Choosing a TMS in Mexico is not buying the longest catalog. It is deciding who will execute your freight daily: quote, track, gather evidence, and audit before pay. This checklist is short on purpose.
- points to evaluate any TMS
- 12
- minimum pilot with metrics
- 6-8 wk
- typical recovery if you audit 100%
- 5-7%
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Who this checklist is for
Shippers and 3PLs on the Mexico–US corridor with meaningful volume (reference: 300+ shipments/month).
If you are a carrier with own fleet, prioritize settlements, shop, and stamping. This list still helps, but the "winner" is often a different product.
Before demos: 4 decisions
Role
Do you buy freight or run a fleet?
Modes
Road only or multimodal?
Stack
Does the current ERP/TMS stay or get replaced?
Success
Hours, OTIF, or MXN recovered?
12-point TMS selection checklist
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Detalle del paso · 01
Role
Questions to ask in the demo
| Question | Weak answer | Strong answer |
|---|---|---|
| Who captures the trip? | “The user” | Agent or automation with evidence |
| How do you audit invoices? | “Reporting module” | 100% pre-pay match |
| Carta Porte? | “Can be configured” | Clear issue or verify flow |
| What if there is no API? | “Phase 2” | Computer use / portal / GPS mirror |
| What do you measure in pilot? | “Satisfaction” | Hours, coverage, 5-7% MXN |
How to structure the pilot (6-8 weeks)
- One lane, customer, or mode (e.g. export truck).
- Week-0 baseline: hours, % audited, known leakage.
- Business rules: rate card, geofence, document checklist.
- Weekly review with tower + AP; scale decision in week 6-8.
Key takeaways5 points
- Choose by role: shipper/3PL vs carrier with fleet.
- Demand execution (quote, track, audit), not pretty screens only.
- In Mexico: CFDI + Carta Porte 3.1 on the correct side (issue vs verify).
- Do not sign without a measured 6-8 week pilot against baseline.
- OCL is an autonomous TMS with computer use; typical 5-7% freight recovery.
Want to apply this checklist to your stack?
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Define your role first (shipper, 3PL, or carrier), then require Carta Porte/CFDI on the correct side, real stack fit, and a metrics pilot. Use this checklist and best TMS Mexico 2026.
Modules without execution are a database. Ask who quotes, who tracks, who audits 100% of invoices. See traditional TMS vs OCL.
If you operate in Mexico, yes or with a clear local partner. Shipper: verify before pay. Carrier: stamp via PAC. OCL verifies; not a PAC.
Ideal: 6-8 week pilot on one lane with baseline hours, audit coverage, and MXN recovered.
Own fleet (shop, settlements), carrier TMS (LIS, Avansat, GM). Buy third-party freight, and shipper TMS/agents (OCL, MercuryGate, SAP TM, Oracle).
Yes. You can add agents that execute on the ERP/TMS. See OCL vs SAP TM and computer use.