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TMS Load Optimization: Combining Shipments to Fill Trucks & Reduce Partial Loads

By Team Omniful
Published: 20 May 2025Updated: 20 May 2025
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TMS Load Optimization: Combining Shipments to Fill Trucks & Reduce Partial Loads

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      Quick Highlights – Load Smarter, Spend Less

      • Unused truck space increases operational costs and delivery time.
      • Splitting loads creates more trips and wastes fuel.
      • A modern transportation management system (TMS) prevents this.
      • Omniful’s TMS system groups shipments into fewer, fuller trips.
      • This improves logistics performance and reduces carbon emissions.

      Introduction: The Real Cost of Empty Truck Space

      In transport operations, every unfilled truck section is a missed opportunity. It raises fuel consumption and labour hours. In markets like MENA, this inefficiency directly impacts profit.

      Traditional methods fail to adjust to fluctuating demand. Routes are fixed, and shipment grouping is manual. These practices lead to trucks moving with half their capacity.

      To remain competitive, businesses must optimise load planning. A reliable TMS system like Omniful can manage this automatically, helping teams make smarter transport decisions.

      What Is Load Optimization in a TMS?

      Load optimization means grouping multiple shipments into one vehicle. It aims to reduce the number of trips without delaying delivery.

      Instead of dispatching two trucks at 50%, you send one at 100%. This improves vehicle use and cuts costs.

      A transportation management system does this through:

      • Intelligent shipment pairing
      • Route mapping
      • Volume and weight analysis
      • Delivery time matching

      The goal is fewer trucks on the road — but with more goods per trip.

      Why Partial Loads Create Bigger Problems

      Sending half-empty trucks has a ripple effect. It doesn’t just impact fuel use; it affects the whole logistics chain.

      In the MENA region, where distances can be long and fuel prices high, this adds up quickly.

      Some challenges caused by partial loads:

      • High transport cost per unit
      • Missed delivery targets
      • Limited driver availability
      • Poor warehouse throughput

      Without a TMS to plan routes, teams must rely on guesswork. That leads to inefficiency and unhappy customers.

      How Omniful’s TMS Combines Shipments Intelligently

      Omniful’s Transportation Management System makes shipment grouping smarter and faster. Here’s how it works:

      1. Multi-Order Consolidation:

      The system groups shipments with similar delivery windows. Orders heading to nearby areas are loaded together. This reduces dispatch frequency.

      2. Capacity-Based Planning:

      Each vehicle’s load limit is calculated. Omniful ensures neither weight nor space is wasted.

      3. Route Optimization:

      Deliveries are sequenced based on location proximity. This minimises fuel use and improves delivery speed.

      4. Real-Time Adjustments:

      If a shipment is cancelled, the TMS re-routes the others. This prevents idle capacity and reduces delays.

      Features That Make TMS Load Optimization Work

      Omniful’s platform is designed for growing businesses. Its features include:

      • Live Load Visualisation: See how much space is available before dispatch.
      • Inventory Sync: Orders from Inventory Management are reflected in real time.
      • Order Grouping Rules: Automate how shipments are combined.
      • Fleet Compatibility: Assign the right truck for each route.
      • Return Coordination: Plan backhauls using Returns Management.

      These tools help operations teams reduce costs and boost performance.

      Benefits of Load Optimization with Omniful

      Here’s what your business gains:

      • Lower Fuel Bills: Fewer trucks = less fuel used.
      • Improved Timeliness: Grouped deliveries arrive sooner and more predictably.
      • Higher Efficiency: Warehouse space is better managed with grouped order fulfillment.
      • Less Carbon Emission: Fewer trips reduce environmental impact.

      These gains are vital for retail, FMCG, and distribution sectors in MENA, where cost and delivery time are top priorities.

      Real Business Cases: Load Optimization in Action

      Retail Distributor – Jeddah to Riyadh

      Problem: Trucks left every day at 60% capacity.
      Solution: Omniful grouped similar orders. Dispatches dropped to 4/week, all full.
      Result: 35% lower transport cost. On-time delivery improved by 20%.

      Grocery Chain – UAE

      Problem: Stores ordered separately, causing overlapping routes.
      Solution: Orders were grouped and delivered per region.
      Result: Total trips reduced by 30%. Fuel savings were immediate.

      Tips for Smarter Load Planning

      To get the most from your TMS:

      1. Set Minimum Load Thresholds
        Don’t dispatch below 80% capacity unless urgent.

      2. Group by Time and Location
        Combine orders with shared delivery days and areas.

      3. Use Historical Data
        Let past delivery patterns guide route planning.

      4. Enable Warehouse Sync
        Use Order Management to match dispatch with fulfillment speed.

      Omniful’s Edge in the Market

      Unlike basic systems, Omniful’s TMS is integrated across platforms:

      This lets you manage your full supply chain, from order to delivery, under one system.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Q1. What is a transportation management system (TMS)?
      A TMS manages delivery routes, vehicle loads, and shipping coordination.

      Q2. How does load optimization save money?
      Fewer trips mean lower fuel, fewer drivers, and faster delivery times.

      Q3. Can Omniful manage returns too?
      Yes. It integrates seamlessly with Returns Management.

      Q4. Does it support real-time tracking?
      Yes. You can track vehicles and orders live via dashboard.

      Q5. How do I integrate Omniful’s TMS?
      Use Plug-and-Play Integrations to go live fast.

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