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TMS for general cargo partnerships: Successfully integrating CargoLine, 24plus, and VTL
It all began in 1982. That was when IDS Logistik GmbH was founded, marking the launch of Germany’s first general cargo cooperative. It marked the birth of medium-sized transport networks and set a precedent that would be emulated by others.
Subsequent partnerships such as CargoLine, 24plus, and VTL (Vernetzte-Transport-Logistik), along with IDS, enable nationwide distribution, high shipment volumes, and competitive transit times. Not only customer service but also the demands placed on the IT systems of partner companies have risen steadily since the 1980s.
Siloed solutions create narrow boundaries
Shipment data must be exchanged in real time, status updates must be transmitted automatically, labels must be generated correctly, and network specifications must be reliably adhered to. Anyone who still relies on siloed systems, manual data entry, or Excel spreadsheets to support these processes will quickly reach their limits.
A modern transport management system (TMS) is therefore increasingly becoming the central platform for collaboration within general cargo consortia. What matters most is not only the management of a company’s own transport processes, but also, and in particular, the seamless integration of the relevant network standards.
The challenge: Different systems, shared network
Each general cargo partnership defines its own processes, communication standards, and data exchange requirements. These include, for example, barcode and label standards, as well as quality and service metrics.
Examples of different processes and standards across various general cargo networks:
- Shipment Notifications
- Barcode and Label Standards
- Status and Event Messages
- Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
- Clearing and settlement data
- Interfaces to mainframe computers
- Quality and Service Metrics
For the affiliated partners, this results in a complex IT landscape. In addition to their own TMS, telematics systems, warehouse management systems, customer portals, driver apps, and network platforms often need to communicate with one another.
Without seamless integration, data silos are created. Employees must enter data multiple times, manually update status information, or correct errors in the interfaces. Especially given the growing shortage of skilled workers, automating these processes is becoming a key competitive advantage.
The consequences of a lack of integration into general cargo networks:
- Increased administrative burden
- Delayed information flow
- Higher error rates
- Lower quality of service
- Declining productivity
Integration, not parallel worlds
Many freight forwarders have gradually expanded their IT infrastructure over the years. They often have one system for scheduling, another for billing, and additional specialized software for communicating with their partners.
The result is parallel data sets and redundant processes.
A modern TMS takes a different approach: All information is consolidated into a central database. This allows network data to be processed automatically and integrated directly into operational workflows. For dispatchers, this means, for example, that shipment data is automatically imported and status information is immediately available.
Employees continue to work in their familiar interface, while the TMS handles communication with the respective partner in the background.
Benefits of a TMS integrated into general cargo networks for dispatchers:
- automatic import of shipment data
- direct communication with the network
- immediate access to status information
- Centralized processing of all orders
Efficient shipment registration and data exchange
A key factor for success in general cargo networks is the quality of shipment data. Incorrect addresses, missing references, or incomplete information can quickly lead to inquiries, delays, and additional costs. An integrated TMS provides support right from the order entry stage through plausibility checks and automatic data validation.
As soon as an order is approved, the relevant information can be automatically transferred to the respective partner. At the same time, the necessary network identifiers, barcodes, or labels are generated in accordance with the specifications. This significantly reduces manual effort while improving data quality.
Transparency along the entire transport chain
Today, customers expect to be able to check the current status of their shipment at any time. However, this level of transparency can only be guaranteed if all network partners provide their information in a timely manner.
Modern TMS solutions automatically process status updates from partners and make them immediately available to the relevant employees. This creates a digital flow of information across the entire transport chain, eliminating the need for time-consuming phone calls.
Benefits of transparency within general cargo networks:
- Shipment histories can be tracked seamlessly
- Delays are identified early on
- Customers can be proactively informed
- Service requests are answered more quickly
Quality management based on up-to-date data
General cargo consortia measure their partners’ performance using a variety of quality metrics. Transit times, delivery rates, and damage rates are regularly factored into these evaluations.
Without the right IT support, it is difficult to keep track of these metrics in real time. An integrated TMS can automatically analyze relevant network data and display it in dashboards. For example, freight forwarding managers can quickly get an overview of delivery time variances or delivery issues.
Deviations are identified early on and can be addressed in a targeted manner before they negatively impact quality metrics.
Integrated TMS systems provide an overview of:
- Duration deviations
- critical shipments
- Delivery issues
- Complaint Trends
- Network performance
The Role of pLG TMS in General Cargo Partnerships
With pLG TMS, the proLogistik Group offers a solution specifically tailored to the needs of transportation and logistics companies, which also takes into account the requirements of modern general cargo networks.
The key advantage lies in end-to-end process support: from order entry through scheduling and telematics to billing, all processes are managed within a single integrated platform.
For partners in various general cargo consortia, this means that network communication is not viewed as a separate process, but is directly integrated into daily workflows.
Thanks to centralized data storage, all information is always up to date—regardless of whether it comes from within your own organization or from the network.
The pLG TMS solution supports partners by:
- automated shipment registrations
- standardized data exchange processes
- Real-time status management
- Shipment tracking
- Management dashboards
- Settlement and Clearing Processes
- Integration of mobile driver applications
Proven interfaces to various networks
General cargo carriers considering a new TMS should also take into account the possibility of switching to other networks or expanding to include additional partnerships. With this in mind, it is helpful if the software already has as many proven interfaces to general cargo networks as possible. The pLG TMS solution from proLogistik has a long track record in this area and is capable of communicating with various organizations, including 24plus, CargoLine, and VTL.
Existing interfaces between pLG TMS and general cargo networks:
- 24+
- CargoLine
- CTL
- Dialogue
- GEL
- GLS
- ILN
- Online
- STAR
- UPS
- VTL
- Palletways
References build trust
Another important factor to consider when selecting a TMS for general cargo carriers is the provider’s experience and track record. The pLG TMS software is one of the most widely used solutions.
Consequently, many logistics service providers rely on pLG TMS. At CargoLine, for example, these include partners such as Amm, Hartmann, Schmelz, Schäfflein, Hinderberger, Grassl, BHS, Streit & Co, and Rüdinger.
Rüdinger Spedition GmbH is also a partner in the 24plus network and uses pLG TMS for both partnerships. Through its partnership with Stuttgart-based LSU Schäberle Logistik & Speditions-Union, pLG TMS is also represented in the VTL partnership.
There are specific case studies on the use of pLG TMS by the freight forwarders Rüdinger and LSU Schäberle.
Less effort required for scheduling
In general cargo freight forwarding in particular, dispatchers are under considerable time pressure. High shipment volumes, last-minute changes, and customer inquiries define their daily work.
The less time spent on administrative tasks, the more the dispatching team can focus on its core responsibility: optimizing traffic flow.
An integrated TMS significantly reduces manual effort by automating many routine tasks. These include, for example, data transfers and document generation. This frees up valuable time for employees to focus on operational decisions and customer service.
Routine tasks that can be automated using an integrated TMS:
- Data transfers
- Status updates
- Document creation
- Event monitoring
- Network Communication
Future-proofing through open platforms
The requirements within general cargo networks are constantly evolving. New tracking standards, real-time information, ETA calculations, and AI-powered forecasts will play an increasingly important role in the future. That is why freight forwarders should consider not only current features when selecting their TMS, but also the solution’s long-term scalability.
Open platforms with modern interfaces provide the foundation for quickly implementing new collaboration requirements and easily integrating additional systems. This is particularly important for small and medium-sized businesses as a way to safeguard their investments over the long term.
Conclusion
Successful collaboration with general cargo networks such as CargoLine, 24plus, or VTL now depends largely on a robust IT infrastructure. Manual processes and isolated applications are no longer able to meet the growing demands for transparency, data quality, and speed.
A modern transportation management system provides the necessary foundation for end-to-end digital processes and automated data exchange with networks. This reduces administrative burdens, improves service quality, and noticeably lightens the workload for employees.
With pLG TMS, general cargo freight forwarders have access to a solution that brings together the requirements of partnerships and day-to-day operations on a single, centralized platform. For freight forwarding managers and executives, this means not only more efficient processes, but also the opportunity to sustainably strengthen their competitive edge within general cargo networks.