to leverage software that not only addresses current inefficiencies but also scales to meet future demands. 

At Tracey, we're on a mission to empower online retailers and 3PLs with smart insights and tools to improve the overall delivery experience. 

By working with a data-driven approach, you not only optimize your shipping operations but also surprise customers with proactive support. Resulting in a decrease of your total cost of shipping, more satisfied customers and an increase in revenue. 

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