In a newly published article for Supply & Demand Chain Executive, Boxzooka CEO Brendan Heegan outlined the role of 3PL Transportation Management Systems (TMS) in optimizing global and domestic supply chains.

Brendan’s piece, “Why Transportation Management Systems are Essential to Supply Chain Optimization” (April 18, 2025) explains how retailers and e-commerce brands can use TMS technology to reduce shipping costs while also improving delivery speed and the customer experience (CX).

 


 

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Supply Chain Disruption: What To Know

Heegan discusses the different supply chain disruptions over the last few years — from pandemic-era slowdowns to the Panama Canal’s low water levels to tensions around 2025’s new tariffs — that made inbound logistics increasingly complicated. For brands importing goods internationally, flexibility and intelligent planning have never been more important.

Heegan writes that contingency planning is the term of today and tomorrow. A well-integrated, intelligent 3PL TMS helps companies shift modes quickly and manage the domestic leg of their journey through trucking and rail more efficiently.

How To Increase Conversion at Checkout

On the domestic front, Heegan writes that e-commerce success hinges on meeting consumers’ rising expectations. Half of online shoppers abandon their carts due to high shipping costs or long delivery times. Successful companies rely on TMS platforms to convert leads into sales and keep customers coming back.

Heegan shared these tips with Supply & Demand Chain Executive:

  • Rate Shopping: A modern TMS compares shipping options across multiple carriers to find the best method and price.
  • Regional Distribution: TMS systems help companies connect fulfillment across geographically diverse warehouses. This helps retailers cut shipping times and costs.
  • Transportation Analytics: TMS platforms, like the one at Boxzooka, give companies instant insights into shipping performance, returns, and cost trends in real-time.
  • Branded Tracking: With a TMS, retailers don’t have to worry about losing possible revenue when they have to send customers to third-party carrier sites. Instead, integrated tracking tools maintain brand visibility with the added potential of additional sales.
  • Returns Management: Heegan points out that 91% of shoppers prefer merchants who offer no-cost returns (free shipping labels and free boxes) for an easy refund process.

TMS platforms don’t only make the returns process easier for shoppers but also cut down on waste. With a TMS, building customer trust through branded touchpoints, optimizing for last-mile delivery, increasing revenue through smarter returns, and more are all on the table.

Boxzooka’s Scalable Fulfillment Strategy

As a leading e-commerce fulfillment and global logistics company, Boxzooka brings our clients scalable solutions to grow their business and their ROI. Boxzooka empowers businesses with fully customizable technology, worldwide shipping capabilities, and exceptional client support.

Our proprietary platform streamlines order management, warehouse operations, and transportation management. Thanks to our comprehensive reports, clients get full, real-time visibility and complete control of their fulfillment and shipping strategies.

From the first click to the final mile (and beyond), Boxzooka helps brands keep their customers and stakeholders happy with our smarter shipping strategies powered by our one-of-a-kind 3PL Transportation Management System. TMS platforms aren’t just logistics tools — they’re strategic assets for overcoming supply chain disruptions.

Boxzooka can find you the best shipping methods, fastest transit time, and most cost-effective fees — get a quote to find out what we can do for you!