ShipSoft Parcel and Freight

Program Overview

ShipSoft is Varsity Logistics' shipping stack for IBM i and AS/400 Power systems, split into two products. ShipSoft Parcel is a modular transportation management solution that automates small package shipping end to end, covering carrier selection, pricing optimization and labeling compliance. ShipSoft Freight is a multi-modal rating engine for LTL, truckload and rail shipments within North America, handling rating, shipment planning and carrier selection.

This is usually the product a buyer reaches for when dispatch is fine but shipping is where accuracy and margin quietly leak. Varsity describes ShipSoft as the only holistic shipping software solution built for the IBM i and states that it integrates with legacy, ERP and order entry systems running on IBM i Power. Those are vendor statements, and they are checkable: ask for reference accounts running the same ERP and the same carrier mix before treating either as settled.

Best Fit

Best fit for IBM i shippers, distributors and carriers that move freight through more than one carrier or mode and are still rate shopping by hand, keying rates, or discovering overcharges after the invoice is paid.

What this program helps with

• ShipSoft Parcel for small package carrier selection, pricing optimization and labeling compliance
• ShipSoft Freight as a multi-modal rating engine for LTL, truckload and rail across North America
• Add-on modules including ShipSelect for carrier rate shopping, ShipPack for pick and pack, ShipOptimizer for automated containerization and FreightPlan for LTL and full truckload load planning
• ShipTalk shipment tracking, Transdata shipping analytics and SpeedWeigh automated package weighing
• ShipAudit and FreightAudit for parcel and LTL invoice auditing
• Integration with legacy, ERP and order entry systems running on IBM i and AS/400 Power systems

What to vet before shortlist

• Name the exact carriers and modes in scope and make the vendor confirm coverage carrier by carrier rather than in the abstract
• Clarify who maintains rate tables and tariffs after go-live, and whether that work is included or billed separately
• Confirm how accessorials, fuel surcharges and dimensional weight are handled, since that is where rating accuracy is usually won or lost
• Scope the audit modules against real invoice variance, not against a projected savings percentage