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Maritime · head to head

MDS Transmodal vs Terminal49

MDS Transmodal logo

MDS Transmodal

Maritime

Freight transport data and analysis

From
$600/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Terminal49 logo

Terminal49

Maritime

Container tracking for freight forwarders

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Terminal49 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MDS Transmodal no pricing published on website, consulting-based engagement only; Terminal49 aPI access and webhooks start at the Essential plan
  • They diverge on capability: MDS Transmodal covers Container trade data, Terminal49 covers Automated tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MDS Transmodal and Terminal49 actually diverge.

Attributes where MDS Transmodal and Terminal49 differ
AttributeMDS TransmodalTerminal49
Starting price$600/monthFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, Api
Founded19882019

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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 Terminal49

  • Automated tracking
  • Terminal appointments
  • Demurrage alerts
  • Customer portals
  • TMS platforms
  • Carrier websites
  • Terminal 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 Terminal49
  • Infrastructure planning and transport network capacity analysisnot Terminal49
  • Due diligence and risk assessment for freight investment decisionsnot Terminal49
  • Freight sector policy analysis and regulatory impact evaluationnot Terminal49
  • Quantitative modeling across maritime, rail, road, and logisticsnot Terminal49

Terminal49

  • Tracking ocean containers and shipments across carriers and terminalsnot MDS Transmodal
  • Feeding container milestones into an internal system over an APInot 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

Terminal49

  • API access and webhooks start at the Essential plan
  • The free plan is limited to 3 users and 50 document credits
  • The Lite and Complete plans require an annual contract
  • No plan above the free tier publishes a price, so every paid tier requires contacting sales

Pricing, plan by plan

MDS Transmodal

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

Terminal49

Free
  • Pro$299/month
    • Unlimited tracking
    • Terminal data
    • API access

Which should you pick?

Choose MDS Transmodal if

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

Choose Terminal49 if

  • You need automated tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want terminal appointments.
Terminal49 review

Questions people ask

Is MDS Transmodal or Terminal49 better?
Neither clearly leads. MDS Transmodal starts at $600/month and Terminal49 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MDS Transmodal or Terminal49?
Terminal49 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $600/month for MDS Transmodal and Free for Terminal49.
Does MDS Transmodal or Terminal49 run on more platforms?
MDS Transmodal runs on Web. Terminal49 runs on Web, Api.
Can I use Terminal49 for free?
Yes. Terminal49 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MDS Transmodal starts at $600/month.
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 Terminal49 is typically brought in for.
What can MDS Transmodal do that Terminal49 cannot?
MDS Transmodal covers Container trade data, Port statistics, Intermodal analysis, Custom research. Terminal49 covers Automated tracking, Terminal appointments, Demurrage alerts, Customer portals. 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
Terminal49: Is there a free plan available?

Yes, Terminal49 offers a Free Forever plan with no commitment required. It includes up to 3 users, basic shipment tracking, and 50 document credits.

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
Terminal49: What plans require payment?

Terminal49 offers four tiers: Free (free forever), Lite (annual contract), Essential (annual or pay-as-you-go), and Complete (annual contract). Lite, Essential, and Complete require direct contact with sales for pricing.

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
Terminal49: What features are in the Essential plan?

Essential (Most Popular) includes unlimited users, full shipment & container dashboards, API access & webhooks, intermodal rail tracking, container assignments, and team collaboration features. It offers both annual contract and pay-as-you-go billing options.

Source
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