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Maritime · head to head

MDS Transmodal vs Pole Star Global

MDS Transmodal logo

MDS Transmodal

Maritime

Freight transport data and analysis

From
$600/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Pole Star Global logo

Pole Star Global

Maritime

Maritime domain awareness and compliance

From
$500/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: MDS Transmodal no pricing published on website, consulting-based engagement only; Pole Star Global no public pricing information published
  • They diverge on capability: MDS Transmodal covers Container trade data, Pole Star Global covers Real-time vessel tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MDS Transmodal and Pole Star Global actually diverge.

Attributes where MDS Transmodal and Pole Star Global differ
AttributeMDS TransmodalPole Star Global
Starting price$600/month$500/month
PlatformsWebWeb, API
Founded19881998

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maritime).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in MDS Transmodal

  • Container trade data
  • Port statistics
  • Intermodal analysis
  • Custom research
  • Data exports
  • Custom reports

Only in Pole Star Global

  • Real-time vessel tracking
  • Sanctions screening
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Risk alerts
  • Banking systems
  • Compliance platforms
  • ERP systems
  • Api support

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MDS Transmodal

  • Transport market feasibility studies and demand forecasting for new opportunitiesnot Pole Star Global
  • Infrastructure planning and transport network capacity analysisnot Pole Star Global
  • Due diligence and risk assessment for freight investment decisionsnot Pole Star Global
  • Freight sector policy analysis and regulatory impact evaluationnot Pole Star Global
  • Quantitative modeling across maritime, rail, road, and logisticsnot Pole Star Global

Pole Star Global

  • Detecting vessels using spoofed AIS to hide their identitynot MDS Transmodal
  • Screening ship movements against sanctions lists for compliancenot MDS Transmodal
  • Optimizing tanker voyage profitability through market rate comparisonnot MDS Transmodal
  • Tracking perishable cargo temperatures during ocean transitnot MDS Transmodal

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MDS Transmodal

  • No pricing published on website, consulting-based engagement only
  • Requires direct contact and negotiation for each project engagement
  • Results and services dependent on consultant experience and proprietary databases
  • Not a self-service platform, requires human expertise and custom analysis

Pole Star Global

  • No public pricing information published
  • Requires sales engagement through demo request or local office contact
  • Pricing structure and model not described publicly

Pricing, plan by plan

MDS Transmodal

$600/month
  • Data Access$1200/month
    • Container data
    • Port statistics
    • Trade flows

Pole Star Global

$500/month
  • Professional$1500/month
    • PurpleTRAC platform
    • Sanctions screening
    • Risk assessment

Which should you pick?

Choose MDS Transmodal if

  • You need container trade data.
  • You also want port statistics.
MDS Transmodal review

Choose Pole Star Global if

  • You need real-time vessel tracking.
  • You work on Web, API.
  • You also want sanctions screening.
Pole Star Global review

Questions people ask

Is MDS Transmodal or Pole Star Global better?
Neither clearly leads. MDS Transmodal starts at $600/month and Pole Star Global at $500/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MDS Transmodal or Pole Star Global?
MDS Transmodal starts at $600/month and Pole Star Global at $500/month.
Does MDS Transmodal or Pole Star Global run on more platforms?
MDS Transmodal runs on Web. Pole Star Global runs on Web, API.
What is MDS Transmodal best used for?
MDS Transmodal is most often used for transport market feasibility studies and demand forecasting for new opportunities, infrastructure planning and transport network capacity analysis, due diligence and risk assessment for freight investment decisions, freight sector policy analysis and regulatory impact evaluation. Of those, transport market feasibility studies and demand forecasting for new opportunities and infrastructure planning and transport network capacity analysis are not what Pole Star Global is typically brought in for.
What can MDS Transmodal do that Pole Star Global cannot?
MDS Transmodal covers Container trade data, Port statistics, Intermodal analysis, Custom research. Pole Star Global covers Real-time vessel tracking, Sanctions screening, Compliance monitoring, Risk alerts. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MDS Transmodal: How much does MDS Transmodal cost?

MDS Transmodal does not publish pricing on its website. It is a consulting firm providing bespoke strategic advice. Pricing is quote-based and depends on project scope, duration, data requirements, and consultant time allocation. Contact them directly to discuss your specific transport economics needs.

Source
Pole Star Global: How do I obtain Pole Star Global pricing?

Pole Star Global does not publish pricing on their website. Contact the sales team via Request Demo button, Customer Support link, or Find A Local Office contact options on their homepage. Source: https://www.polestarglobal.com

Source
MDS Transmodal: Does MDS Transmodal offer a software platform or only consulting?

MDS Transmodal is primarily a transport economics consulting firm, not a software vendor. They provide strategic consulting, quantitative analysis, and modeling services. While they maintain proprietary databases and models, they do not offer a self-service software platform.

Source
Pole Star Global: Does Pole Star Global offer a free trial?

Pole Star Global does not describe free trials or evaluation programs on their homepage. Request a demo through their website to inquire about trial availability. Source: https://www.polestarglobal.com

Source
MDS Transmodal: Does MDS Transmodal cover all transportation modes?

Yes. MDS Transmodal provides analysis and consulting across road, rail, air, and maritime freight sectors. Their expertise spans port connectivity, global shipping networks, trade corridor analysis, and multi-modal supply chain optimization for clients worldwide.

Source
Pole Star Global: What payment model does Pole Star Global use?

Pole Star Global does not publicly disclose pricing structure or billing model (per-seat, usage-based, enterprise, etc.). Direct sales consultation required to discuss payment options. Source: https://www.polestarglobal.com

Source
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