Getting the Most Out of McLeod
For most freight brokers and carriers, McLeod is the backbone of daily operations. It keeps orders organized, dispatches moving, and billing on track. It is one of the most complete systems in the industry, built to handle complex workflows and scale as your business grows.
But even the strongest software relies on the environment around it. A great TMS still needs dependable connectivity, a secure network, and a clear plan for how integrations and updates are managed. Without that foundation, performance issues can creep in quietly and slow everything down.
At Insperia, we have spent years helping freight brokerages strengthen the tech environment that surrounds systems like McLeod. This guide captures what we have learned from those experiences and how you can apply it to your own operation.
Common Bottlenecks for McLeod Users
Every brokerage has its own setup, but most share a few familiar pain points. These are not McLeod issues; they are the small cracks that appear in the systems around it.
- Connectivity slowdowns: McLeod runs best on a clean, reliable network. Unstable connections or outdated hardware can make even simple tasks feel sluggish.
- Integrations that drift out of sync: As new tools, carriers, and partners connect to your TMS, integrations need to be maintained. When they are not, updates or API changes can quietly break a workflow.
- Cloud access interruptions: Remote teams depend on steady cloud access. A single misconfiguration in a VPN or firewall can lead to lockouts, delays, and lost productivity.
- IT staff stretched thin: In many mid-size brokerages, IT covers everything from laptop setup to system security. With so many competing priorities, TMS support often slips down the list.
- Security gaps that go unnoticed: Phishing, outdated credentials, or missing patches can lead to downtime or data risk. Keeping McLeod secure means keeping every connected device secure too.
Practical Ways to Improve Performance
- Run a quarterly network check: Simple tests on bandwidth and latency can uncover bottlenecks before they grow.
- Keep integrations documented and reviewed: Track which systems talk to McLeod and who manages each connection. A short quarterly review helps you catch outdated credentials or mapping errors.
- Create an internal “first response” checklist: When something goes wrong, your team should know exactly what to do. A clear, step-by-step process saves time and prevents duplicate tickets.
- Train staff on smart support practices: Encourage users to collect screenshots, timestamps, and error details before reaching out for help. This gives any support team a head start on solving the problem.
- Monitor updates and patches: Stay current with McLeod updates, Windows patches, and security tools. Out-of-date software can slow performance or cause compatibility issues.
- Test disaster recovery regularly: Backups only matter if they work. Schedule short quarterly drills to make sure your team can restore critical functions quickly if something fails.
When to Bring in Extra Help
Many freight companies reach a point where their internal team can handle daily tasks but needs help with the heavier lifts like integrations, security, or cloud management.
That is where an outside IT partner can make a meaningful difference. Look for one who:
- Understands freight operations and the urgency of uptime.
- Knows how McLeod environments behave under real-world pressure.
- Provides both proactive monitoring and quick response.
- Communicates clearly with your team instead of speaking in jargon.
The goal is not to replace your current support. It is to strengthen the safety net around your TMS so you can stay focused on moving freight instead of fighting technology.
At Insperia, that is what we do every day. We work with brokers and carriers who rely on McLeod to keep their systems running securely, efficiently, and with less downtime.
Final Thought
McLeod is a powerful engine. When the environment around it is healthy, it runs fast, smooth, and dependable.
Investing a little time into the structure that supports your TMS pays off in confidence, productivity, and peace of mind.
If you would like a quick outside perspective on how to strengthen your McLeod setup, our team offers a complimentary McLeod Health Check, a short review of your environment with practical next steps you can take right away.
