With hundreds of trucking dispatch software options on the market, finding the right software can be an overwhelming task.
To simplify your search, our team performed in-depth research on more than 8 of the most popular solutions so you can compare software by price, features, user reviews, and more.
For those just looking for a quick recommendation, here are our top choices.
Trucking dispatch software allows companies to schedule, dispatch, and track loads via software instead of relying on phone calls. Some software also offers route optimization, fuel management, or other features to help trucking companies run efficiently.
Companies looking for dispatch software can either opt for a standalone software solution or a full-service transportation management system, which will include dispatching as a feature.
Truck dispatch software either automates or streamlines a number of tasks that typically fall on the dispatcher or fleet manager. This commonly includes:
Trucking dispatch software is often a component of an all-inclusive trucking or transportation management software solution but standalone dispatching software options also exist. We cover some of both in this guide.
While standalone dispatch software may offer a few additional features like fuel management or route optimization, trucking management software allows companies to run the majority of their business through the software with common features including invoicing, payroll, IFTA reporting, expense reports, fleet maintenance, and more.
Any of the following individuals might need dispatch software:
Trucking companies can benefit from dispatch software in a number of ways including:
Trucking dispatch software typically costs $10-$200 per month but can vary widely depending on the trucking company, number of users, usage, and software.
Large transportation companies may require software that costs thousands of dollars a month.
Dispatch software can be billed in a number of different ways – some companies charge a flat fee while others charge based on the number of users, usage, or features.
Below, we cover both standalone dispatch software and comprehensive trucking management software with dispatching functions, ranging from $7.95 to $200 per month.
While most free solutions offer very limited functionality, both LoadOps and Road Warrior offer free basic plans. The following companies also offer feature-rich free trials:
Truckbase is a full TMS that caters to carriers with 5-50 trucks. The software is easier to use than most legacy competitors though it's feature list may not be adequate for enterprise carriers that need additional functionality or custom-built solutions.
TruckLogics is a comprehensive trucking management software solution with an end-to-end dispatching software available separately. This dispatch software is built for both FTL and LTL loads. Reviewers rave about how easy the platform is to use, teach, and move through efficiently. Complaints tend toward program lags and issues with picture quality.
ITS Dispatch by TruckStop is a full transportation management software and it’s built for both carriers and brokers. With IFTA reporting and invoicing accessible in one place, carriers can cut down on paperwork time. Brokers use the platform to manage and optimize routes for the most profits. Reviewers applaud ITS Dispatch for having superior load rates and assisting in locating new carriers.
LoadOps is a full TMS offering load management, automation, and dispatching solutions that assist small and midsize carriers who want to run all operations from one software, just like the large carriers. LoadOps makes this dream a reality for smaller companies at a fraction of the cost. Reviewers share that it is inexpensive, easy to use, and consistently helpful.
Axon offers solutions across industries including FTL/LTL, long haul, freight brokers, intermodal, heavy haul, and even specialized trucking.
When information is entered into the system, the data automatically updates across dispatching, billing, driver pay, fuel management, fleet maintenance, and accounting. Axon also offers a separate dump truck dispatch solution. Reviewers rave about the comprehensive solutions available through Axon Trucking Software. The price is cited as the only potential point of contention, though users state the software is well worth the investment.
TruckingOffice offers a full trucking management software suite that makes entering driver’s pay, listing driver teams, managing advances, customer information, shipping information, invoice creation, and tracking fuel expenses straightforward for owner-operators and small trucking management teams. Reviewers rave about how affordable and easy TruckingOffice is to use. One reviewer, however, claimed their state found errors in a TruckingOffice-created IFTA report.
Samsara offers a wide range of products and services for trucking companies including hardware and software for dispatching, GPS tracking, trailer tracking, dashboard cameras, routing, reefer monitoring, and more. Unlike most dispatching software, Samsara's solutions can be put together piecemeal depending on a companies needs.
Samsara offers two apps, one for fleet managers and one for drivers that assist with dispatch job management, hours of service (HOS), and driver-vehicle inspection reporting (DVIR functions).
Reviewers like the Samsara cameras, vehicle monitoring, and GPS functions that contribute to the smooth management of deliveries.
Fleets of all sizes spanning many industries use Motive to manage assets, simplify operations, and reduce costs through delivery management and driver workflows. Motive is an integrated solution that offers a dashboard for managing dispatching operations. Reviewers report that they like the functionality of Motive, how it helps keep them compliant, and that the support team is helpful and efficient.
ProTransport helps small trucking companies across all operational functions of the business—booking loads, transporting goods, billing customers, and paying drivers and contractors. This software is best for Over-The-Road and intermodal trucking companies, as well as LTL Freight Brokers.
The software a dispatcher uses is called trucking dispatch software, which is often a component of a larger comprehensive trucking or transportation management software solution, however, some options are available as standalone software.
Some trucking dispatch software solutions integrate with payroll software like QuickBooks. Larger trucking management software solutions include trucking dispatch software and payroll components of a larger TMS. Two examples of comprehensive TMS that include a payroll function are TruckingLogics and Axon Software.
A dispatcher may manage anywhere from 30 to 50 drivers at a time. Dispatch software designed for trucking operations significantly helps dispatchers to handle this volume of drivers.
Freight dispatchers charge carriers a percentage of each load they find. Commission rates are typically between 5% and 10% of the load’s pay rate.