Navigating the dynamic world of trucking logistics requires a well-oiled fleet — and powerful trucking technology.
As the heart of freight operations, trucking software plays an indispensable role in scheduling, dispatching, routing, and tracking loads. This article explores the top-tier providers who are leveraging cutting-edge tools to streamline logistics and redefine the trucking industry’s future.
And when you’re finished reading, check out the other articles in our “Trucking management software” series:
- Reducing costs with truck management software
- Top 10 features to look for in trucking management software
- 7 best trucking software providers
Quicklook: Best trucking software providers
- Best for ease of use: Truckbase TMS
- Best for all-in-one features: OpenRoad TMS (powered by GP Transco)
- Best for freight brokers: Trucker Tools
- Best for driver management: Motive
- Best for visibility: Samsara
- Best for commercial fleet management: Trimble
- Best for WMS: ShipBob
Truckbase TMS
Truckbase empowers small trucking companies to grow their fleets without increasing complexity. The software is affordably priced for smaller trucking companies looking for a simple, easy TMS to automate their back-office. Manage dispatching without any excess data entry. Automate load building and dispatch with a PDF importer, send to drivers via text, and let drivers upload BOLs directly with integrated mobile scanning. Use instant invoicing and financial reporting tools to improve cash flow. Build trust with drivers with simple driver settlements without extra hassle or data entry.
Best for: Ease of use
Features:
- Automates load building and dispatch with AI-powered PDF importer
- Sends instant dispatch details to drivers via text or email
- Clear routing info in mobile-friendly driver app
- Integrated mobile scanning for BOLs
- Improves cash flow with instant invoicing
- Easy settlement generation according to load and driver without inputting any data
- Add stop pay, reimbursements, and other pay with just a few clicks
Benefits:
- Business growth with more drivers without increasing back-office overhead
- Dispatch without excess data entry
- Automated, instant invoicing so you never miss a payment
- More transparent settlements to build trust with company drivers and owner-operators
Disadvantages:
- No free version, but you have a 30-day money back guarantee
- Limited customizations for workflows
- Truckbase is building out a suite of integrations with other trucking software, but current integrations are more limited than more enterprise tools
- Meant for small/medium trucking companies; larger companies may need more advanced software
Pricing: Starts at $145 per month; schedule a demo to learn more
OpenRoad TMS (Powered by GP Transco)
OpenRoad TMS provides a user-friendly and comprehensive solution for trucking management.
With its cloud-based platform, OpenRoad TMS simplifies operations, offering features like load management, dispatch, accounting, safety, and more. The OpenRoad Driver App enhances driver efficiency with one-click dispatch and quick document uploads. The system excels in areas such as IFTA reporting, fuel card integration, driver performance monitoring, safety compliance, and maintenance management.
Best for: All-in-one features
Features:
- One-click invoicing: allows users to generate invoices with just one click
- Driver ETA auto-notifications: automatically notifies drivers and stakeholders about estimated time of arrival
- Paperless BOL management: eliminates the need for physical bill of ladings (BOLs)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive solution
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time visibility
Disadvantages:
- Cost might not be suitable for smaller companies with limited budgets
- As a cloud-based solution, stable internet connectivity is required to prevent disruptions or technical issues
Pricing: Variable pricing with a free demo
Trucker Tools
Trucker Tools helps empower brokers and carriers with real-time software intelligence. Its platform of over 315,000 carriers helps brokers match 98% of freight with reliable trucks. Trucker Tools’ Book-It-Now option also helps improve relationships with trusted carriers by fully automating many steps of the booking process and allowing 24/7 reloading.
Best for: Freight broker software
Special features:
- Carrier relationship management (CRM)
- Pick-up to delivery visibility
- Book-It-Now streamlined booking process
- Loadboard with control over visibility
Benefits:
- Improve load visibility
- Reduces the number of check-ins
- Increases carrier tracking
- Helps book more loads with fewer calls
Disadvantages: Lack of transparent pricing
Pricing: Variable pricing with a free demo
Motive
Motive has one of the best platforms for driver management, and is dedicated to helping the freight industry improve safety, productivity and profitability. It integrates an electronic GPS for truckers with an electronic logbook so you know where your fleet is at all times. Use the power of AI to automate driver coaching and customize in-house safety scoring. Manage your fleet more efficiently and build better communication with drivers through Motive.
Best for: Driver management
Features:
- AI-assisted, real-time safety warnings for drivers
- Automated driver coaching
- Virtual geofenced parameters aid in vehicle and cargo theft recovery
- Real-time GPS fleet tracking and location history records prevent unauthorized vehicle use
- Fuel monitoring
- Dashboard view for fleet tracking
Benefits:
- Improved safety compliance
- Reduced fuel usage
- Safer roads
- Decreased coaching time for safety managers
- Improved risk management
Disadvantages: Issues with freezing apps or getting stuck in drive mode
Pricing: Free trial; contact Motive for details
Trimble
Trimble offers services that can meet the needs of a wide variety of trucking companies, but their fleet management software is one area where they truly stand out. With its transport management solutions for 3PLs and brokers, Trimble’s multimodal optimization engine empowers companies to handle each aspect of their supply chains and increase their ROIs
Best for: commercial fleet management
Features:
- Maintenance
- Routing and route optimization
- Safety and compliance
- Transportation management
Benefits:
- Safety tracking is especially easy
- Streamlined for dispatching
- User-friendly
- Easy driver tracking and route planning
Disadvantages:
- Learning curve required to enjoy full benefits
- Slow load times reported
Pricing: Schedule a demo to learn more
ShipBob
ShipBob is a full-service global fulfillment platform. You can select which services to use, including complete fulfillment support, at more than 30 warehouse locations. But you’ll still have complete control whether you outsource the entire fulfillment process or choose ShipBob as your warehouse management software provider.
Best for: WMS
Features:
- Fulfillment network
- Inventory management
- E-commerce platform integration
- Distributed inventory
- Two-day express shipping program
- Order management
- Reporting
- Integration with other systems via application programming interfaces (APIs)
Benefits:
- Responsive to customers
- Tools for shippers to lower costs
- Affordable fulfillment pricing
- Well-designed software makes managing orders simple
Disadvantages:
- Customers note the need for ongoing technology upgrades for options like bulk orders
- No single point of contact, just general contact information
- Some customers experience lags in software updating inventory and order data
Pricing: Prices vary based on how much you store and ship. Roughly, storage costs are $5 per bin, $10 per shelf and $40 per pallet. Fulfillment costs start at $5.66 per month.
Samsara
Samsara offers dispatching software solutions and their hardware counterparts for trucking companies of all sizes and industries. The software is feature-rich but focuses on all aspects of operations and communication.
Best for: Visibility
Features:
- Fleet maintenance
- Route planning
- Fuel management
- Delivery scheduling and management
- Trailer tracking
- Dash cams
- Real-time vehicle diagnostics
- Compliance
Benefits:
- Excellent value
- Strong functionality
- Great customer support
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- Some users report bugs, but customer service is responsive
- When new updates are released, app may slow down for a few days
Pricing: Complete a company questionnaire and schedule a demo to learn more
How to decide on a trucking software provider
Deciding on the best software for trucking companies requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Functionality: Identify the needs of your business first. Are you looking for fleet management, dispatch and scheduling, IFTA compliance, or GPS tracking? The best freight software provides a comprehensive solution tailored to your operations.
- Ease of use: The trucking technology should be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and straightforward controls. Your team should be able to learn the system quickly to prevent disruptions in operations.
- Scalability: As your business grows, your software needs will change. Choose a provider that offers scalable solutions to accommodate your future growth.
- Integration: The software should integrate seamlessly with other systems you’re currently using in your business, such as accounting or CRM systems.
- Support and training: A top-notch provider will offer excellent customer service, including thorough training and 24/7 support to assist you with any issues.
- Cost: Pricing is a significant consideration. While you want a system that has all the features you need, it’s essential to find one that fits within your budget. However, don’t sacrifice crucial functionalities for the sake of cost.
- Reviews and reputation: Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the software’s performance. Reputable providers usually have positive reviews and testimonials.
- Compliance: Ensure the software helps with compliance to various regulations in the trucking industry, such as hours of service (HOS), the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate, and others.
Remember, the best trucking software provider for your company is one that fits your specific business needs and enhances your overall operational efficiency.
FAQ
Maintaining a clear overview of your trucking business involves deploying robust software solutions that offer real-time tracking, dispatch, invoicing, and maintenance management. Invest in quality trucking software that provides comprehensive logistics and fleet management features to monitor the status of your vehicles, their routes, and fuel consumption.
Truck dispatch is the coordination of truck driver routes and deliveries. Truck dispatchers manage the movement of freight through their drivers.
Yes, freight brokers extensively use Transportation Management Systems (TMS). TMS solutions provide brokers with vital features such as carrier selection, load matching, rate comparison, tracking, and communication tools, which help streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
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