Efficient truck dispatch software is crucial for streamlining operations and maximizing profitability. These digital tools help fleet managers coordinate shipments, track vehicles, and optimize routes with ease. Let’s explore seven of the top truck dispatch software systems that are revolutionizing the way trucking companies manage their operations.
And when you’re finished reading, check out the other articles in our ‘Truckbase trucking dispatch software’ series:
- Best truck dispatch software systems
- Truckbase vs ITS Dispatch for fleets of 10-100 trucks
- Truckbase vs McLeod Software for small- to mid-sized carriers
- Truckbase vs TruckLogics for small- to mid-sized freight carriers
- Truckbase vs Alvys TMS for carriers
What does dispatching software do?
Dispatching software is a specialized tool designed to streamline and automate the process of managing and coordinating transportation operations. Here’s what it typically does:
- Load assignment: It helps match available drivers and vehicles with incoming shipment requests, considering factors like location, capacity, and driver availability.
- Route optimization: The software calculates the most efficient routes for drivers, taking into account factors like distance, traffic, and delivery windows.
- Real-time tracking: It provides live updates on vehicle locations and estimated arrival times, often integrating with GPS systems.
- Communication: Dispatching software facilitates communication between dispatchers, drivers, and customers, often through mobile apps or integrated messaging systems.
- Documentation management: It helps generate and manage essential paperwork like bills of lading, proof of delivery, and invoices.
- Compliance monitoring: The software can track driver hours of service to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Performance reporting: It generates reports on key metrics like on-time deliveries, fuel efficiency, and driver productivity.
By automating these tasks, dispatching software helps trucking companies improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance customer service.
How does a truck dispatch software system work?
Dispatching software works by integrating various components of trucking operations into a single, centralized system. Here’s an overview of how it typically functions:
- Data integration: The software collects and centralizes data from multiple sources, including customer orders, driver availability, vehicle locations, and route information.
- Algorithm-based decision making: It uses complex algorithms to process this data and make optimal decisions for load assignments and route planning.
- Real-time updates: The system continuously receives and processes new information, such as GPS data from trucks or new order entries, to adjust plans in real-time.
- User interface: Dispatchers interact with the software through a dashboard where they can view, modify, and approve suggested assignments and routes.
- Mobile connectivity: Many systems include mobile apps that allow drivers to receive assignments, update status, and communicate with dispatchers directly through their smartphones or tablets.
- Automation: The software automates routine tasks like generating shipping documents, sending notifications, and updating delivery status.
This integrated approach allows dispatching software to streamline operations, reduce manual work, and improve overall efficiency in trucking logistics.
Quicklook: Best trucking dispatch software
- Best for small to mid-sized carriers: Truckbase
- Best for third-party logistics (3PL) companies: Trimble TMS.
- Best for small to mid-sized brokers: ITS Dispatch by Truckstop.com
- Best for large fleets: Samsara Inc.
- Best for FedEx contractors: TruckSpy
- Best for carriers of full truckload and less than truckload loads: ProTransport
- Best for last-mile delivery: Onfleet
7 best truck dispatch software systems
Truck-dispatching companies and businesses need the best software. These leading truck-dispatch software systems offer a great starting point. Make your selection based on your company’s specific niche and needs.
Truckbase
Truckbase lets small trucking companies grow their fleets without increasing complexity. Its cloud-based 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: Small to mid-sized carriers
Features:
- Automate load building and dispatch with an AI-powered PDF importer
- Send your drivers dispatch details via text or email instantly
- Provide drivers clear route info in a mobile-friendly app, without 7 phone calls and 20 WhatsApp messages
- Let drivers scan and upload BOLs directly with integrated mobile scanning
- Improve your cash flow with instant invoicing
- Get 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:
- Grow your business with more drivers without increasing back-office overhead
- Do dispatch with zero excess data entry
- Automate your back office with instant invoicing. Never miss a payment.
- Make settlements more transparent. 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 softwares, but current integrations are more limited than more enterprise tools
- Meant for small/medium trucking companies; larger companies may need more advanced software
Pricing: Schedule a demo to learn more.
Trimble
Trimble offers services that can meet the needs of a wide variety of trucking companies, but the software stands out for 3PL companies and brokers. With its transport management solutions for 3PLs and brokers, Trimble’s multimodal optimization engine empowers companies to handle each aspect of their supply chains.
Best for:
- 3PL
- Brokers
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:
- Major learning curve required to enjoy full benefits
- Slow load times reported
Pricing: Schedule a demo to learn more.
ITS Dispatch by Truckstop.com
ITS Dispatch helps companies move more loads instead of pushing paper. Truckstop strives to provide customers with a practical set of tools to help them succeed in the industry. The company, which has been around since 1995, has various software solutions that address each stage of freight transportation.
Best for: Small to mid-sized brokers
Features:
- Generates invoices with a single click
- Easy load confirmations
- Creates driver settlements
- QuickBooks integration
- Private labeling
Benefits:
- Detailed, automated reporting
- Unlimited number of trucks allowed on plan
- Creates and sends detailed customer agreements
- Communication features keep drivers in the loop
Disadvantages:
- Can be slow or laggy at times
- Occasional glitches
Pricing: $125 installation, $99 per month, plus an additional $5 per month per truck.
Samsara
Samsara offers dispatching software solutions and their hardware counterparts for trucking companies across all industries. The software is feature-rich, but focuses on all aspects of operations and communication.
The typical Samsara customer has 20+ vehicles in their fleet, but can scale up to even 10,000+. It easily scales from mid-sized local operations to tier 1 multi-national transportation companies. However, the solution may be overkill for very small fleets below 5-10 vehicles.
Best for: Large fleets
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.
TruckSpy
TruckSpy touts itself as an all-in-one fleet-management platform. With features specifically aimed at empowering driver compliance, safety and productivity, TruckSpy is a trucking dispatch software platform that keeps your drivers efficient. Packed with a drag-and-drop dispatch system, route deviation checker and an estimated time of arrival for all stops, TruckSpy can keep you at ease and your customers in the loop. The company’s long-standing relationship with FedEx makes it an easy fit for FedEx contractors.
Best for: FedEx contractors
Features:
- Drag-and-drop dispatcher that can be seen online
- Route deviation identifier
- Real-time estimated times of arrival (ETAs)
- Document scanner that attaches necessary documents to each stop
- Real-time updates of dispatch assignments with turn-by-turn navigation
Benefits:
- Every minute of driving is analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI) to make more efficient routes
- Electronic logging device (ELD) compliance powered by an ELD that supports all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exceptions
- Turn-by-turn navigation support that tracks all driver deviation
- Routes built remotely automatically show up on the driver’s tablet
- Individual vehicle mileage reports (IVMRs) are done forever when working with FedEx and using its ELDs
Disadvantages:
- No clear pricing model on the website
- All pricing seems to be a la carte, meaning no yearly discount
Pricing: $7 per month per truck; a demo must be scheduled to get true pricing.
ProTransport
Established in 2005, ProTransport is an all-in-one trucking software that includes a robust truck-dispatching system. With ProTransport’s dispatching software for trucking, managers can communicate and organize their fleet workload in real-time. Though the company is less than 20 years old, some users report that the interface looks old and could use some updates. The trucking dispatch software integrates well with other major systems, including QuickBooks and trucking fuel cards.
Best for: Carriers of full truckload and less than truckload loads
Features:
- Dispatch
- Accounting
- Maintenance and safety
- Analytics
- GPS data
Benefits:
- Accounts for all transactions, including paying drivers
- Easy to use and teach to new employees
- Eliminates the need to print anything
- User-friendly interface
- Accessible customer service support
Disadvantages:
- Maintenance entries lack ability to include photos or records
- Somewhat outdated.
- Accounting function lacks ability to attach credit card statements
- Financial information can’t be managed from one place
Pricing: Schedule a demo to learn more.
Onfleet
Specializing in making last-mile deliveries easier, Onfleet helps you route, dispatch and analyze your company’s deliveries while communicating seamlessly with your drivers. Providing real-time updates to all of your customers via short-message service (SMS) notifications to keep them informed and up-to-date, Onfleet is a choice product for high-volume and last-mile operations.
Best for: Last-mile delivery
Features:
- Automated dispatch
- SMS notifications
- Integrations with other systems
- Fleet tracking
- End-to-end route planning
- Communication
- Analytics
Benefits:
- Easy onboarding process
- Driver app available for iOS or Android
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Add and delete tasks with ease
Disadvantages:
- System may be unavailable during maintenance periods
- Somewhat limited analytics
- Limited data entry fields
Pricing:
- Launch: $500 per month
- Scale: $1,150 per month
- Launch and Scale plans include a 14-day trial
- Enterprise: Contact sales for custom enterprise pricing
Things to consider with truck dispatching software systems
Selecting the right truck dispatching software will help you get the most value out of it. Before you start evaluating your options, make sure you learn about the most important features to look for.
Robust operational features
From order intakes and driver assignments to customer delivery notifications, some trucking software systems lack crucial operational management features. Make sure the dispatch trucking software you select includes the following capabilities:
- Scheduling and dispatching
- Task management
- Time tracking
- Communication
- Route deviation
User-friendliness
The more complicated the software is, the less likely your team will be to maximize its key features and benefits. Look for dispatch software for trucking that’s easy to navigate and can be seamlessly integrated into your team members’ processes.
Work within your trucking niche
Select a dispatch software system that provides the most tools and functionality meeting your trucking company’s needs and niche. For example, if you focus on retail shippers, find one that integrates with leading retail software systems and e-commerce tools.
Great customer service
Even if you select the best truck-dispatching software, you may eventually need assistance from your provider. Look for one that provides outstanding customer service and support when you have questions or issues.
Scalable software
Many truck dispatcher software companies serve businesses of specific sizes, so make sure your software is be able to grow with you. Don’t go with an option that can only handle small businesses because you could become a mid-sized company some day. As you evaluate your options, consider how well the dispatching software for trucking can adapt to your evolving needs.
Invest in the right trucking dispatch software for your business
Dispatch software for trucking is a staple for the industry. It increases efficiency, improves profit margins and gives everyone extra time. This technology streamlines several components of the supply chain, but it’s important to use the right software for your business. Reflecting on these top choices, along with their pros and cons, can help you make the optimal decision for your company.
FAQ
Truck dispatching commonly uses software like Samsara, Truckbase, and Trimble TMS. These specialized programs help trucking companies manage their fleets and coordinate shipments efficiently.
A truck dispatcher software system is a digital platform that helps manage the logistics of freight transportation. It typically includes features for assigning loads to drivers, tracking vehicles in real-time, and optimizing routes.
Dispatch management software is a broader category of programs used across various industries to coordinate and schedule resources. It helps businesses efficiently manage tasks, personnel, and assets, often including features for scheduling, tracking, and communication.
The best software to run a trucking company is generally considered to be a comprehensive transportation management system (TMS). A robust TMS integrates various aspects of trucking operations, including dispatching, route optimization, load planning, driver management, compliance tracking, and financial reporting. While specific needs may vary depending on the size and focus of the trucking company, popular TMS solutions like Truckbase, Trimble TMS, and Rose Rocket are often highly rated for their extensive features and scalability.