To help you find the right software, our team researched more than 50 software providers and narrowed it down to a small list we feel comfortable recommending based on:
For those just looking for a few quick recommendations, here are our top picks.
Trucking software helps small to medium-sized companies with operations like load management, dispatching, driver management, fleet maintenance, accounting, and more.
While the functionality required will vary based on needs, trucking software is commonly used by the following types of companies:
Transportation management software (TMS) is an umbrella term for a wide range of software solutions in the logistics industry. For example, international freight forwarders, domestic freight brokers, motor carriers, and even shippers might all refer to their transportation software as a TMS.
While most trucking software can be categorized as a TMS, this guide refers to trucking software as software specifically built with trucking companies in mind – typically owner operators up to medium-sized companies (fewer than 100 trucks).
It’s important to note that some trucking software solutions are also built with brokers in mind and that large trucking companies can also the software featured in this guide. However, more complicated operations may require enterprise-focused solutions.
While most trucking software integrates with other systems like ELDs, load boards, and accounting software, TMS solutions built for freight brokers or shippers might require integrations with enterprise resource planning software or supply chain management software.
Trucking software typically costs owner operators $10 to $50 per month while motor carriers can expect pricing to usually scale with their operations – with most companies charging per truck, per load, or per software user.
Trucking companies can typically get discounted pricing when paying annually vs monthly and signing multi-year contracts can also bring costs down.
While companies with more than a few trucks will have a hard time finding free trucking software, there are a few options for owner operators or carriers needing limited functionality.
For example, ELD providers such as Motive offer free software to companies using their ELD, which requires a monthly subscription. While these solutions can be sufficient for small fleets, companies with more than 15 trucks will likely need more robust software.
Other software solutions, like Rose Rocket, work on a freemium model where they offer limited functionality at no cost – with the hope that as companies grow, they will upgrade their subscription.
Not all trucking companies have the same needs – the best software for an owner operator will likely be different than what a 50 truck fleet requires. To help potential buyers find the right solution, we compare each software along the dimensions below.
While the core functionality enables companies to dispatch drivers through the software, optimize routes, and track shipment status, some companies also integrate with load boards for seamless load management.
Once a load has been dispatched, most trucking software allows users to track loads in real-time with ELD integrations. Depending on the software, sometimes this tracking can also be provided to brokers or shippers via text or real-time tracking.
Additionally, most trucking software solutions help with load documents such as BOLs – helping with compliance, audits, and keeping everything centralized.
Most software allows owners or fleet managers to arrange their drivers’ schedules, monitor their hours of service (HOS), and track performance. Most also allow companies to to calculate driver settlements based on hourly, per mile, or percent of load.
Additionally, some solutions offer driver apps that help with communication, document management, GPS tracking, and other tasks.
As the name suggests, fleet maintenance helps companies keep track of their scheduled vehicle maintenance and frequently includes alerts/reminders, work order management, repair history.
Most trucking software solutions help with invoicing, driver settlements, expense tracking, and accounts payable. For additional functionality, most either integrate with third-party software like Quickbooks or they provide additional functionality directly in the software. For owner operators, how well accounting software functions is one of the biggest considerations.
One of the main perks of trucking software is the additional visibility into a company’s operations and profitability. The best software solutions help with route and fuel management, driver performance, expense tracking, and more.
As the industry continues to adopt technology, how well a software integrates with other systems is extremely important. Software that can directly integrate with load boards, ELDs, and other software will help save time and money.
Truckbase caters to fleets with 5-50 trucks. The software has a modern interface and integrates with a wide range of industry platforms. Truckbase is a great option for small to mid-size fleets that want to automate their workflow.
TruckLogics is built for owner operators and small fleets. Carriers that also have their broker license can also use the platform, which sets them apart from most trucking software competitors that focus on small carriers. TruckLogics has all of the basic functionality required for most small trucking companies but it doesn't integrate with many other platforms.
ITS Dispatch by Truckstop is a great option for owner operators or small fleets. As one would expect, the software integrates directly with the Truckstop load board – making it easy to find and book loads.
Rose Rocket is a great option for ambitious trucking companies. They offer a free tier with limited functionality for companies but they can scale to also work with large carriers or those that are looking to also act as a freight broker.
TruckingOffice is a great lightweight software solution for owner operators that are price sensitive and just looking for basic functionality. To help companies decide if their software is the right fit, the company offers a free 30-day trial.
Most companies track their trucks via ELDs. Additionally, some companies also use cameras and sensors.
LTL software, or less-than-truckload software, caters to trucking companies that transport multiple shipments with different pick-up and/or delivery destinations in the same truck. Trucking companies that run LTL usually need special software that caters to the increased complexity of their operations.