Transportation Management Systems and Freight Cost Reduction in Uganda

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyze transportation management systems and freight cost reduction in Uganda Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: TMS adoption in Uganda has led to an 8-10% reduction in freight costs through optimized route planning, real-time tracking, and load consolidation. These systems have improved fuel efficiency and reduced delivery delays, enhancing operational performance. Recent research indicates that transportation management systems (TMS) in Uganda have reduced freight costs by 8–10% through enhanced real-time tracking, advanced route planning, and load consolidation. Although these systems improve fuel efficiency and decrease delivery delays, challenges such as infrastructural limitations and inconsistent connectivity still hamper their full potential. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory & resource-based view (RBV) may be used to anchor future studies on transportation management systems and freight cost reduction in Uganda. Operational practices should also emphasize data integration across supply chain partners to ensure seamless information flow, enabling proactive cost management. Policymakers, on the other hand, should consider incentivizing technology upgrades through tax credits or subsidies to encourage broader adoption of sophisticated TMS solutions.