AscendTMS vs Shipwell TMS

AscendTMS is transportation management software for freight brokers, carriers, fleets, third-party logistics providers and shippers. Its road-freight tools cover load management, financials and profit monitoring, route review, load documentation, and branch and department management. Load searching, posting and truck matching are included; access to DAT or Truckstop.com services requires a separate subscription. Users can post loads to as many as 53 load boards, though subscriptions may be required. AscendTracker can request a driver's GPS location and status by text message, without a driver app. Carrier checks include verification, qualification and fraud detection using an MC or DOT number. Basic costs $69 a month per user, Premium $119 a month per user, and PRO $149 a month per user. Premium adds accounting functions, while PRO includes shipper profiles and leads, e-signatures, KPI reporting, outbound EDI and order management. The software runs on Android, iOS and the web, and offers a 30-day trial. Subscriptions are monthly, with no setup fees or contract periods and cancellation at any time.

Shipwell TMS connects transportation operations from sales order through freight audit, with real-time visibility, AI-powered decision support, and carrier connectivity. It brings freight procurement, exception management, invoice settlement, and spend analysis into one environment. Users can plan, price, book, and track road, rail, ocean, and parcel shipments across carriers, brokers, and fleets. Its supplier portal supports onboarding, purchase order creation and release, order visibility, notifications, and shipment creation. Shipwell describes the platform as API-first, with REST, SOAP, and webhook connectivity; ERP integrations can use API data exchange or flat-file transfers over SFTP. AI Workers and RFP Automation are standalone modules within the same environment. The TMS is available on web, Android, and iOS, and Shipwell describes native shipper and driver apps. The driver app lets carriers view and bid on freight, see upcoming shipments, and communicate with shippers and 3PLs. Shipwell states that the platform is SOC 2 compliant and has an uptime target of 99.9999%. Pricing is by customized quote; prospective customers are directed to sales. Shipwell says it began in 2016 as OtterLogic and is based in Austin, Texas.