What is the Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN)?

The Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN) is one of the world's largest multimodal, interoperable electronic messaging networks for logistics and supply chain management. It allows transportation providers, shippers, and logistics intermediaries to connect and collaborate, sharing data and documents for shipments, customs filings, and other transactions in a standardized way.

Does Descartes offer solutions for small businesses?

Yes, while Descartes serves many large enterprises, it also offers scalable solutions for smaller businesses. Products like Descartes Route Planner On-demand are designed for companies with smaller fleets to optimize delivery routes without a massive upfront investment, and their e-commerce shipping solutions can scale down to smaller online retailers.

How is pricing for Descartes' software determined?

Descartes does not publish standard pricing. Pricing is customized based on a variety of factors, including the specific software modules required, the number of users, transaction volume, company size, and the level of implementation and support needed. You must contact their sales department for a detailed quote.

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Descartes Systems Group

Paid

logisticssupply chain managementtmsfleet managementroute planningglobal tradecustoms compliancesaasenterprise software

Descartes Systems Group provides a comprehensive suite of cloud-based logistics and supply chain management solutions, helping businesses manage the flow of information and goods from origin to final destination.

Try it out

Descartes is a global leader in logistics and supply chain technology, offering a vast portfolio of software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions that address a wide range of logistics functions. Their primary users are businesses of all sizes involved in manufacturing, distribution, retail, and transportation who need to manage complex global operations. The company's unique value proposition lies in its Logistics Technology Platform, which unifies disparate processes like routing, mobile resource management, customs compliance, and global trade intelligence. By providing this federated network and broad application footprint, Descartes enables customers to improve productivity and security across their entire supply chain. This makes it a critical infrastructure provider for global commerce.

Pros

Extremely comprehensive product suite covering almost every aspect of logistics.
Powerful Global Logistics Network (GLN) for seamless connectivity with thousands of trading partners.
Strong, best-in-class features for global trade and customs compliance.
Scalable solutions that can serve small businesses with a few vehicles up to multinational enterprises.
Long-standing, publicly traded company with a stable track record and continuous product evolution through acquisition.

Cons

Pricing is entirely opaque and requires direct engagement with a sales team.
The sheer number of distinct products can be overwhelming to navigate.
User experience can be inconsistent across different modules, some of which are legacy products from acquisitions.
Implementation and integration can be complex and resource-intensive for large-scale deployments.
May be overkill for businesses with very simple, localized logistics needs.

Key features

Routing, Mobile & Telematics
Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
Customs & Regulatory Compliance Automation
Global Trade Content & Data
Broker & Forwarder Enterprise Systems
E-commerce Shipping & Fulfillment
Real-time Shipment & Asset Tracking
Supply Chain EDI & B2B Messaging

Integrations

ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)E-commerce Platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento)Major parcel, LTL, and FTL carriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL)Government customs agencies (e.g., U.S. CBP, CBSA)Telematics Hardware ProvidersFinancial & Accounting SystemsOcean Carrier Networks (e.g., INTTRA)

Target audience

Shippers, carriers, logistics service providers (LSPs), freight forwarders, retailers, manufacturers, and distributors involved in local delivery or global trade.

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Key Metrics

Active Users

24,000+ customers

Founded

1981

Headquarters

Waterloo, Canada

Pricing Tiers

Custom

Pricing is tailored to each customer's specific needs. It depends on the combination of applications chosen, transaction volumes, number of users, and required service levels. Includes access to selected modules from the Descartes Logistics Technology Platform.

Contact for quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Alternatives to Descartes Systems Group

SAP Supply Chain Management

A top choice for large enterprises already using SAP's ERP system, offering seamless integration but potentially less specialized, best-of-breed functionality than Descartes' dedicated modules.

Oracle Fusion Cloud SCM

Appeals to businesses seeking a unified cloud platform from a single vendor for SCM, ERP, and HCM, providing a highly integrated but potentially less flexible solution.

Blue Yonder

A strong competitor with deep expertise in retail and manufacturing supply chain planning and execution, often chosen for its advanced forecasting and fulfillment optimization capabilities.

E2open

Provides a competing connected supply chain platform with a similar network-centric approach, focusing on unifying channel, planning, logistics, and global trade data.

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