Track every order, manage every exception
Follow every order from creation through dispatch to delivery in one traceable view. Handle exceptions like delays, additional costs or missing documents in the moment they arise.
All your transport orders in one place
Once an order is scheduled, it reaches the carrier by email with a link or through a direct API connection. Using their free alpha-TMS account, they confirm the booking, change the collection or delivery date, register additional costs, upload documents such as a POD or damage report, report delays and send messages. Every action, by you and by the carrier, is recorded on the order in a clear timeline, and emails are logged too, so the full history of every shipment stays visible to everyone involved.
Order statuses keep you updated
Each order moves through a fixed set of statuses, shown at a glance on the order overview page, so there is always consensus between you and your carrier.
01
Forecast: newly created and planned, but not yet finalised.
02
Pre-advised: the carrier received an advance notice.
03
Requested: sent to the carrier and awaiting their confirmation.
04
Booked: confirmed by the carrier and ready for collection.
05
Collected: the goods have been picked up by the carrier.
06
Early / Late: based on an estimated time of arrival (ETA).
07
Delivered: the goods have arrived at their final destination.
08
Invoiced: the invoice has been matched or self-billed.
09
Closed: now complete and archived, with nothing outstanding.
Orders cancelled by either the client or the carrier are marked clearly and kept out of the active flow.
Digital connection for larger carriers
Every carrier works in alpha-TMS through their free account. Carriers with higher volumes can also request a digital connection via API or EDI, linking alpha-TMS directly to their own ERP or WMS, so that data flows both ways with no manual entry. The only difference is automation. Actions a carrier would otherwise perform by hand by clicking the unique link in each order, such as confirming a booking, adding the actual delivery date or returning a POD, happen automatically once connected. Each update still lands on the order and in the timeline exactly as a manual one would, so you work from one consistent view. Live status, ETAs and track-and-trace can also be provided.
View track & trace
Delivery performance measurement
When a delivery date or time is registered in alpha-TMS and the order has been delivered later than requested, it is automatically flagged. The carrier or our clients can record a delay reason, chosen from a defined list. The reason is captured on the order, alongside the planned and actual dates. Over time, this turns every late delivery into structured data: how often orders arrive on time, why the rest run late, and how each carrier performs. Combined with scheduling performance measured in the Scheduler, alpha-TMS enables full delivery performance and OTIF reporting.
Key order management functions
Order tagging
Flag orders, for example, when an appointment needs to be made.
Messaging
Send and receive (e-mail) messages directly on the order.
Real-time tracking
Follow each shipment through track-and-trace links.
Document management
PODs, damage reports and other documents on the order.
Cost management
Register waiting hours, extra delivery attempts and more.
Full cost overview
Base rate, slot, tolls, fuel, surcharges and discounts.
Timeline
Every change, message and notification recorded in one place.
Status management
Track each order from forecast through to closed.
Delay reasons
Logged on late orders to measure delivery performance.
Issue flagging
Highlight and follow up on problem orders quickly.
Pre-advising
Automatically e-mail carriers a pre-advise overview.
Output actions
PDF, email link, labels, loading list and export.
Order management software
Alpha-TMS brings transport order management for outsourced freight into one place. From a single environment, shippers track every order from forecast to delivery while carriers confirm bookings, change dates, register costs and upload documents through a free account with or without a direct API or EDI connection. Every interaction is recorded in a clear timeline, exceptions such as delays and additional costs are handled in the moment, and delay reasons feed into delivery performance and OTIF reporting. The result is full visibility and control over outsourced road freight, from dispatch to delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about alpha-TMS
What is order management in alpha-TMS?
Order management in alpha-TMS is the central layer that tracks every transport order from creation through to delivery and settlement. Each order moves through a fixed set of statuses, with every action — by you or your carrier — recorded in one clear timeline.
How do carriers interact with orders in alpha-TMS?
Carriers work through a free alpha-TMS account. They receive orders by email with a secure link, or through a direct API or EDI connection. They can confirm bookings, change dates, register costs, upload documents such as PODs, report delays and send messages — all directly on the order.
What order statuses does alpha-TMS use?
Alpha-TMS uses a fixed set of order statuses: Forecast, Pre-advised, Requested, Booked, Collected, Early/Late, Delivered, Invoiced and Closed. Each status is shown at a glance on the order overview page, so there is always consensus between you and your carrier.
Does alpha-TMS prefer certain carriers?
No. We are fully independent and have no agreements with carriers. This means we have no preference — the interest of our clients is always our top priority.
How does alpha-TMS support delivery performance measurement?
When a delivery runs late, alpha-TMS automatically flags it. A delay reason can be recorded from a defined list. Over time, this structured data feeds delivery performance and OTIF reporting — so you can see how often orders arrive on time, why the rest run late, and how each carrier performs.
Can carriers connect to alpha-TMS via API or EDI?
Yes. Carriers with higher volumes can request a digital connection via API or EDI. This links alpha-TMS directly to their own ERP or WMS so that data flows both ways automatically. Manual and connected carriers work side by side in the same system.
What documents can be managed on an order?
Carriers and clients can upload PODs, damage reports and any other documents directly on the order. These are stored in the order timeline and visible to all parties involved.