best trucking dispatch software solutions

Every trucking business owner knows the drill: a never-ending stream of ringing phones, manually planned inefficient routes, stacks of paperwork, and the constant struggle to keep your fleet on track. Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone.

Managing a trucking company is no easy task, and the challenges can be overwhelming. But what if we told you there’s a way to simplify your operations, reduce stress, and enhance efficiency?

That’s where truck dispatch software comes in. It’s the answer to your trucking business challenges. In this blog, we’ll discuss the best truck dispatching software out there. From optimizing routes and one-click dispatch to live driver tracking and proof of delivery, you’ll see how this software can reduce unnecessary trips and boost your team’s efficiency.

So, if you’re ready to simplify your operations, keep reading.

11 Best Trucking Dispatch Software

1. Upper

star(4.9)
Best Trucking Dispatch Software

Starting Price

$80/month

Free Trial

7 days

Key Features

Multi-vehicle route optimization, One-click route dispatch, Live driver tracking

About Upper

Upper is the ideal trucking dispatch software designed to simplify your logistics operations. We know how challenging it can be to perform manual route planning, keep up with last-minute changes, ensure on-time deliveries, and maintain open lines of communication with your customers. Upper understands your pain points and aims to make your life easier.

With Upper, the chaos of manual route planning becomes a thing of the past. It empowers you to effortlessly tackle the crucial aspects of truck dispatching, such as route optimization, scheduling, proof of delivery, and seamless customer communication.

Upper enables you to prioritize urgent deliveries, ensure on-time arrivals with service windows, and harness the power of multi-vehicle route optimization. Whether you’re delivering goods or services, Upper is your trusted partner in ensuring precision and efficiency in every dispatch.

Features

  • Efficiently manage and store contact information and addresses
  • Filter addresses through smart search functionality in the contact book and creates routes directly from there
  • Export routes to GPS devices or navigation apps for seamless driver guidance
  • Swap routes between drivers in case of emergencies or changes
  • Reorder routes to accommodate changes or optimize route sequences
  • Provide drivers with a dedicated app for efficient route management
  • Track drivers’ locations in real-time through live driver tracking
  • Generate comprehensive reports and analytics for performance evaluation
  • Access support through live chat, phone calls, priority email support, and a dedicated support manager

What People Say About Upper

Saved 10 hours per week & delivering 3x more meals with Upper Route Planner. It’s easy to take proof of delivery, the speed is great, it’s super super fast!curver quote

Flower2Go

Ben Parker,

Delivery Manager of Flavors2Go
Ben parker

2. TruckLogics

star(4.1)
Best for Dispatching and IFTA Reporting

Starting Price

Free

Free Trial

N/A

Key Features

Dispatch scheduling, IFTA reporting, Multi-user accessibility

About TruckLogics

TruckLogics is a free trucking dispatch software designed to streamline every aspect of your trucking business. The software simplifies dispatching for both Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less than Truckload (LTL) shipments. It allows for the easy creation of dispatches while considering driver preferences and availability.

One of the standout features of TruckLogics is its routing and fuel optimization functionality. Dispatchers can easily assign trucks and drivers, calculate route distances, and optimize fuel stops, ensuring the most efficient and cost-effective routes.

Pros

  • Provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for dispatchers and drivers to navigate and perform their tasks efficiently
  • Automated check calls based on driver locations save time and improve communication between drivers and dispatchers
  • Allows for the creation of multiple user accounts with varying levels of access, which helps in delegating responsibilities
  • Includes IFTA reporting capabilities, making it easier for businesses to manage and report fuel tax information accurately and on time

Mianna B.

I like the integration with load boards and the tracking of drivers. Currently moved on to a different TMS system, but it is still one of my picks for its tracking of freight.

Cons

  • Frequent server downtime disrupts fleet’s operations and hinders access to important features and documents
  • Users have reported that some pages within the software take a while to load, which leads to inefficiencies and hinders productivity
  • Users have expressed frustration with the time it takes for the TruckLogics team to address and fix system glitches
  • Multiple users have commented on the complicated and unintuitive web interface
  • There have been instances of performance lag, particularly during IFTA reporting periods

Scott P.

My drivers have a horrible time with this app. Extremely unreliable.


3. Axon Trucking Software

star(4.3)
Best for Mid-sized and Large Trucking Companies

Starting Price

N/A

Free Trial

N/A

Key Features

Transportation management, Trucking dispatch, Trucking accounting

About Axon Trucking Software

Axon Trucking Software is a well-known truck dispatch software solution designed to make your trucking operations smoother, more efficient, and stress-free. What sets Axon apart is its multiple integrations—everything from dispatch and billing to driver pay, fuel control, fleet management, and accounting—which are seamlessly interconnected.

With Axon, your dispatching and billing become quicker, fuel reports are filed effortlessly, and you gain valuable time to focus on growing your business. It’s the all-in-one transportation management system that keeps your cash flow, your drivers satisfied, and your trucking business thriving.

Pros

  • Offers fully integrated trucking software, meaning that any information entered into the system is instantly updated across all aspects of your operations
  • Helps you invoice quicker and get paid faster by automating billing processes
  • Filing fuel reports can be time-consuming, but Axon simplifies this task with the ability to file fuel reports with the push of a button
  • Designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to both experienced and new users in the trucking industry

Amanda M.

There are not enough great things I could say about Axon! The best feature, I would say, is how user-friendly it is.

Cons

  • The pricing appears to be on the higher end, which might be a barrier for small trucking companies or those on a tight budget.
  • Users have found Axon’s tax-related processes to be less user-friendly
  • Some users have experienced delays in getting assistance from customer support
  • The mobile app provided by Axon has received criticism for frequent crashes and intrusive tracking requests without user permission

Chris Thelen

It crashes a lot and won’t stop asking to track me, then turns the tracking on without my permission.


4. Dr Dispatch

star(4.0)
Best for Small-to-Medium-Sized Trucking Businesses

Starting Price

N/A

Free Trial

N/A

Key Features

Order management, GPS tracking, Document scanning, and attachment

About Dr Dispatch

Dr Dispatch is a comprehensive trucking dispatch software solution designed to streamline and optimize your trucking and brokerage operations. Developed by industry professionals, this software is tailored to the unique needs of small-to-medium-sized businesses in the transportation sector.

Dr Dispatch trucking software offers a range of powerful features. GPS integration ensures real-time tracking and route optimization, allowing you to provide precise delivery times and reduce delays. Robust order management tools keep you organized and help you respond quickly to customer requests. The document scanning feature simplifies paperwork and record-keeping, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.

By utilizing these features, Dr Dispatch empowers you to offer a higher level of service to your customers while enhancing productivity and efficiency in your daily operations.

Pros

  • Dr Dispatch is an easy-to-use system with a user-friendly interface, which means minimal training is required
  • The software integrates with various systems, such as GPS tracking and accounting software, which reduces the need for manual data entry
  • Allows users to communicate with both drivers and customers directly from the dispatch application, which helps keep everyone on the same page
  • Offers both self-hosted and cloud-based solutions, giving users flexibility in how they access and use the software

Mike S.

It is easy to use, and the storage capacity is high.

Cons

  • Users have mentioned a limitation when it comes to selecting specific fields for export to Excel
  • Prolonged periods of downtime can be experienced, and users have expressed concerns about the responsiveness of customer service during such incidents
  • Users have reported instances where the software freezes, requiring a computer restart to resolve the issue, impacting productivity

Larry P.

The customer service was slow about taking action when the software went down. The software could go down and be down for hours at a time.


5. ITS Dispatch

star(3.1)
Best for Small-to-Mid-Sized Carriers and Freight Brokers

Starting Price

$50/month

Free Trial

N/A

Key Features

Load management, Accounting integration, Load bidding

About ITS Dispatch

ITS Dispatch, affiliated with the popular load board TruckStop.com, offers web-based trucking dispatch software that delivers an array of essential capabilities to streamline operations. This software seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Online, simplifying financial management for trucking companies and freight brokers.

ITS Dispatch boasts a versatile set of features, including dispatching, accounting, IFTA reporting, fleet maintenance, and load bidding. Users can also expand its functionality by adding software modules, such as file storage and additional reporting capabilities, to suit their evolving needs.

The software caters to the needs of small-to-mid-sized carriers, freight brokers, and owner-operators. It provides them with the tools required to effectively manage their trucking operations.

Pros

  • Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Online, simplifying accounting and financial management for trucking companies and freight brokers Designed to accommodate the growth of trucking businesses, users can add software modules, such as file storage, IFTA reporting, and more, as their operations expand A comprehensive feature set covers various aspects of trucking operations, reducing the need for multiple software solutions Being a web-based software affiliate, ITS Dispatch provides users with the flexibility to access critical dispatching information from anywhere with an internet connection

Victoria P.

When you learn how to use it, its actually easy, but it takes a while.

Cons

  • Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that many standard features found in other TMSs are offered as add-ons at an extra cost
  • Challenges can be faced while filtering and sorting loads in ITS Dispatch, making the process complicated and requiring repetitive actions
  • As the influx of loads increases, users have encountered performance issues, including lags and system slowdowns
  • ITS Dispatch has faced criticism for not integrating well with QuickBooks as advertised, leading to data replication and other complications

Shane S.

Everything that is standard in many TMS systems is an extra charge. Better TMS systems out there for less money.


6. LoadOps

star(4.6)
Best for Carriers and Freight Professionals

Starting Price

$95/month

Free Trial

30 days

Key Features

Load planning, ELD tracking, Instant document sync

About LoadOps

LoadOps, offered by Optym, is trucking dispatch software designed to transform the way trucking companies plan, execute, and track loads. With a focus on efficient resource utilization and cost reduction, LoadOps simplifies the entire load planning and dispatching process.

LoadOps brings an array of powerful features to the table, including load planning optimization, streamlined dispatching, accelerated payment processing, and proactive issue management. The software leverages market rate pricing data from Cargo Chief’s C4 platform, enabling carriers to negotiate confidently with brokers and shippers.

Pros

  • Simplifies load creation with AI visual search for rate confirmations and the ability to use load templates for recurring shipments
  • Supports ELD (Electronic Logging Device) tracking integration, providing real-time shipment tracking and location sharing
  • Makes it easier for carriers to manage their finances by offering a range of financial management features, including factoring integrations, expense management, invoice generation, and QuickBooks integrations
  • Enables users to stay ahead of potential issues by providing alerts for missing documents, delays, upcoming maintenance, and driver safety expirations

Jessica P.

I use this every single day. From creating the load to billing it’s so easy with this program.

Cons

  • Users have reported difficulties logging in, with the system repeatedly indicating incorrect credentials even after a password reset
  • LoadOps has faced issues related to glitches within the system, particularly when submitting bill of lading documents
  • Users have reported frequent update requests and issues with the app’s functionality
  • LoadOps does not disclose its pricing openly, making it challenging for potential users to assess the software’s affordability and value compared to other options

Angel McArthur

Terrible. Can’t even log in. Keeps saying wrong credentials even after a reset. The desktop version is bad, too.


7. TruckingOffice

star(4.3)
Best for Businesses Seeking All-in-one Trucking software

Starting Price

$20

Free Trial

30 days

Key Features

IFTA Reporting, Truck dispatching, Invoicing

About TruckingOffice

TruckingOffice offers a comprehensive all-in-one solution for truckers, whether they’re owner-operators or fleet builders, to streamline their operations. This trucking software is built on the foundation of four essential pillars of trucking management, providing robust support in key areas.

First, it offers efficient dispatching and operations management, ensuring that load details are accurately managed. Secondly, TruckingOffice helps maintain healthy cash flow by automating the invoicing process. Third, it assists in managing expenses and maintenance, allowing you to track and schedule fleet maintenance tasks effectively while simplifying expense management. Lastly, it provides extensive reporting and statistics, essential for monitoring key performance indicators.

Pros

  • With an automated invoicing system, TruckingOffice expedites the invoicing process, reducing the chances of payment delays
  • Allows for precise expense tracking, offering custom expense categories and the ability to manage fuel expenses by the state for IFTA reporting
  • Offers a no-contract, cancel-anytime policy, along with free support, ensuring users have the freedom to choose and the assurance of ongoing assistance
  • Simplifies IFTA reporting by automatically calculating payments based on miles by state and fuel gallons by state

Nina J.

Overall, I did not have any major issues. It’s a great product that’s affordable for businesses.

Cons

  • Some users have reported a slight learning curve when initially using TruckingOffice
  • Lacks a feature for reconciling expenses, which can lead to the risk of double-entering expenses
  • When entering multiple trips or stops, the system takes time to process the information
  • One notable downside is the absence of a mobile version of TruckingOffice

LaTayga G.

There are a lot of pertinent features that are missing from this software that are needed by the trucking community.


8. ProTransport

star(4.7)
Best for Companies Seeking a Centralized Trucking Solution

Starting Price

N/A

Free Trial

N/A

Key Features

Dispatch management, Accounting and invoicing, Safety and maintenance tracking

About ProTransport

ProTransport is a highly configurable trucking software solution designed to optimize efficiency and reduce costs for trucking businesses. With ProTransport, trucking companies can streamline their accounting, dispatching, safety, and maintenance processes, all within a user-friendly and integrated system.

ProTransport offers a range of features to enhance trucking operations. It provides tools to accelerate payment processing, monitor financial performance, and generate productivity reports. The dispatching module offers improved visibility, real-time GPS tracking, built-in driver messaging, and simplified load information management.

Additionally, the software provides integration capabilities with various third-party applications, such as fuel cards and QuickBooks.

Pros

  • Provides a fully integrated platform that covers essential aspects of trucking operations, simplifies workflows, and reduces the need for multiple systems
  • The software’s centralized design streamlines various tasks, such as load management, invoicing, fleet management, and communication with drivers
  • Offers real-time GPS tracking and safety record tracking to enhance visibility into the operations of private fleets

Elmira D.

I like that it is easy to use, a kind of excellent program, which is very convenient.

Cons

  • Lacks the ability to directly upload bank statements or credit card transactions into the system, making it inconvenient for businesses that rely on automated financial tracking
  • Does not offer 24/7 customer support, which means that users may experience delays in getting assistance
  • Has fewer user reviews and testimonials available, making it challenging to gauge user satisfaction
  • Software’s pricing is not transparent on the official website; prospective users may need to request a quote or contact the company directly to obtain pricing information

Summer H.

We cannot upload bank statements or credit cards into the system to help keep track of financial records.


9. Onfleet

star(3.9)
Best for Last-Mile Delivery Operations

Starting Price

$550/month

Free Trial

14 days

Key Features

Route optimization, Real-time fleet tracking, Proof of delivery (POD)

About Onfleet

Onfleet offers an advanced logistics software solution that empowers businesses to optimize their last-mile delivery operations. This comprehensive toolkit simplifies the complexities of dispatch, route planning, communication, and analytics. With Onfleet, you can streamline your operations, delight customers with accurate ETAs and real-time tracking, and seamlessly integrate your various systems using their developer-friendly API.

Onfleet’s route optimization engine considers various factors, such as time, location, capacity, and traffic, to generate efficient routing solutions. The platform also offers auto-assign capabilities for on-demand assignments, reducing service time and labor costs. Drivers benefit from user-friendly app for mobile devices that offer real-time data, including customer information, order details, and navigation assistance.

Interested in exploring more similar solutions? Check out the Onfleet alternatives.

Pros

  • You can track your drivers’ locations in real-time,, which allows you to provide customers with accurate ETAs and also enables you to track driver progress
  • Features, such as automatic SMS notifications, real-time driver tracking, and proof-of-delivery, contribute to a delightful customer experience
  • Provides detailed metrics and reports, allowing you to monitor fleet performance, on-time rates, feedback scores, and more
  • Offers different pricing tiers for unlimited users to accommodate businesses of various sizes, from startups to enterprise-level operations

Robbin C.

Onfleet is extremely user-friendly for all involved, from the admin to dispatchers and drivers. The software keeps up with large volumes.

Cons

  • Pricing of Onfleet has been a concern for some users, with comments describing it as “horrifically expensive”
  • Has occasional bugs, particularly related to tasks and date adjustments
  • Route optimization may not always be entirely accurate, especially in cases of traffic buildup or jams
  • Users have mentioned occasional integration lags between Onfleet and other systems
  • Users have reported that Onfleet tends to overestimate driving times by a significant margin, which could potentially lead to inefficient routing

Jon D.

When routing, I am constantly refreshing or changing time slots to complete the route. It can be much more efficient on the dispatch side.


10. Trimble

star(3.7)
Best for Logistics Management

Starting Price

N/A

Free Trial

14 days

Key Features

Driver working hours, vehicle capacity planning, comprehensive reports

About Trimble

Trimble Transportation offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to make operations easier for the trucking and transportation industries. With a focus on connecting and simplifying the supply chain, Trimble empowers carriers, intermediaries, shippers, and service centers to maximize efficiency throughout their operations.

The software’s transportation management, maintenance, tracking & visibility, routing & optimization, and safety & compliance tools offer a comprehensive approach to managing and optimizing the entire supply chain.

Trimble’s commitment to technology-driven transformation and excellence in the transportation industry makes it a valuable choice for businesses.

Pros

  • Helps carriers increase profits by efficiently identifying shippers’ freight needs, reducing empty miles, and optimizing routes
  • Maximizes efficiency for intermediaries by providing insights into carrier partners’ available capacity and matching them with customers in need of freight movement
  • Prioritizes driver safety and compliance by providing tools to minimize road incidents, monitor driver behavior, and ensure regulatory compliance
  • Offers real-time visibility into the location and status of shipments, which helps all stakeholders make strategic decisions and respond promptly to delays

Cody H.

TMW makes dispatching so easy with its ability to streamline the paperwork and order entry process. It has helped tremendously.

Cons

  • Cumbersome to navigate; users find themselves clicking through multiple windows to complete a single task, which can be time-consuming and counterintuitive
  • Software can be slow and glitchy at times, particularly when initially opening the application
  • Users have expressed frustration with the time it takes for the development team to address issues and implement enhancement requests
  • User interface and overall look and feel of the software feel outdated

Darold M.

If you like clicking through a lot of windows to complete 1 task, go for it. This is the software for you. Make a mistake, it erases your entry instead of letting you go back and correct it.


11. McLeod

star(3.7)
Best for Larger Fleets

Starting Price

N/A

Free Trial

N/A

Key Features

Dispatch Management, Route optimization, Reporting and analytics

About McLeod

McLeod Software is a prominent transportation management software, offering solutions tailored to the unique needs of carriers, brokers, and third-party logistics.

McLeod’s flagship product, LoadMaster, stands as a leading dispatch and management system. The system equips carriers with the tools to optimize load planning, track shipments, enhance driver communication, and manage critical financial aspects like billing and settlements.

For freight brokers, McLeod’s PowerBroker software offers a dedicated platform to manage the entire brokerage workflow, from load acquisition to billing. With advanced features like document management and workflow automation through FlowLogix, McLeod Software is dedicated to helping trucking companies stay ahead.

Pros

  • Offers robust dispatching features that empower dispatchers to efficiently manage loads, assign routes, and communicate with drivers
  • Provides real-time tracking of vehicles and shipments, allowing dispatchers and shippers to monitor the progress of deliveries
  • Provides load optimization tools that help carriers maximize their capacity and minimize costs
  • Offers integrations with various third-party systems, such as electronic logging devices (ELDs), fuel cards, and accounting software
  • Offers robust reporting and analytics tools that allow users to track key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze trends, and make data-driven decisions

Lily R.

I like how much information can be stored within this software. I also like how you can customize the view of the software by building infinite board views.

Cons

  • Several users have found McLeod’s software to be less user-friendly; they cite issues with the software’s flow and the complexity of performing simple tasks
  • Users have reported experiencing frequent glitches and outages with the software While the software offers route optimization features, some generated routes are not always the most efficient Software has a steep learning curve. It offers many features, but finding and utilizing them can be challenging, especially for new users The software can be slow and may lag, particularly when running reports or performing data-intensive tasks

Darold M.

It constantly has glitches and outages, resulting in lost time and effort. The system will shut down or freeze seemingly randomly without any options for long-term fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is truck dispatch software?

    Truck dispatch software is a type of software used by trucking companies and logistics businesses to manage and coordinate their fleet of trucks and drivers efficiently. It helps streamline the process of assigning and scheduling jobs or deliveries to drivers and ensuring that they reach their destinations in a timely and cost-effective manner.

  • What key factors should one consider when choosing trucking dispatch software?

    When choosing trucking dispatch software, key factors to consider include

    • Route optimization capabilities
    • Real-time tracking and communication features
    • Ease of use
    • Scalability
    • Integration options with other systems
    • Load management
    • Reporting and analytics tools
    • Customer support and training resources
  • How does trucking dispatch software work?

    Trucking dispatch software automates and optimizes the dispatching process by assigning drivers to specific loads or shipments based on factors like location, capacity, and delivery deadlines. It provides real-time visibility into driver locations, allows for efficient route planning, and facilitates communication between dispatchers and drivers. This software also helps in monitoring load progress, collecting proof of delivery, and generating reports for analysis.

  • What are the benefits of using trucking dispatch software?

    Using trucking dispatch software offers numerous benefits, including

    • Increased operational efficiency
    • Reduced fuel and labor costs
    • Improved on-time deliveries
    • Enhanced customer satisfaction
    • Better route planning
    • Minimized errors
    • Access to valuable data and analytics
  • How much does trucking dispatch software cost?

    Trucking dispatch software can cost you anywhere from $10 to $200 per month for each user or vehicle. But, the final cost can vary widely depending on the provider and the features offered. It may also be based on factors such as the number of users, vehicles, or loads managed.

  • What is the primary difference between trucking dispatch software and trucking management software?

    Trucking dispatch software focuses primarily on the dispatching and scheduling aspects of transportation operations. Whereas trucking management software (TMS) is a broader solution that includes dispatching but also encompasses functions like order management, billing, freight brokerage, and financial management.

  • Who are the typical purchasers or users of trucking dispatch software?

    Trucking dispatch software is commonly used by transportation companies, logistics providers, freight brokers who operate with their own trucks, and truckload carriers of all sizes. Dispatchers, owner-operators, fleet managers, logistics coordinators, and drivers are the typical users of this software, as it helps them efficiently plan, manage, and execute trucking operations.

Conclusion

Truck dispatching software is an essential tool for modern trucking companies aiming to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and maximize profits. Whether you’re a carrier, a shipper, or a broker, the right dispatch software can make a significant difference in managing routes, tracking shipments, and optimizing resources.

Among the various options available, Upper stands out as an ideal trucking dispatch software. With its advanced features, real-time tracking, and user-friendly interface, Upper simplifies dispatching tasks and enhances overall productivity. To experience the benefits firsthand, take advantage of our today!

Author Bio
Parag Khatsuriya
Parag Khatsuriya

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