TMS deploys FourKites for live ocean & rail tracking

TMS has deployed FourKites to track global ocean shipments and U.S. rail movements for a leading consumer brand.

The deployment gives TMS a single live view of shipment locations and estimated arrival times.

The arrangement covers international ocean freight and U.S. rail shipments for high-demand consumer products. TMS is using FourKites' real-time network and a live digital twin of its shipments to identify disruptions earlier and reduce manual intervention across its operations.

TMS manages design, manufacturing, production and transportation for an internationally known product and packaging line on behalf of its customer. A core objective is to ensure goods arrive on time and in full across global markets, which depends on accurate information about shipment status and potential delays.

Freight visibility has become increasingly important for consumer supply chains that rely on tightly coordinated production and delivery schedules. Delays in ocean freight or rail transport can trigger penalties, disrupt product availability and create extra work for logistics teams updating customers and internal stakeholders.

TMS said the system is helping it avoid fines linked to late deliveries while improving customer satisfaction. The platform has also simplified communication across the business by giving teams access to the same shipment data.

Operational changes

Regional teams are using configurable dashboards to focus on the shipments that matter most in their geographies. This allows staff to concentrate on disruptions affecting local operations rather than sorting through broader global shipment data.

TMS can now access live information on shipment locations and expected arrival times with one click, reducing the need for manual tracking and separate status checks across transport modes.

"FourKites has changed the way we work," said Oliver Exner, Director of Global Trade Operations at TMS.

"Thanks to FourKites, we can instantly see and react to live information with one click about where shipments are and when they'll arrive at their destination."

Broader market

FourKites, a supply chain visibility software provider, supports more than 1,600 global brands and processes more than 3.2 million supply chain events each day. Its platform creates a live model of orders, shipments, inventory and assets so customers can monitor freight movements and manage exceptions.

Its German operation highlighted the pressures facing businesses that supply major consumer brands, where delivery performance is closely watched and delays can have an immediate commercial impact. For providers such as TMS, a shared data view can also reduce disputes over responsibility when shipments are delayed.

"TMS operates in one of the most demanding corners of global supply chain - delivering for brands whose customers notice every delay," said Kevin Kruekis, Managing Director of FourKites' German Operations.

"A live digital twin of TMS's ocean and rail shipments gives their teams and their customer a single, trusted view of what's moving, where, and when it will arrive. That foundation is what will make predictive, AI-driven supply chain execution possible in the years ahead."

TMS describes itself as a technology, marketing and sourcing partner to global brands, with 13 offices worldwide. It says it engages with more than 110 million customers each day through activities spanning creative work, consultancy, sourcing and technology services.

Exner said FourKites stood out during the selection process because of its understanding of TMS's requirements and its product direction. He also pointed to interest in using shipment visibility data to support more automated decision-making in supply chain operations.

"What set FourKites apart from other vendors was not just their understanding of our needs, but their clear vision for what comes next," said Exner.

"The Intelligent Control Tower and Digital Workforce capabilities showcase how visibility data can drive automated action. As we deepen our partnership, we're interested in how AI could transform our supply chain operations beyond basic visibility."