software de logística – Hedyla.com | Software de logística para la optimización de procesos

What Is an API in Logistics and Why Is It Key to Connecting Your TMS?

Raquel Pérez — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:15:43 +0000

An order arrives by email.

Someone enters it into the ERP.

Then it is entered again into the TMS to plan the route.

Later, the information is sent to the warehouse to prepare the shipment.

Once the delivery is completed, the proof of delivery returns to the administrative department to close the process and generate the invoice.

Each step seems simple on its own. The problem arises when this sequence is repeated hundreds or thousands of times every week.

Many transport and logistics companies already have specialized tools to manage different parts of their operations. However, a large part of the daily workload still consists of moving information from one system to another.

Copying data.

Exporting files.

Importing spreadsheets.

Sending emails.

Validating information manually.

Meanwhile, teams spend time on administrative tasks that add little value to the operation.

That is why, when a company considers implementing a transportation TMS, one of the most important questions should not focus solely on the software’s features. It should also consider how the system will exchange information with the other tools used on a daily basis.

This is where APIs become critically important.

What Is an API in Logistics?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. o Interfaz de Programación de Aplicaciones.

Although it may sound like a technical concept, its purpose is quite simple: to allow two systems to share information automatically.

An API acts as a communication channel between different applications.

Through an API, one system can request data, send information, or update records in another platform without requiring manual intervention.

A common example in logistics is order creation.

When an order is generated in an ERP and automatically appears in the TMS ready for planning, an API is usually responsible for that information exchange.

The same happens when a GPS platform sends real-time vehicle locations, when a customer checks the status of a delivery, or when a digital document is automatically stored in the corresponding system.

An API does not replace applications. Instead, it enables them to work together.

And the more connected the systems are, the less effort is required to keep information updated.

The Real Problem Is Not the Software—It’s That the Systems Cannot Communicate

Over the years, many organizations have adopted new tools to solve specific needs.

An ERP for business management.

Transportation management software.

A GPS platform for the fleet.

Mobile applications for drivers.

Document management tools.

Customer portals.

Individually, each system may work perfectly.

The problem appears when information does not flow between them.

That is when processes start to emerge that eventually become part of the daily routine:

Exporting orders to import them into another platform.
Updating statuses manually.
Searching for documents through email threads.
Entering the same information multiple times.
Comparing data across different systems.

Beyond the time they consume, these tasks generate errors, delays, and a lack of visibility that ultimately affects the entire operation.

In fact, many of these situations are signs that the operation has grown faster than the tools used to manage it. Before starting a technology project, it is worth reviewing how processes are currently managed, what information flows between departments, and how prepared the organization is to work in a more integrated way. In our guide on TMS implementation , you can explore the key factors that help prepare a project and facilitate user adoption.

The challenge is no longer adding more technology.

The challenge is making the existing technology work together.

How an API Connects a TMS with the Rest of the Operation

A TMS sits at the center of many logistics processes.

It receives orders.

Plans routes.

Manages resources.

Controls incidents.

Centralizes documentation.

Shares information with customers and carriers.

That is why its integration capabilities have a direct impact on operational efficiency.

Let’s imagine a typical scenario.

A customer places an order.

The ERP automatically records the information and sends it to the TMS through an API.

The TMS uses that data to plan distribution and assign vehicles or drivers.

During execution, tracking information is updated through connections with GPS systems or mobile applications.

When the delivery is completed, the proof of delivery is automatically registered and the information is sent back to the ERP to continue administrative and invoicing processes.

All of this happens without exporting files or manually entering data.

Each system maintains its specific role, but they all work with the same information.

Which Processes Can You Automate When Your TMS Is Integrated?

API-based integration has practical applications throughout nearly every stage of logistics operations.

One of the most common use cases is the automatic reception of orders.

Instead of importing files or manually entering information, orders arrive directly in the TMS from the ERP or customer systems.

Integration with GPS platforms and fleet management systems is also very common.

As a result, route statuses can be updated automatically and shared in real time with customers, traffic managers, or internal departments.

Another area where APIs provide significant value is digital documentation.

Waybills, control documents, eCMRs, digital delivery notes, and proofs of delivery can be generated, stored, and shared without manual processes.

These integrations help reduce administrative errors, improve traceability, and speed up access to information from any point in the operation. They are becoming even more relevant with the introduction of mandatory digital transport control documents. In our practical guide to the mandatory digital control document in 2026 , we analyze the main changes and how companies can prepare for them.

Invoicing is another common example.

Once a service is completed, the required data can be automatically sent to the appropriate system, streamlining administrative workflows.

Communications also benefit from these integrations.

Delivery notifications, delay alerts, status changes, or incidents can be automatically sent to customers and partners without requiring additional actions.

As operational volumes increase, this level of automation enables companies to handle more work without proportionally increasing their administrative workload.

What Should You Ask About APIs Before Choosing a TMS?

When a company evaluates different transportation management solutions, it usually focuses on visible features.

Route optimization.

Traceability

Rate management.

Cost control.

Resource planning.

However, integration capabilities often receive less attention than they deserve.

Before making a decision, it is worth answering some important questions.

Does the provider offer public and documented APIs?

Can it exchange both inbound and outbound information?

Which types of systems does it commonly integrate with?

Can it adapt to the company’s specific processes?

Who is responsible for maintaining integrations?

The answers to these questions help determine whether the solution will be able to evolve alongside the organization’s needs.

Because an integration that works today should also support the future growth of the business.

Moving Information Is Just as Important as Moving Goods

For many years, logistics efficiency has been associated primarily with route optimization, mileage reduction, or maximizing vehicle capacity.

All of these aspects remain essential.

However, a significant part of productivity also depends on how information flows within the organization.

When systems are disconnected, teams spend time searching for data, correcting errors, or transferring information between platforms.

When systems are connected, information moves automatically alongside the process.

APIs make that connection possible.

They enable ERPs, TMS platforms, warehouses, fleet management systems, document management platforms, and communication tools to share information continuously and reliably.

That is why, when evaluating a TMS, understanding its integration capabilities is just as important as reviewing its features.

Because the less time an organization spends moving information between systems, the more time it can dedicate to what truly creates value: managing transportation, improving service quality, and making decisions based on up-to-date information.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Multimedia Technical Engineer. Working 11 years in the Audiovisual and Communication Department of a multinational company. Responsible for the Marketing and Communication Department in several companies in the technology sector.

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

How to Avoid Vehicle Availability Conflicts in Logistics During Transportation Planning

Raquel Pérez — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:15:07 +0000

In many transport planning departments, vehicle availability in logistics directly determines how the daily planning is organized. The first question is usually always the same: which vehicles do we actually have available today?

At first glance, it seems like a simple question. The company has a defined fleet, the day’s orders are clear, and the traffic team simply needs to assign each vehicle to its corresponding route. However, in practice the situation is often much more complex.

In many logistics operations, information about the fleet is not always centralized. A vehicle may appear to be available when in reality it has already been assigned to another route, is finishing a previous service, or is part of another plan that was generated earlier. When this happens, conflicts usually appear at the worst possible moment: just as the operation is about to begin.

In addition, vehicles are not the only factor that affects planning. Drivers, their schedules, and the routes they already have assigned also directly influence the final outcome. That is why it is increasingly common to manage both aspects together, as happens when companies work with driver availability in logistics as part of the same planning process.

When fleet and resource information is integrated into the planning system, the work of the transport planning department changes significantly. The planner can see from the very beginning which vehicles are actually available and avoid many of the problems that arise when this information is reviewed too late.

1. Avoid assigning the same vehicle to multiple routes

One of the most common mistakes in transport planning is assigning the same vehicle to two different routes without realizing it.

This happens more often than it may seem. In many companies, several members of the team work on the planning at the same time, or different plans are generated for the same day. Last-minute changes that require route adjustments or vehicle reassignment are also quite common.

When there is no clear visibility of fleet availability, these conflicts are usually detected too late. The plan is already prepared and, just before the operation begins, the problem appears.

The most common situations include:

a vehicle that was already assigned to another route on the same day
a plan that overlaps with another previously generated plan
last-minute changes that require vehicles to be reassigned

When the system displays vehicle availability during the planning process, the transport planner can identify these conflicts before confirming the plan and reorganize routes with more time.

2. Having real visibility over vehicle availability in logistics

In operations with many active routes, it is not always easy to know which vehicles are truly available.

Between routes that have already been assigned, vehicles finishing previous services, and constant planning adjustments, the fleet overview can easily become fragmented. Planners often need to check multiple sources of information to understand the real situation.

When vehicle availability in logistics is integrated into the planning system, this information becomes much clearer. The planner can quickly identify:

which vehicles are already occupied
which ones are available for new routes
which vehicles have operational restrictions for the day
which resources are already committed to another plan

This level of visibility is especially useful in operations involving multiple routes, logistics centers, or working shifts, a scenario that is increasingly common in modern transport planning.

3. Reduce last-minute route changes

One of the most critical moments for a transport planning team occurs just before daily operations begin.

Routes are already defined, orders are prepared, and everything should be ready to go. However, this is precisely when problems related to vehicle availability sometimes appear.

A vehicle that was already assigned, a service overlapping with another, or a plan conflicting with a different schedule may require part of the plan to be reorganized. This means moving orders between routes, reassigning vehicles, or even rebuilding part of the plan.

When the system takes the real availability of the fleet into account from the beginning, many of these conflicts are detected before the plan is generated. The result is a more stable planning process with fewer last-minute adjustments.

4. Making planning easier in complex operations

Logistics operations today are increasingly dynamic. Many companies operate from multiple loading centers, run routes at different times of the day, or use vehicles that perform several services within the same shift.

In these scenarios, planning routes is not just about assigning orders to vehicles. It also requires coordinating all available resources correctly.

In practice, it is common to encounter situations such as:

vehicles performing one route in the morning and another in the afternoon
fleets operating from different logistics centers
services chained throughout the day
routes changing due to incidents or delays

When the system shows the real availability of vehicles, the planner can better understand which resources can take on new routes and which ones already have part of their working day committed.

In some cases, it is even possible to visualize how much working time a driver already has assigned that day and how much capacity remains available for another service.

5. Making decisions with real operational information

Transport planning involves making decisions constantly: which vehicle to use, which route to reorganize, or how to adapt the plan when unexpected changes occur.

When resource information is scattered, many of these decisions are made with incomplete data. The planner may only have a partial view of the fleet’s real situation.

Having a clear view of vehicle availability provides something simple but extremely valuable: operational context at the moment of planning.

This allows planners to make decisions with greater confidence, for example:

choosing which vehicle can take on a new route
reorganizing services when an incident occurs
avoiding overlaps between different plans
adjusting fleet usage more efficiently during the day

In addition, planning that better reflects the real availability of resources helps improve transport cost control, avoiding unnecessary reorganizations, delays, or additional kilometers.

Planning routes also means managing resources correctly

When people talk about transport planning, they often think about optimizing routes or reducing the number of kilometers traveled.

However, in the day-to-day work of a transport planning department, a large part of the job consists of coordinating the available resources correctly. Knowing which orders must be delivered is only part of the process. The other part is understanding which vehicles can actually perform those routes at any given moment.

When this information is part of a ransport management system (TMS), the planning process changes completely. The team can work with a clear view of fleet availability and avoid many of the problems that appear when this information is checked too late.

Conclusion

In daily transport operations, many planning problems are not related to the routes themselves, but to the real availability of resources.

A vehicle that was already assigned, a route that overlaps with another, or a working day that is already nearly full can force planners to reorganize the entire plan at the last moment. These situations create pressure in the planning department and increase the risk of errors.

For this reason, having a clear view of fleet availability within the planning system becomes a key element for working with greater confidence.

When planners can see from the beginning which resources are truly available, planning becomes more stable, incidents decrease, and daily operations run much more smoothly.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

5 Benefits of Driver Availability in Logistics to Avoid Planning Errors

Raquel Pérez — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 07:32:26 +0000

Driver availability in logistics is one of the most sensitive elements within transport planning.

However, in many companies it is still managed in a fragmented way: separate calendars, spreadsheets, informal communications, or simple manual notes.

When this information is not integrated into the planning system, errors quickly appear:

Routes assigned to drivers who are on vacation
Scheduling overlaps between routes
Working days exceeding legal or internal limits
Last-minute changes that impact the entire operation

Integrating driver availability in logistics into a TMS not only improves control — it transforms the way planning is carried out. It allows conflicts to be anticipated before they become real operational issues.

1. Driver Availability in Logistics Must Be Part of the Planning Process

In many environments, availability validation is performed once the route has already been created — or even published.

The problem is that at that stage, corrections require reassignment, vehicle reorganization, and urgent communication changes.

A TMS that integrates driver availability in logistics works differently:

It automatically analyzes routes already assigned for that day or date range
Reviews vacations, sick leave, and holidays
Evaluates time already worked
Compares it against the configured daily maximum per driver

All of this happens during the planning process.

Availability stops being a post-check and becomes a structural condition of assignment.

2. Automatic Prevention of Overlaps and Scheduling Conflicts

One of the most common daily planning mistakes is assigning two routes that overlap in time.

This can happen for several reasons:

Lack of global visibility of active schedules
Last-minute changes not updated across systems
Poor coordination between teams

When driver availability in logistics is integrated into the TMS, the system detects:

Drivers already occupied during a specific time slot
Routes that partially or fully overlap
Working days exceeding the established limits

Instead of discovering the issue once the driver is already on the road, the conflict is identified before confirming the assignment.

This not only reduces errors but also increases confidence within the traffic planning team when making decisions.

3. Real Control of Working Hours and Operational Limits

Not all companies operate with rigid shifts.

Some work with:

Fixed schedules (for example, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM)
Wide availability ranges with a daily hour limit
Hybrid models where the schedule is indicative, but total working time is what matters

Driver availability in logistics must adapt to these different operational models.

A TMS allows you to configure:

Specific working hours per driver
Maximum daily working time
Defined break periods
Informational alerts or automatic restrictions

In this way, the system does not simply indicate whether a driver is available — it shows how much real capacity remains within that working day.

This level of detail is especially relevant when a driver can handle more than one route per day.

4. Adaptation to Last-Mile and Multi-Shift Operations

In last-mile or urban distribution operations, planning is particularly dynamic.

A single driver may:

Complete a route in the morning
Return to the warehouse
Take on a second route in the afternoon

Without structured management of driver availability in logistics, this type of operation becomes difficult to control.

Integration within a TMS allows companies to:

Differentiate availability by time slot
Visualize time already consumed during the working day
Determine whether there is capacity for a second assignment
Reduce improvisation and urgent reassignments

This improves operational stability and reduces reliance on manual checks.

5. Greater Operational Stability and Fewer Incidents

When driver availability in logistics is embedded within the planning system:

Last-minute changes decrease
Urgent reassignments are reduced
Driver overload is avoided
Service predictability improves

In addition, the traffic team works with greater confidence because key information is centralized and up to date.

Planning shifts from focusing exclusively on vehicles and orders to structurally integrating human resources as a strategic component of the operation.

Availability and Traceability: Two Pillars of Efficient Planning

Efficient planning does not depend on a single functionality.

Driver availability in logistics ensures that the initial assignment is viable and aligned with each driver’s real working schedule.

Then, during execution, traceability completes the operational picture. Real-time GPS in logistics makes it possible to know the exact position of vehicles, detect deviations, and maintain control while the route is in progress.

First, planning is done with drivers who are truly available.
Then, execution is monitored with real-time visibility.

Integrating both elements within a TMS enables data-driven planning from start to final delivery.

Beyond the Calendar: A Comprehensive Planning Vision

Driver availability in logistics should not be managed as an external or secondary element.

It must be integrated into the system that makes planning decisions.

When calendars, routes, schedules, and working limits coexist in the same environment:

Duplications are eliminated
Human error margins are reduced
Team coordination improves
Operational consistency increases

Planning stops depending on manual checks and becomes supported by consolidated information.

Conclusion

Driver availability in logistics is a structural factor in transport efficiency.

Integrating it into a TMS not only prevents assignment errors but also provides stability, control, and foresight across the entire operation.

Route planning is not just about optimizing mileage or reducing kilometers.

It is about managing people, time, and capacity with precision.

And when real availability is embedded from the start, planning moves from reactive to truly strategic.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

5 Reasons why tracking weight capacity in a TMS makes all the difference

Raquel Pérez — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:56:47 +0000

Tracking weight capacity in a TMS has become an essential indicator for transportation and distribution companies. Planners increasingly need to understand not only how much space each shipment occupies, but also how many kilograms each vehicle is accumulating before starting its route. And this is where weight control stops being just a technical data point and becomes a practical tool that helps avoid errors, improves efficiency, and enables safer, more informed decision-making.

In addition, many operations require managing multiple simultaneous capacities, such as volume (m³), pallet type, liters, or linear meters, because not all loads are defined only by weight or pallet space. For this reason, incorporating weight capacity into a TMS is a key first step toward achieving a more complete and accurate planning process.

Below are five reasons why this functionality brings real value to transportation management.

1. Greater accuracy in load planning

One of the main advantages of adding weight capacity in a TMS is the ability to understand the actual load each vehicle is carrying.

In many operations, two orders may take up the same number of pallets but have drastically different total weights. If planning is based solely on pallet count, it can be incomplete or even lead to errors.

By visualizing the percentage of pallets and kilograms used, planners gain a complete picture and avoid exceeding legal weight limits, improving both route safety and reliability.

This same logic expands when the TMS can manage multiple simultaneous capacities, integrating volume, linear meters, or liters for operations where weight is not the only critical factor.

2. Reduced operating costs and better fleet utilization

A TMS software that considers both volume capacity and weight capacity allows each trip to be optimized.
When the system detects that a vehicle is approaching its weight limit, it prevents additional freight from being assigned to that route and suggests more efficient alternatives.

This directly results in:

Fewer extra trips
Lower fuel consumption
Fewer empty or underutilized kilometers
A much more balanced use of the fleet

Weight capacity in a TMS—combined with simultaneous capacities such as m³ or linear meters—provides a more accurate view of actual vehicle utilization, reducing inefficiencies that can become significant cost drivers at a weekly or monthly scale.

3. Regulatory compliance and risk reduction

Exceeding the legal weight limit of a vehicle can lead to fines, inspections, delays at checkpoints, and even safety risks for the driver and the cargo.

By incorporating weight capacity in a TMS, planners have a clear visual reference of accumulated weight per route, allowing them to detect critical situations before the vehicle hits the road.

When the system also supports multiple simultaneous capacities, loads become balanced not only by weight, but also by volume or length, increasing stability and reducing additional risks.

This functionality also helps ensure compliance with national and European regulations, reducing incidents and improving traceability.

4. Smarter planning in last-mile and urban distribution

In last-mile operations, shipment volume may be small but densit, and therefore weigh, can be very high.

By integrating weight capacity into the planning panel and KPI dashboards, planners can better balance loads across vans, light vehicles, and trucks.

This makes it possible to:

Prevent small vehicles from receiving more weight than allowed
Distribute freight according to vehicle type and usable capacity
Reduce operational issues in urban areas with additional restrictions

When the TMS manages multiple simultaneous capacities, these decisions become even more precise, as it verifies not only weight but also volume or linear occupancy. This turns planning into a much more accurate logistical process rather than a simple volume-based exercise.

5. Data-driven decisions and clearer visual planning

The new visualization of weight capacity in a TMS makes daily planning far easier.

At a glance, planners can see:

% pallet occupancy
% weight occupancy
Remaining vehicle capacity
Alerts when maximum load is exceeded

In more advanced TMS solutions, this view is complemented by additional capacities such as volume, liters, or linear meters, allowing for an even more accurate understanding of the vehicle’s state.

In practice, this translates into faster decisions, fewer errors, and a more balanced assignment of orders.
Especially when planning from the map, discarding certain areas or orders that don't fit the route, having these parameters is essential to build coherent and efficient routes.

Practical example: how weight capacity in a TMS prevents planning errors

Imagine a food distribution company that must plan 18 orders for a local route. Each order occupies one pallet, so at first glance they would fit perfectly in a truck with a 20-pallet capacity.

If planning were based solely on volume, the assignment might seem correct.

However, when activating weight capacity in the TMS, the system detects:

The total weight of the 18 orders reaches 12,800 kg
The vehicle’s maximum capacity is 12,000 kg

Even though 2 pallets are still available, the truck is 800 kg overweight.

The TMS displays a visual warning and blocks the planning to prevent assigning the excess load.

In more advanced operations, if the TMS also manages multiple simultaneous capacities, it could detect additional issues such as:

Excess volume
Insufficient linear space
Incompatible pallet types

This provides an additional layer of protection against errors that, in real operations, generate costs, risks, and delays.

Conclusion: a key step toward more efficient logistics

Incorporating weight capacity in a TMS is not just a visual enhancement; it represents a substantial leap in planning quality, fleet safety, and transportation optimization.

Companies that adopt this functionality achieve more balanced routes, reduced operating costs, and fewer loading errors.

And when the system also supports multiple simultaneous capacities, planning becomes far more precise, realistic, and aligned with the complexity of modern logistics.

A TMS with this level of capability becomes a strategic tool for any company seeking improved precision, competitiveness, and operational control.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

Sustainable urban mobility: How technology is transforming city transportation

Raquel Pérez — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Thanks to technology, sustainable mobility in cities can become a reality that transforms the way we live and move.

Now more than ever, cities need solutions that reduce emissions, ease congestion, and ensure citizens’ quality of life. Institutions, companies, and citizens all play a key role in this process — and digital innovation is emerging as the driving force to make it possible.

What does sustainable urban mobility mean?

When we talk about sustainable mobility in cities, it’s not just about using electric vehicles. The concept goes far beyond that and involves:

Reducing carbon footprint and noise pollution.
Improving efficiency in both public and private transportation.
Promoting intermodality: bicycles, car sharing, public transport, and on-demand mobility.
Relying on digital platforms to plan routes, optimize resources, and better coordinate trips.

In essence, it’s about building a healthier, more competitive, and resilient urban model through technological innovation.

The connection between sustainable mobility and Smart Cities

Smart Cities provide the ideal environment for sustainable mobility to flourish. Digitalization and artificial intelligence make it possible to integrate transportation systems, analyze large amounts of data, and design solutions tailored to each city’s reality.

A great example is Smou, the official mobility app of the Barcelona City Council, which centralizes various urban mobility services. Among other functions, it manages loading and unloading zones for logistics operators, helping to reduce waiting times, avoid double parking, and create a more organized and efficient transportation flow. These kinds of initiatives show how technology can make a real difference in managing urban mobility.

Challenges of sustainable mobility in cities

Despite the progress made, there are still major challenges:

Instant consumption: the growth of e-commerce has multiplied deliveries, often with unrealistic time expectations.
Lack of logistics coordination: different operators make multiple deliveries in the same area, generating unnecessary traffic.
High cost of sustainable solutions: electric vehicles, clean energy, and digitalization still require significant investments.
Uneven pace of adaptation: while startups and citizens move fast, public administrations often lag behind.

Technological solutions for sustainable urban mobility

Digital innovation plays a key role in overcoming these challenges. Some of the most relevant trends include:

Route optimization through artificial intelligence: reduces travel distance and emissions. Here logistics software plays a crucial role by centralizing information and helping plan urban distribution more efficiently.
Light electric vehicles for last-mile delivery: perfect for urban areas with restrictions and narrow streets.
Collaborative digital platforms: promote shared logistics and reduce unnecessary trips.
Smart lockers and pickup points: lower failed deliveries and minimize duplicate routes.
Economies of scale in renewable energy: will make electric mobility increasingly cost-competitive in the coming years.

The role of citizens and the digital culture

Sustainable mobility in cities doesn’t depend solely on governments or companies. Citizens’ consumption and travel habits are also key. Choosing a bicycle or public transport instead of a private car, accepting more reasonable delivery times, or using shared mobility apps are small steps that make a big difference.

Digital culture is also essential: the more people use mobility and urban logistics apps, the more efficient the systems become. In this sense, public administrations should promote innovation without creating excessive barriers, encouraging solutions that bring real value to both businesses and citizens.

Frequently asked questions about sustainable mobility in cities

What is sustainable urban mobility?
It’s a transportation model that aims to reduce emissions, optimize resources, and improve quality of life through technology, clean energy, and efficient planning.

What role does technology play in sustainable mobility?
Technology enables the coordination of transportation systems, optimization of logistics routes, and implementation of solutions such as electric vehicles, collaborative platforms, and smart lockers.

How can companies contribute to sustainable mobility?
By adopting logistics software, electrifying fleets, sharing infrastructure, and collaborating in public-private projects that reduce the impact of urban transportation.

What is the main challenge of sustainable mobility in cities?
Balancing sustainability and competitiveness: ensuring that environmentally friendly solutions are also economically viable for companies and citizens.

Conclusion: technology and sustainability as the foundation of future cities

Sustainable mobility in cities cannot be achieved without the support of technology. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and collaboration between public and private stakeholders are the pillars that will create more livable and competitive cities.

In the coming years, solutions that today seem innovative — such as urban management apps, electric vehicles, or collaborative logistics — will become the standard. Because sustainable urban mobility is not just a trend: it’s the path to a more efficient, equitable, and healthier future for cities.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

Transportation management: 5 key signs your company needs a TMS

Raquel Pérez — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:47:14 +0000

Transportation management is one of the most critical pillars of logistics today. Whether we’re talking about a large operator or a mid-sized company with its own fleet, moving goods efficiently, on time, and profitably is becoming increasingly complex.

Many companies still rely on spreadsheets, phone calls, and emails to organize routes, coordinate drivers, and manage documents. While these methods may work in the early stages, as the company grows or operations become more demanding, bottlenecks emerge that directly impact profitability and customer satisfaction.

This raises a key question: how can you know if your company needs to professionalize its transportation management with a TMS (Transportation Management System)?

In this article, we’ll explore the 5 most important signs that indicate the need for a TMS, the benefits it brings, and a practical example to understand how it can transform a transportation business.

What is a TMS and how does it improve transportation management?

A Transportation Management System (TMS) is specialized software that centralizes the planning, execution, and control of all activities related to the movement of goods.

Its role goes beyond route creation:

It allows detailed analysis of transportation costs.
It facilitates communication with customers and drivers.
It digitizes documents and administrative processes.
It provides real-time visibility of each shipment.

In short, a TMS acts as the “control center” of transportation management, helping companies work with data rather than guesswork and respond quickly to unexpected events.

5 signs your company needs to optimize its transportation management

1. Route planning is getting out of control

As order volumes increase, planning with spreadsheets can take hours and still result in inefficient routes. Factors such as time windows, restricted urban zones, or vehicle capacity add to the complexity.
A TMS generates optimized routes in minutes, considering all these variables and reducing unnecessary miles.

2. Transportation costs are difficult to control

Fuel, tolls, maintenance, subcontracting fees, or penalties for delays—all these factors affect profitability. But without a centralized system, it’s difficult to analyze them in real time.
Digitalized transportation management with a TMS makes it easier to identify cost leaks and propose corrective measures.

3. Your customers are demanding more visibility

Shipment traceability has become an expectation. Increasingly, shippers and end customers want to know where their order is and when it will arrive.
If your company cannot provide that visibility, competitiveness is lost. A TMS enables real-time tracking and reduces the number of calls to the dispatch office for updates.

4. Administrative processes are slow and error-prone

Invoices, bills of lading, pre-invoicing, contracts with subcontractors, regulatory documentation… When paperwork consumes too much time and errors are frequent, productivity suffers.
A TMS automates many of these processes, reducing errors and freeing resources for higher-value tasks.

5. Difficulty growing or adapting to seasonality

Many companies manage with manual processes until a seasonal peak or customer expansion arrives. At that point, improvised systems cannot handle the volume, and service quality drops.
Managing transportation through a TMS provides the flexibility to scale operations without disproportionately increasing costs.

Practical example: from spreadsheets to digital transportation management

Imagine a regional transportation company with 25 vehicles in its fleet. For years, it organized routes using Excel spreadsheets and phone calls to drivers. While the system seemed to work, problems soon appeared:

Constant delays due to poorly optimized routes and lack of traffic information.
Rising fuel and maintenance costs from unnecessary detours.
Customer complaintsfrom not receiving accurate delivery updates.
Administrative overloadwith hours spent reconciling invoices and checking documents.

These problems are not isolated. Several studies confirm the benefits of digitizing transportation management:

According to McKinsey, between 13% and 19% of logistics costs come from inefficiencies at interaction points (such as deliveries without visibility). Better digital management can reduce this waste by up to 40%.Fuente).
The Centro Español de Logística (CEL) highlights in several publications that digitalization significantly reduces the time spent on administrative tasks.Fuente).
A report from PwC notes that providing real-time traceability to customers reduces up to 30% of follow-up calls to the dispatch office.Fuente).

If we apply these figures to our example, the company could achieve within just a few months:

Cut route planning time from 3 hours a day to less than 30 minutes.
Save between 10% and 15% on transportation costs.
Improve customer satisfaction thanks to real-time visibility.
Free up administrative resources and reduce billing errors.

This example shows how transportation management can shift from being an obstacle to becoming a driver of competitiveness.

Benefits of a transportation management system

A TMS delivers advantages across different levels of operations:

Reduced operating costs through optimized routes and efficient resource use.
Increased customer satisfaction, thanks to improved punctuality and real-time information.
Administrative automation, reducing human error and freeing internal resources.
Complete operational visibility, key to making agile and informed decisions.
Scalability, easily adapting to demand peaks or growth plans.

Conclusion: professionalizing transportation management is a necessity

If your transportation company faces challenges with planning, lack of visibility, uncontrolled costs, or slow administrative processes, it may be time to rethink how you manage transport.

A TMS is no longer a tool reserved only for large corporations: more and more small and mid-sized logistics companies are adopting this technology to take a qualitative leap in competitiveness.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

What is omnichannel logistics and how to implement it effectively?

Raquel Pérez — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:34:30 +0000

Omnichannel logistics has transformed the role of carriers. It's no longer enough to deliver pallets from a warehouse to a store—now, the same operator must handle online orders, home deliveries, in-store pickups, returns from drop-off points, and stock replenishment. All of this must happen in a coordinated way, with zero room for error.

This shift requires a complete rethink of how transportation is organized and what technological tools make it possible.

What does omnichannel logistics mean in practice?

Omnichannel logistics refers to the ability to manage orders and deliveries from different sales channels within a single logistics network. That means coordinating operations across physical stores, ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, and mobile apps, while offering the end customer a seamless experience, regardless of the channel they use.

For transportation companies, this isn’t just about adapting: it’s an opportunity to position themselves as strategic partners capable of navigating the growing complexity of modern commerce.

What does this mean for the transportation sector?

Implementing an omnichannel logistics strategy brings new logistical challenges:

More dynamic routes with multiple types of deliveries in a single day.
Smaller, more frequent orders.
The need for real-time visibility and traceability for both customers and businesses.
Increased pressure on delivery times and operational efficiency.

To handle this complexity, more and more operators are adopting TMS software comes in. that enables them to plan mixed routes, assign resources precisely, and adjust to channel-specific demand peaks. Integration with software for ecommerce is also essential to automate order intake and processing.

Key steps to implement omnichannel logistics successfully

Implementing an omnichannel strategy isn’t just about adding more sales channels—it’s about redesigning how orders, deliveries, and information flow through the entire chain. Here are the key building blocks to do it efficiently and in line with the challenges of modern transport.

Centralize Order Management

All orders, regardless of their origin, should be managed through a single, connected platform. This helps prevent duplication, stock errors, and unnecessary delays.

Plan Mixed Routes with Technology

It’s no longer just about going from point A to point B. Today, a single route may include deliveries to physical stores, homes, and pickup points. A TMS software allows these routes to be optimized by grouping orders from various channels without losing efficiency.

Real-Time Visibility

Both the customer and logistics managers need to know where an order is at any given time. This requires connected systems that continuously collect and share data.

Agile Returns Management

In an omnichannel environment, returns can be initiated from any channel. Integrating this process into logistics operations avoids bottlenecks and improves the customer experience.

Example: how a logistics operator applies omnichannel logistics

Let’s consider a logistics operator working with multiple clients who sell through various channels: physical stores, ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, and mobile apps. Instead of managing each channel separately, the operator integrates all orders into a single operation using TMS software connected to the clients’ systems.

Thanks to this setup, the operator can:

Consolidate orders from different channels into combined routes, grouping deliveries to stores, homes, and pickup points in the same day.
Optimize daily planning, adjusting automatically to the demand of each channel by time, date, or volume.
Reduce mileage and vehicle useby avoiding duplicate trips or inefficient routes.
Handle returns efficiently, since the system logs the origin of each order and facilitates its collection, classification, and reintegration into stock.
Provide complete visibility, both for clients and final recipients.

This approach enables the operator to adapt quickly to market changes, improve delivery efficiency, and offer a logistics service ready for today’s commercial challenges.

Conclusion

Omnichannel logistics is no longer a strategy reserved for big retailers: it directly impacts carriers and operators that want to stay competitive. When implemented correctly, it leads to better visibility, more flexibility, and stronger operational performance.

Having a TMS software that connects all sales channels and adapts to this new logistics reality is key. And when combined with software for ecommerce that automates order intake and provides real-time feedback, the result is a logistics network prepared for any scenario.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

What is Smart Transportation and how is it revolutionizing the industry?

Raquel Pérez — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 07:02:35 +0000

Smart transportation has become one of the key pillars of digital transformation in the supply chain. Through technologies such as artificial intelligence, real-time data analysis, and process automation, transportation companies are achieving greater efficiency, traceability, and adaptability in an increasingly demanding market.

In this article, we explain what smart transportation is, the benefits it offers, and how tools like TMS Software and logistics software are revolutionizing the operations of many companies in the sector.

What is Smart Transportation?

Smart transportation refers to the use of advanced technologies to optimize and automate logistics and transportation processes. This includes route planning, dynamic resource allocation, real-time delivery tracking, demand forecasting, and the integration of connected systems that enable faster and more efficient decision-making.

Unlike traditional transportation, where decisions were often made manually or based on experience, smart transportation relies on data, algorithms, and connectivity to reduce operational errors, improve timing, and respond more effectively to changing conditions.

Main benefits of Smart Transportation

Implementing a smart transportation approach brings multiple competitive advantages:

Lower operational costs: through optimized routes, reduced fuel consumption, and better fleet utilization.
Greater punctuality and service quality: by tracking in real time and anticipating unexpected issues.
Automation of logistics processes: from load assignments to pre-invoicing.
Sustainability: by reducing unnecessary kilometers and CO₂ emissions.
Data-driven decision-making: with real-time reports and key performance indicators to improve daily management and planning.

The Role of TMS Software in Smart Transportation

One of the key tools driving this transformation is TMS Software (Transportation Management System). This type of logistics software enables the management and optimization of all transportation phases—from route planning to delivery tracking, communication with clients and carriers, and post-operation analytics for continuous improvement.

A modern, intelligent TMS Software offers functionalities such as:

Automatic optimization of routes and loads based on constraints, delivery time windows, vehicle capacities, or delivery priorities.
Real-time incident management, with visibility of disruptions and the ability to reassign tasks quickly.
Service time monitoring through customizable dashboards.
Integration with ERPs, client platforms, navigation systems, and mobile devices for a fully connected operation.
Logistics scenario simulation to anticipate the impact of new routes, traffic conditions, or demand shifts.

Additionally, some TMS Software solutions include advanced features such as goods traceability, automated document management, and collaborative tools across the entire supply chain.

By integrating these capabilities into a single platform, smart transportation becomes a tangible and scalable solution for companies of all sizes and operational complexities.

Real-world example: how a company improved its operations with smart transportation

A regional transportation company with a fleet dedicated to last-mile delivery in urban and suburban areas faced major challenges in daily route planning, load assignments, and managing failed deliveries. Tasks were handled manually using spreadsheets, leading to inefficiencies, lack of real-time visibility, and high operational costs.

After implementing TMS Software with smart capabilities and real-time tracking, the company achieved:

An 18% reduction in daily kilometers driven, thanks to optimized routes that accounted for traffic restrictions, time windows, and vehicle capacity.
A 25% decrease in delivery delays, thanks to automatic alerts and improved operational coordination.
Elimination of manual planning tasks, saving over 3 hours daily for the team, who could now focus on higher-value work.
Increased customer satisfaction, through automated delivery notifications, accurate time estimates, and the ability to reschedule easily.

This case shows how smart transportation, powered by effective logistics software not only improves efficiency and reduces costs, but also enhances customer experience and operational agility.

The future of the industry lies in smart transportation

With growing pressure to reduce costs, improve delivery times, and operate more sustainably, smart transportation is becoming a strategic necessity for all companies in the logistics sector. Adopting logistics software with advanced capabilities is no longer just a competitive advantage, it’s essential to staying relevant in an increasingly complex and dynamic market.

Additionally, stricter environmental regulations, greater customer demands for traceability, and a shortage of drivers are pushing the industry to adopt technologies that help do more with less. Companies that don’t move toward a smarter management model risk falling behind more agile, digitally advanced competitors. Investing in TMS Software with intelligent features is not only an operational decision, it’s a strategic move to ensure business resilience and scalability.

Conclusion

Smart transportation is redefining how companies plan, execute, and optimize their logistics operations. Investing in advanced TMS Software not only boosts efficiency but also prepares organizations for the industry’s future challenges.

It also enables companies to quickly adapt to demand shifts, supply chain disruptions, or new customer expectations. Having logistics software that integrates intelligence is key to ensuring long-term competitiveness and sustainability.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

What is proximity logistics and why is it key in e-commerce?

Raquel Pérez — Fri, 23 May 2025 08:01:00 +0000

Proximity logistics has become an essential strategy for tackling the challenges of e-commerce. Having a single, efficient central warehouse is no longer enough—brands need to get closer to the customer, respond faster, and reduce the impact of last-mile delivery. In this article, we explore what proximity logistics is, how it benefits the transport sector, and why tools like TMS Software and e-commerce software are crucial.

What is proximity logistics?

Proximity logistics is a strategy based on decentralizing the supply chain to bring products closer to the end consumer. Instead of relying on large regional or national warehouses, this model favors small urban or local distribution centers—also known as microhubs—that enable faster and more efficient deliveries.

The goal is clear: improve the customer experience, reduce logistics costs (especially in the last mile), and lower the environmental impact of operations.

Why is it important in e-commerce?

E-commerce has changed the rules of the game. The promise of 24-hour delivery—or even same-day—is increasingly common, and logistics must adapt to this new standard. Proximity logistics offers several key advantages:

Ultra-fast deliveries

By operating from locations closer to the customer, transit times are reduced and punctuality increases.

Lower last-mile costs

The last mile can account for up to 50% of total logistics costs. By shortening distances, the cost per delivery drops, improving profitability.

Smaller carbon footprint

With fewer kilometers traveled and optimized routes, CO₂ emissions are significantly reduced, supporting a more sustainable logistics model.

Greater flexibility for the customer

Proximity allows for flexible options such as in-store pickup, broader delivery time slots, and even same-day delivery, boosting customer satisfaction.

The role of TMS Software in proximity logistics

For transport operators, working under a proximity logistics model means managing multiple origins, complex urban routes, and increasingly tight delivery windows. In this context, a TMS Software (Transportation Management System) becomes essential.

This type of tool allows you to:

Plan optimized routes to reduce distance, time, and operational costs.
Automatically assign deliveriesbased on proximity, vehicle capacity, and availability.
Gain full visibility over each shipment, improving traceability and enabling real-time responses to disruptions.
Manage multiple logistics centers or urban warehouses from a single platform.
Analyze performance and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

For transporters, adopting a TMS is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s a necessity to stay relevant and meet the demands of today’s digital commerce.

How e-commerce software can help

Working with e-commerce clients requires speaking their language: digital, automated, and customer-focused. That’s where e-commerce softwarebecomes essential—especially when integrated with a logistics management system like a TMS.

Together, they allow you to:

Receive orders automatically and convert them into scheduled deliveries without manual input.
Sync inventory and order data in real time, avoiding errors and improving route planning.
Send real-time notifications to the end customer about their delivery status, reducing support calls and complaints.
Manage returns efficiently, which is a critical component of the e-commerce cycle.

For transport providers, this technology means better resource utilization, faster response times, and stronger relationships with e-commerce clients.

Real-world Examples of Proximity Logistics in Transport

Proximity logistics is already a reality in many cities and sectors, and it presents great opportunities for transporters who are ready to adapt. Here are a few real-life examples:

Retail stores as logistics hubs

Major brands use their physical stores as dispatch points for online orders. Transporters working with these models can perform more frequent and faster deliveries in specific zones.

Urban microhubs

Small logistics centers are being established in the heart of cities to launch last-mile operations. This requires lightweight vehicles, flexible routes, and highly agile operations—ideal for well-equipped local carriers.

Collaborative transport networks

Multiple logistics operators are now sharing routes and resources to boost efficiency in urban areas. Technology makes this possible and allows for service expansion without increasing fleet size.

Urban reverse logistics

Returns are a crucial part of e-commerce. Having nearby facilities enables fast pickups and reintegration of returns into active delivery routes, optimizing every kilometer.

Conclusion

Proximity logistics has emerged as a powerful response to the demands of modern e-commerce. For transporters, this means adapting to new, more agile and flexible operating models, connected directly to the end customer. Tools like TMS Software and e-commerce software not only make this shift possible—they turn it into an opportunity to deliver higher-value service, cut costs, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Those who embrace proximity and technology will be better positioned to grow alongside e-commerce. The transformation is already underway: the time to act is now.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

Differences between spot and long-term contracts in transportation: which one to choose?

Raquel Pérez — Fri, 16 May 2025 08:05:23 +0000

Understanding the differences between spot contracts and long-term contracts in transportation is essential for optimizing logistics costs and improving responsiveness to market changes. Choosing one model over the other has a direct impact on operational efficiency, budget planning, and relationships with carriers.

In this article, we’ll break down the characteristics of each type of contract, when it makes sense to use them, and how a TMS software comes in. can support better decision-making.

What is a spot contract and when to use it

A spot contract is used to meet a specific transportation need. The company seeks capacity on the market for a single shipment, with no prior commitment or ongoing agreement. Conditions are negotiated case by case, and the price usually reflects real-time market factors like demand, urgency, and availability.

Advantages:

High flexibility in response to unexpected changes or last-minute needs.
Ability to take advantage of low prices during periods of low demand.
Ideal for occasional shipments or non-recurring routes.

Disadvantages:

Less cost predictability.
Risk of not finding capacity during peak demand.
Higher operational workload due to constant negotiation and provider search.

What is a long-term contract and why it’s valuable

Long-term contracts establish a fixed agreement between a company and a carrier for a defined period—typically several months or even years. Pricing, conditions, and estimated volumes are agreed upon upfront.

Advantages:

Stable pricing supports better financial planning.
Guaranteed capacity, even during high-demand periods.
Stronger, more collaborative relationships with carriers.

Disadvantages:

Less flexibility to adapt to market changes or drops in volume.
Penalties may apply if minimum volume commitments are not met.
Difficult to renegotiate in case spot market prices drop significantly.

Differences between spot and long-term contracts in transportation: which one to choose?

Choosing between spot and long-term contracts depends on the nature of your logistics operations, demand predictability, and business strategy.

Feature	Spot Contract	Long-Term Contract
Duration	One-time, per shipment	Several months or years
Flexibility	High	Low
Cost predictability	Low	High
Capacity assurance	Not guaranteed	Strong capacity guarantee
Operational management	More reactive	More structured

Practical example

A food distribution company might use long-term contracts for its regular store deliveries, securing stable pricing and guaranteed capacity year-round. However, during seasonal peaks like the holidays or summer, it can turn to spot contracts to meet the temporary increase in demand without changing its main agreements.

This hybrid approach allows the company to combine the best of both worlds: stability and flexibility.

How logistics software helps manage both models

Managing spot and long-term contracts manually or using disconnected tools can be inefficient. A logistics software, especially a TMS software (Transportation Management System), centralizes and automates decision-making, making it easier to balance both models based on actual operational needs.

Real-time rate comparison

A TMS can automatically compare contracted long-term rates with available spot market offers. This helps select the most efficient option, factoring in not only cost but also service level, transit time, and availability.

Example: a route is typically covered under a fixed contract, but a spot carrier offers faster delivery on a critical day. The TMS detects it and suggests that alternative.

Committed volume tracking

Long-term contracts often come with minimum volume commitments. The TMS tracks fulfillment in real time and sends alerts when usage is off-track, helping avoid penalties or unfavorable renegotiations.

Example: if a company has only used 60% of its agreed volume with a long-term carrier, the TMS can prioritize that carrier in future assignments to stay aligned.

Dynamic Demand Adaptation

A TMS can be configured with rules that automatically determine when to activate spot contracts and when to use fixed ones. This is especially useful during peak seasons, sales campaigns, or urgent deliveries.

Example: during Black Friday, a company might set a rule to automatically use spot contracts for anything exceeding 120% of normal shipment volume.

Cost and performance analysis

Beyond contracting, logistics software gathers data and generates detailed reports on total cost per route, contract type, carrier performance, and timeframe. This allows companies to evaluate the profitability of each model and refine their contract strategy with real-world insights.

Example: a company might find that, despite a higher per-shipment cost, spot contracts have been more profitable on certain low-volume or variable-demand routes.

Scalability and real-time control

The larger the logistics network, the harder it is to maintain operational and financial control. A scalable TMS allows companies to manage multiple routes, carriers, and contract types from a single platform, with full shipment traceability.

A robust TMS software does more than connect you with transport providers—it acts as a strategic tool to decide, control, and optimize how and with whom you move goods at every stage.

Example of a combined spot and long-term contract strategy

Imagine a company that delivers daily to over 100 retail locations across the country. For main, recurring routes, it secures long-term contracts with carriers to lock in capacity and stable pricing.

However, when unexpected demand surges, limited-time promotions, or temporary store openings occur, the company turns to the spot market to quickly scale up capacity. This allows them to maintain service quality without disrupting their long-term agreements or incurring unnecessary costs.

This hybrid strategy, managed through a TMS software, allows the business to optimize resources and budget while remaining agile in a constantly changing environment.

Conclusion

The differences between spot contracts and long-term contracts affect more than just transport pricing—they shape how adaptable a business can be in today’s dynamic logistics landscape. While spot contracts bring agility, long-term contracts offer stability.

Having the right logistics software in place is crucial for making informed decisions, efficiently blending both models, and finding the right balance between cost control and operational performance.

Take your logistics to the next level

Discover how Hedyla's platform can help your company

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.