Smart Freight Sharing: How TMS & Co-Loading Reshape Logistics in MENA

Table of Contents
Fast Track Freight Strategy
- Share truck space with other shippers using co-loading
- TMS optimises delivery routes and split costs automatically
- Reduces delivery costs and boosts sustainability
- Ideal for last mile delivery in congested MENA cities
- Works for SMEs, 3PLs, and regional e-commerce operators
Why Freight Sharing Is Gaining Momentum in MENA
Logistics in the MENA region faces increasing cost pressures. Last-mile delivery now accounts for a significant part of total freight expenses. Trucks often travel half full across cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dubai. This leads to high fuel usage, underutilised fleets, and delayed delivery schedules.
Co-loading allows businesses to fill up unused truck space by combining shipments. This means lower costs per shipment and fewer trips overall. With the help of a Transportation Management System (TMS), the process becomes easy, reliable, and data-driven.
Understanding Co-Loading: The Smart Way to Share Freight
Co-loading means transporting shipments from multiple businesses in the same truck. Each business pays a share of the delivery cost. This strategy works best in urban centres and industrial zones with similar delivery locations.
It is now widely adopted by 3PLs, B2B suppliers, and e-commerce platforms in the MENA region. With co-loading, you avoid empty space, reduce fuel costs, and meet delivery timelines faster.
How a TMS System Makes Co-Loading Efficient
Co-loading can get messy without coordination. But a modern TMS ensures smooth operations by using automation, real-time data, and AI-based routing.
Dynamic Route Planning
- The TMS calculates the best path based on time and traffic
- Routes with similar delivery addresses are grouped together
- Reduces fuel costs and delivery delays
Fleet Load Matching
- TMS checks vehicle space in real-time
- Matches available truck capacity with pending shipments
- Ensures every trip is fully loaded
Fair Cost Sharing
- Charges are divided based on weight, size, or delivery route
- Transparent billing builds trust between shipping partners
Live Tracking and Communication
- All stakeholders get real-time updates
- Ensures visibility, reliability, and smoother operations
Read more about Omniful’s Transportation Management System that supports dynamic co-loading.
Real Example: Co-Loading in Dubai and Sharjah
A retail brand in Dubai and a cosmetics startup in Sharjah both ship to Riyadh. Their trucks were half full and costs high.
After integrating with a shared TMS:
- Their orders were combined using smart routing
- Each brand paid less per shipment
- Trucks operated at full capacity
This led to 45% cost savings and faster deliveries in Saudi Arabia.
Why Co-Loading Matters for Last Mile Delivery
Last mile delivery is the costliest and slowest part of logistics. Co-loading helps by:
- Grouping orders with close destinations
- Reducing vehicle trips in dense city zones
- Improving delivery performance metrics
In busy areas like Cairo or Amman, this strategy reduces failed deliveries and boosts customer satisfaction.
For added efficiency, integrate with Omniful's Omniship to automate shipping label generation and select the best carrier.
How Co-Loading Helps Businesses in MENA
For SMEs and Startups
- Reduces shipping costs without owning a fleet
- Improves delivery speed through smart partnerships
For 3PL Providers
- Maximises use of available trucks
- Reduces idle time and improves fleet productivity
For Large Retailers
- Maintains delivery commitments
- Lowers logistics overhead
Explore how Order Management Systems and Inventory Management Systems can prepare your SKUs for grouped shipping.
Barriers to Co-Loading and the TMS Solution
Coordination Issues
Without TMS: Hard to match shippers
With TMS: Matches by location, volume, and timing
Tracking Gaps
Without TMS: No visibility once dispatched
With TMS: GPS tracking for trucks and packages
Billing Confusion
Without TMS: Manual splits can cause errors
With TMS: Auto-generated invoices based on shipment data
Localising Co-Loading for MENA Markets
MENA cities face diverse logistical issues. From narrow streets in old districts to traffic restrictions during religious events, the challenges are real.
TMS-enabled co-loading helps navigate this by:
- Automating route adjustments in real time
- Avoiding time windows with known congestion
- Complying with city-specific delivery rules
Many MENA countries are now investing in logistics tech as part of initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Smart Mobility. This is the perfect time to adopt scalable, efficient solutions.
Why Choose Omniful’s TMS for Co-Loading?
Omniful’s ecosystem is built to solve regional logistics challenges.
- Warehouse Management System ensures fast item picking and packing
- Plug and Play Integrations connect all platforms from e-commerce to POS
- Returns Management simplifies split returns for shared loads
It’s more than a TMS. It’s a complete logistics solution.
FAQs: Co-Loading with TMS in MENA
Can co-loading affect product safety?
No. Products are grouped based on type. Fragile and secure items are placed separately.
What if another shipper delays their shipment?
TMS automatically adjusts and reassigns loads to maintain schedules.
Does this work for cross-border shipping?
Yes, as long as all parties meet customs and compliance rules.
Is it suitable for perishable goods?
Only if temperature and handling requirements match across the co-loaded shipments.
What systems do I need for co-loading?
At minimum, a TMS. But combining it with Warehouse and Order Management systems improves efficiency.
Final Thoughts: Co-Loading is the Future of Smart Freight
The logistics landscape in MENA is changing fast. Businesses need more than traditional delivery models. Co-loading, powered by a smart TMS, offers a clear path to savings, efficiency, and sustainability.
Whether you’re a retailer, distributor, or logistics provider — now is the time to rethink your approach.
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