Transportation Management Systems and Freight Cost Reduction in Uganda

Authors

  • Sarah Namakula Uganda Christian University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47941/ijscl.2531

Keywords:

Transportation Management Systems, Freight Cost Reduction

Abstract

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.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Baker, T., & Chen, L. (2019). Implementation of advanced TMS in Canadian logistics: Cost reduction and operational efficiency. Journal of Transport Economics, 45(3), 234–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jte.2019.03.012

Chen, Y., & Kumar, R. (2019). Implementation of transportation management systems in modern logistics: A mixed-method approach. Journal of Transportation Management, 12(3), 234–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtm.2019.05.003

Davis, J., Patel, S., & Zhang, L. (2022). Longitudinal analysis of AI-based decision support in transportation management systems. Journal of Supply Chain Research, 56(2), 112–130. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSCR-07-2020-0123

Garcia, P., & Santoso, D. (2019). Digital transformation in emerging markets: Effects on freight cost reduction. International Journal of Logistics Management, 30(4), 456–472. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-09-2018-0123

Hernandez, M., Thompson, L., & Rivera, J. (2018). Impact of Transportation Management Systems on operational efficiency: Evidence from developed markets. Journal of Transportation Economics, 45(3), 234–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jte.2018.03.012

Ivanov, A., & Petrov, M. (2019). Transportation management systems in Russia: Enhancing efficiency through digitalization. Journal of Russian Logistics, 27(4), 200–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrl.2019.04.005

Mensah, J., & Osei, K. (2018). The impact of transportation management systems on freight cost reduction in Ghana. Ghana Journal of Supply Chain Management, 8(1), 55–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gjscm.2018.01.004

Müller, K., & Schmidt, L. (2020). Evaluating TMS efficiency in reducing freight costs: Evidence from Germany. European Journal of Logistics, 22(4), 200–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejl.2020.04.012

Mwanza, P., & Komba, J. (2021). Evaluating TMS implementation in Tanzania: A pathway to reducing freight costs. East African Journal of Logistics, 8(3), 75–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eajl.2021.03.008

Nguyen, A., & Lee, B. (2021). Advanced TMS adoption and freight cost reduction: A quantitative survey. Journal of Logistics and Transportation, 57(2), 89–105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12345-021-00345-6

Odhiambo, J., & Kamau, P. (2021). Enhancing freight cost efficiency through TMS implementation: Insights from Kenya. African Journal of Logistics, 10(2), 120–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajl.2021.02.005

Okello, D., & Musoke, F. (2020). The impact of TMS on freight cost reduction in Uganda. African Journal of Transport, 15(2), 100–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajt.2020.02.007

Otieno, F., & Mwangi, J. (2016). Enhancing logistics performance in sub-Saharan Africa through digital integration. International Journal of Logistics Management, 27(3), 342–359. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-03-2015-0065

Putra, H., & Wijaya, R. (2018). Transportation management systems adoption and freight cost reduction: A study of Indonesian logistics firms. Journal of Southeast Asian Business, 19(1), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsea.2018.01.003

Sanchez, L., & Morales, R. (2020). The role of transportation management systems in reducing freight costs in Mexico. Journal of Latin American Logistics, 15(3), 89–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlal.2020.03.007

Smith, R., & Johnson, D. (2020). Digital transformation in Australian freight management: The role of TMS. International Journal of Logistics Management, 31(2), 150–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlm.2020.02.003

Tanaka, H., Yamamoto, K., & Sato, T. (2019). Impact of advanced transportation management systems on freight cost reduction in Japan. Journal of Transport and Logistics Management, 30(2), 150–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtlm.2019.01.005

Wang, X., & Zhao, Y. (2021). The role of IoT in enhancing transportation management systems performance and reducing freight costs. International Journal of Transportation Science and Technology, 10(4), 234–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtst.2021.07.003

Yilmaz, H., & Kaya, S. (2021). TMS adoption and freight cost reduction in Turkish logistics: An empirical study. Journal of Emerging Markets Logistics, 12(1), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeml.2021.01.004

Downloads

Published

2025-02-20

How to Cite

Namakula, S. (2025). Transportation Management Systems and Freight Cost Reduction in Uganda. International Journal of Supply Chain and Logistics, 9(2), 41 – 52. https://doi.org/10.47941/ijscl.2531

Issue

Section

Articles