In today’s data-driven supply chain, it’s easy to assume that logistics is running like a well-oiled machine. But behind the dashboards and integrations, one essential group is still left out: the carriers; the very people moving the freight.

The truth is, logistics is broken without its primary player. While brokers and shippers enjoy real-time updates, integrations, and automated workflows, most small and mid-sized carriers still rely on manual processes, outdated tools, or worse, paper logs.

The Backbone of Freight: Small Carriers

In the U.S., over 90% of trucking companies operate with fewer than 10 trucks. These small carriers haul most of the domestic freight, yet their tools and technology lag decades behind.

They are the invisible muscle of logistics but with none of the visibility.

What’s the Disconnect?

1. No Shared Systems

Brokers and shippers use transportation management systems (TMS), load boards, CRMs, and ERP software; all interconnected. Carriers? They’re lucky if they have a spreadsheet that’s updated in real time.

2. No Real-Time Communication

While the small carrier gets the rate confirmation in an email, driver load confirmation details are still sent via calls and texts. Status updates depend on someone checking in. There’s no way to broadcast updates across systems.

3. Limited Control Over Information Flow

Carriers often operate at the end of a communication chain they don’t control. Shippers dictate delivery windows. Brokers negotiate terms and updates. By the time changes reach the carrier, they’re often outdated, unclear, or conflicting.

Without direct access to the same logistics data like route updates, delivery times, or load history; carriers are forced to react instead of plan. This lack of visibility disrupts schedules, causes missed updates, and leads to avoidable disputes.

4. Manual Paperwork

Invoices are built from paper PODs. Detention time is tracked by memory. Driver pay is calculated manually.

Why the Disconnect Exists

• TMS systems are built for brokers, not carriers
  • Small teams can’t afford expensive platforms
  • Learning curves and setup times feel overwhelming
  • There’s no unified place to connect all players in the supply chain

  The result? Delayed payments, revenue leakage, miscommunication, and missed opportunities.

What Connection Looks Like

To fix logistics, we need to connect carriers to the same systems as everyone else—without forcing them to learn complex tools or pay thousands in licensing fees.

Here’s what that connection looks like:
• A platform where carriers, brokers, and shippers operate together
• Load creation, driver dispatch, tracking, and invoicing all in one place
• Live status sharing with proof of digital deliveries
• Automated settlement of payments across the network
• Access from mobile devices – on the road or at the yard

LoadMiles: A Free TMS to Connect Carriers Back to Logistics

LoadMiles is the only free TMS designed specifically to bring small carriers into the modern logistics network.

With LoadMiles, carriers can:

• Connect carriers with shippers and aggregators
• Instantly create loads from RateCons or system integrations
  • Dispatch drivers and send instructions via text
  • Deigital proof of deliveries, and generate invoices in one click
  • Track jobs and costs without manual logs
  • Connect with brokers and shippers in real time
  • Get full onboarding and support—right from WhatsApp

  No contracts. No credit card. Just a smarter, free TMS for trucking companies that are ready to grow.

Final Word

Logistics doesn’t work without the carrier. It’s time to stop leaving them out of the network; and give them the tools to succeed.

👉 Join LoadMiles and bring your fleet into the connected supply chain: https://loadmiles.com