MercuryGate Reviews & Pricing

by Mercury Gate International | Founded 2000, Cary, North Carolina

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What is MercuryGate?

Industry Specialties: Shipping and Transportation

MercuryGate is a global transportation management system that can handle all modes of delivery. This software package comes with architecture that makes it easy to integrate with other platforms, including those for WMS and ERP. Plan, optimize and execute stock movements through a single-platform.

This platform provides high-level visibility into all tasks and helps quickly locate suitable carriers to transport stock. As your operation grows in response to the global transportation market, this application contains functionality to scale up to fit more complex requirements.

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User Sentiment

Based on 128 reviews:

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MercuryGate Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, MercuryGate pricing starts at $10,000 (Annually).

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Starting From: $10,000
Pricing Model: Annually
Free Trial: No

Training Resources

MercuryGate is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for MercuryGate:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

MercuryGate Benefits and Insights

Why use MercuryGate?

Key differentiators & advantages of MercuryGate

Track and Manage Claims: Tackle claims, such as loss and damage, overcharge and return authorizations, by automating claim form generation and payment calculations. This efficiency reduces managerial burdens, cuts errors and brings visibility into claims, timely incident reporting and improved cash flow. This expansive toolset cements MercuryGate as our best system for claims management.
Choose Multimodal Transport and Negotiate Rates: Ship freight through transportation methods, like parcel, truckload, rail, air and intermodal, that all score a perfect 100 in our analyst data. MercuryGate also takes home top marks for carrier performance scorecards that evaluate carriers and a freight audit payment (FAP) functionality for auditing carrier bills against approved rates.
Gain Visibility: Gain complete visibility into critical transportation processes. The track-and-trace feature scored a 100 as it alerts you each time a package or pallet's barcode is scanned or its status is changed manually during the consignment process. Delivery ETA is another visibility feature that scores a perfect 100 for calculating the ETA of each truckload or LTL shipment.
Stay on Top of Global Regulations: Ensure compliance with global trade regulations in your multi-leg and multimodal shipments. Access multiple languages, currencies and units of measure to keep your firm running smoothly despite common barriers between nations. MercuryGate takes care of driver, carrier and trade compliance, thus scoring 100 across these features.
Simplify Reporting: Gain visibility into the shipping and access historical data with customizable reporting and dashboards that were rated 100 by our analysts. Optimize operations by improving asset management and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Mitigate risks proactively by centralizing and automating risk monitoring.

Industry Expertise

MercuryGate's TMS caters to various industries by providing specialized features that improve logistics operations.

Its load optimizer is a boon for manufacturing companies looking to maximize trailer space and reduce costs. After examining its capabilities, I discovered advantages such as market-driven sourcing and spot buying. It also lends access to private and public boards, carrier history, and backhaul options.

These features are beneficial for manufacturers dealing with capacity and budget limitations. Additionally, for manufacturers relying on multimodal shipments, it offers mile-by-mile visibility and tracking of goods from raw material shipments to the delivery of finished products.

Retailers can use its final mile delivery tracker to ensure timely and efficient delivery, keeping customers happy. Visibility tools track shipments and manage inventory, while carrier management optimizes freight costs.

Freight forwarders benefit from global visibility, which lets them track shipments across borders, respond quickly to issues, and manage carrier rates for better negotiation and cost control.

The product offers custom solutions for the food and beverage industry, including temperature-controlled transportation and strict delivery windows. It provides real-time shipment tracking, ensuring perishable goods are transported within the necessary temperature range and delivered punctually. The exception management feature allows proactive responses to unforeseen events, minimizing spoilage and waste.

MercuryGate Reviews

Average customer reviews & user sentiment summary for MercuryGate:

128 reviews

83%

of users would recommend this product

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of MercuryGate reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

Cost Savings: These systems can optimize routing and carrier selection, leading to reduced fuel expenses and improved delivery efficiency, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses.
Real-Time Visibility: TMS solutions provide GPS integration and real-time tracking capabilities for monitoring shipments and receiving timely updates, enhancing customer service.
Greater Efficiency: A TMS can automate load planning, shipment tracking, and documentation management, reducing manual work and errors to speed up delivery times and improve operational efficiency.

Cons

High Implementation Costs: Buying and implementing a TMS can be costly, including expenses for software and hardware and potential disruptions during the shift from legacy systems.
Complex Implementation Process: Poor planning or lack of standardization can lead to failed performances. If the chosen TMS doesn’t align with the company’s needs, it can create further inefficiencies.
Limited Flexibility: Some TMS solutions may have limitations in terms of customization and flexibility, making it difficult to adapt to specific business needs or changes in the market.

Researcher's Summary:

MercuryGate has attracted a range of users, from small businesses to large enterprises, each with unique needs and expectations. The platform's user-friendly interface has consistently been lauded, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise. This ease of use translates into tangible efficiency gains, as users report spending less time on administrative tasks and more time focusing on core business activities.

My firsthand experience with the platform involved a complex, multi-leg shipment of industrial pipes from China to a remote rig site in North Dakota. This scenario tested MercuryGate's capabilities across multiple transportation modes, including trucks, ocean freight and rail. The TMS efficiently handled the complexities of this shipment, showcasing its potential for cost savings and operational efficiency.

During execution, the load board provided real-time visibility into all 17 loads involved in the shipment. This centralized information hub allowed me to proactively manage the shipment, identify potential bottlenecks and make informed decisions. The 'next recommended activity' feature was particularly useful in streamlining operations and ensuring timely execution.

Furthermore, MercuryGate's carrier and rate selection capabilities stood out. The platform provided a detailed overview of available carriers and rates, empowering me to make informed decisions based on cost, transit time, carrier reliability and contractual agreements.

In addition to these core functionalities, MercuryGate offers industry-specific features, 3PL support, a control tower for enhanced visibility, exception management for proactive issue resolution, scheduling capabilities, and robust reporting and analytics tools.

Ultimately, MercuryGate is best suited for businesses seeking a reliable and easy-to-use transportation and logistics management solution that can accommodate a wide range of needs. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive features make it an ideal choice for those looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency without the need for extensive customization.

Key Features

3PL Support: MercuryGate, while suitable for most companies, includes functionalities to help 3PL providers run the operations they are in charge of. Manage multiple transportation methods for multiple clients with a suite of 3PL-enabled tools. It scores 100 in our analyst data for integrating with freight broker solutions such as Loadsmart and FreightFriend. The same impressive score expands to its integration with logistics solutions like FedEx and UPS.
MercuryGate Control Tower: The control tower's map-view interface offers a complete overview of all shipments in transit. It helps users identify bottlenecks or delays and take corrective actions promptly. The control tower improves situational awareness and operational responsiveness.
Order Management: MercuryGate's TMS simplifies order management with automated order entry, a shipping cart for item selection and electronic generation of all shipping documents, including invoices and bills of lading. Rated a score of 100, its features let you access agreement details, plan loads by weight or delivery dates, and drill into vendor shipment progress.
Exception Management: The system highlights important deviations from routine operations, such as delays and unexpected costs, enabling quick resolution to maintain efficiency and service levels. Instant notifications ensure all relevant parties are aware and can collaborate on solutions, reducing misunderstandings and maintaining alignment across the logistics network.
Carrier Rate Management: This module helps you compare freight rates and services from different carriers to make cost-effective shipping decisions while maintaining service levels. Use performance scorecards that score a perfect 100 in our data to evaluate carriers based on criteria such as timeliness, compliance and responsiveness.
Reporting and Analytics: The platform offers customizable reports that create insights specific to operational requirements, enabling targeted analysis and strategic planning. The financial and performance analysis reports that score 100 in our analyst data offer in-depth breakdowns of costs and operational metrics.

See It in Action: Multimodal Optimization and Carrier Management

I had the chance to test MercuryGate's planning and execution capabilities with a complex scenario: transporting industrial pipes from Tianjin, China, to a remote rig site in North Dakota.

I started by entering all the essential information, including:

Origin: Tianjin, China
Destination: New Town, North Dakota, USA
Cargo: Industrial pipes
Quantity: 20 shipments (10 truckloads with two shipments each)
Preferred Modes of Transport: Multimodal (trucks, ocean freight, rail)

The Optimizer laid out a map featuring all the necessary details:

Once I entered the shipment details, its multimodal optimizer engine went to work.

It analyzed various factors, such as:

Available routes and carriers for each leg of the journey.
Transit times and costs.
Capacity constraints.
Any predefined preferences or restrictions.

Various transportation modes and carriers were available, including trucks, ocean carriers (MAERSK, CMA CGM), rail (BNSF) and even final mile delivery options (Parcel, LTL, Private Fleet).

I was impressed with MercuryGate’s intuitive ability to choose between the best modes of transportation for each leg of the journey. This step needed minimal intervention unless exceptions occurred.

I got a clear view of the specific carriers that the system integrated. If needed, I could veer off into the automated carrier management portal.

Based on the capacities and locations I mentioned, the system auto-populated viable carrier options from a mix of internal and external sources.

It presented me with 250+ choices until I decided on the most suitable ones and automated the quoting process as such:

Having set a quote, I could go about other tasks as the carriers responded with the amounts of freight they could move and its cost. All of it showed up in the carrier portal for me to review.

At this juncture, I had the option of referring to the freight rate index or internal sources to verify prices.

The TMS provided a detailed table view of available carriers and rates for each leg of the journey.

I could compare different options based on factors like:

Cost.
Transit time.
Carrier reliability.
Contractual agreements.

The system even highlighted potential savings, helping me get competitive rates regardless of market conditions.

Returning to the load board, I got an optimized transit plan featuring the following parameters:

The most efficient combination of transport modes (trucks, ocean vessels, rail).
Suitable carriers for each leg.
Optimized truckloads to maximize capacity and minimize costs.
A detailed breakdown of the entire journey, including estimated transit times and costs.

Once the plan was in place, the TMS transitioned to the execution phase.

The load board provided a centralized view of all 17 loads (10 truckloads, five drayage moves at origin and destination, and one rail move), along with key information like:

Origin and destination.
Pickup and drop-off dates.
Carrier details.
Current status.
Next recommended activity such as "Enter Invoice" or "Contact Carrier."

The load board offers two views for visualizing the load data: table and block.

Table View: Displays the load data in a tabular format, with each load represented as a row. This view is ideal for users who prefer a more traditional and structured way of looking at data.
Block View: Displays the load data in a block format, with each load represented as a block. This view is ideal for users who prefer a more visual and interactive approach.

The load board also provides the option to download the data as a CSV file. This ability is useful if I want to analyze the data further or share it with others.

Limitations

At the time of this review, these are the limitations according to user feedback:

Businesses must rely on manual communication (email, phone calls) to inform carriers of their selection, as the system doesn't notify them.
No support for “what if” scenario modeling, which means that firms can test how different bids affect costs and service levels.

Demo Resources

The MercuryGate resource center provides the following educational materials:

Product Education Hub: A centralized platform for product news, updates and educational materials.
Knowledge Center: Includes blogs, webinars and articles covering logistics technology and best practices for selecting and implementing a TMS.
Case Studies and Brochures: Features real-world examples and detailed brochures that demonstrate the real-world applicability of MercuryGate's solutions in various logistics scenarios.
Webinars and On-Demand Content: Contains on-demand webinars that address specific TMS topics, providing valuable insights and strategies.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions regarding MercuryGate include:

Q: What is MercuryGate used for?

A: MercuryGate is a transportation management system that helps businesses simplify their shipping operations. It provides visibility into shipments, optimizes routes across different modes of transport and supports various logistics needs from the first mile to the last.

Q: Who is the CEO of MercuryGate?

A: Joe Juliano is the CEO of MercuryGate

Q: Who bought MercuryGate?

A: MercuryGate is being acquired by Körber Supply Chain Software, a joint venture between Körber AG and KKR. Before this, in 2018, MercuryGate was acquired by the private equity firm called Summit Partners.

Q: What is the power of MercuryGate architecture?

A: MercuryGate's open architecture allows easy connection with other systems for seamless data flow. Its end-to-end visibility provides real-time tracking and proactive issue resolution. Additionally, its scalability ensures the system can handle growing business needs and complex logistics.