Multi-Leg Transits Overview

Multi-Leg Transit allows you to build shipments that move through multiple steps or legs instead of a single pickup and delivery.

Multi-Leg Shipments: Overview and Capabilities

Multi-Leg Transit functionality allows you to build complex shipments that move through multiple modes and carriers in distinct steps called transit legs. By breaking a shipment down into segments called transit legs, brokers can gain granular control over routing, pricing, and visibility for every hand-off in the supply chain.Supported Multi-Leg Services

Tai supports a variety of multi-leg configurations designed to handle complex logistics scenarios. Below are the key service types available.

1. Pool Distribution

Ideal for high-volume LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shippers, this method consolidates shipments into a single truck for the "linehaul" leg, delivering them to a central distribution center (pool point).
  • The Process: The shipment moves to a regional pool point where it is offloaded and handed to local carriers for final delivery to multiple destinations in that region.
  • Benefit: lowers costs and transit times compared to traditional single-leg shipments.

2. Final Mile

This service covers the "last leg" of the journey, typically moving freight from a local terminal to the end customer. This is essential for shipments requiring specialized handling at the destination, such as residential or lift-gate delivery.
  • Common Services: White Glove, Assembly, Threshold Delivery, and Inside Delivery.

👉 Final Mile Rating Engine Workflow

3. Cross-Dock

Cross-docking facilitates the rapid transfer of freight with minimal storage time.
  • The Process: Freight is unloaded from an inbound vehicle at a terminal, sorted, and reloaded onto an outbound vehicle to continue its journey.
  • Benefit: Reduces warehousing costs and improves inventory turnover.

4. Border Crossing / Drayage

This configuration handles international freight moving between countries or ports, managing the hand-offs between domestic carriers, border brokers, and international carriers.
  • Cross Border: Specifically designed to assist with shipments moving from Mexico into the United States. The shipment will track both carriers moving the freight, as well as any cross-dock and customs facilities. (See: Cross-Border Shipments - Canada and Mexico)
  • Drayage: Handles the short-haul transport of goods (usually containers) from a port or rail ramp to a nearby warehouse or terminal. (See: Drayage Shipments)

👉 Cross-Border Shipments - Canada and Mexico

👉 Drayage Shipments

5. 4PL-Managed Routing

This advanced feature allows managed transportation providers to define custom routing sequences.
  • Capability: You can stitch together multiple carriers across different modes into a single master shipment view.
  • Routing Guides: You can support complex networks of routing guides and contracted freight that are specific to your managed transportation customer.

6. Multi-Stop Routing

While standard multi-leg splits a journey by carrier, multi-stop routing manages complex itineraries within a single leg or route.
  • Capability: Supports additional stops such as intermediate terminals, carrier hubs, or scheduled partial deliveries/pickups along a route.

Transit Leg to Stop Association

Defines how the TMS links shipment stops (pickup, terminals, delivery) to the correct transit leg within a Multi-Leg route.
This ensures proper routing, pricing, and tracking for each segment of the shipment.

👉 Transit Leg to Stop Association Article