Web Freight Broker TMS Development

Build a Brokerage Transportation Management System (TMS) — Web App (MVP)
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Project Description
We are building a professional Transportation Management System (TMS) for a freight brokerage company specializing in full truckload shipments, including open-deck and specialized freight.
This system will be used internally by brokerage staff (sales, dispatch, operations, accounting) and must support future expansion into customer and carrier portals and mobile applications.
This is NOT a fleet management system — it is a broker operations platform.
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Phase 1 Scope (MVP)
The MVP will focus on core brokerage operations only.
Core Modules
1) User & Role Management
• Secure login
• Role-based access (Admin, Operations, Sales, Accounting, Dispatcher)
• Audit logging
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2) Customer (Shipper) Management
• Company profiles and contacts
• Pickup/delivery locations
• Payment terms
• Notes/history
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3) Carrier Management
• Carrier profiles (MC/DOT)
• Document storage (insurance, W-9, agreements)
• Compliance status (manual verification acceptable)
• Ability to approve/block carriers
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4) Load Management (Core)
Full lifecycle tracking:
Quote → Booked → Dispatched → In Transit → Delivered → Invoiced → Closed
Load details:
• Multi-stop pickup/delivery
• Equipment type
• Commodity, weight, dimensions
• Special requirements
• Internal notes
• Buy rate vs sell rate
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5) Internal Load Board
• Dispatchers can post/edit loads
• Approved carriers can request to book
• Status synchronization across system
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6) Dispatch & Tracking (Basic)
• Assign carriers to loads
• Manual status updates
• Event logging
• ETA fields (manual or calculated)
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7) Document Management
Upload and store per-load documents:
• Rate confirmations
• Bills of lading
• Proof of delivery
• Receipts
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8) Billing & Accounting
• Generate customer invoices
• Track payment status (manual confirmation)
• Track carrier payables
• Support accessorial charges
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9) Reporting
Basic dashboards:
• Load status overview
• Revenue vs cost summary
• Aging reports
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Technical Preferences
Open to proposals, but preferred stack:
• Backend: Node.js (NestJS or equivalent)
• Frontend: React / Next.js
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Cloud-ready architecture
• REST API for future mobile apps
• Secure file storage (e.g., AWS S3)
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Deliverables
• Fully functional web application
• Source code in private repository
• Database schema & migrations
• Deployment instructions
• Basic technical documentation
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Ideal Candidate / Team
• Experience building complex business applications
• Experience with logistics, ERP, or operational systems preferred
• Strong architecture skills
• Ability to design scalable systems