Best Trucking Software to Consider in 2024: Custom vs Off-the-Shelf

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Key Takeaways

• Custom trucking software allows logistics and transportation companies to tap into comprehensive functionality like real-time load tracking, dispatching, and scheduling.
• By picking the top trucking software that addresses specific needs, businesses can cut operational expenses and optimize their workflows by ~30%.
• The global logistics automation market is set to reach approximately $217.26B by 2033, showcasing the significant impact of automation on the transportation industry.

Trucking software has become an indispensable tool in digitalized logistics and transportation operations.

Serving as a centralized platform, such software allows fleet operators, carriers, and brokers to manage all aspects of their trucking business more efficiently. It streamlines tasks such as load tracking, accounting, invoicing, and route building.

The best thing is, trucking management software isn’t built solely for managers: drivers, dispatchers, and other industry employees can also use the tool to automate their routine tasks.

While the market is saturated with trucking tools, their functionality might differ depending on the software’s primary purpose. With years in logistics software development and several custom TMS delivered, Acropolium gives an overview of popular logistics software for trucking.

Discover which options would suit your operations best and learn when it’s worth investing in custom solutions.

Functionality to Look for in Trucking Software

When choosing management tools such as trucking logistics software, it’s essential to ensure that vendors offer features that automate operations, boost efficiency, and enhance overall business performance.

Moreover, valued at $65.25B in 2023, the global logistics automation market is expected to reach ~$217.26B by 2033. Such rapid growth highlights the disruptive role of task automation in the transportation sector. Despite being the hottest logistics tech trend, automation is not the only feature that a decent trucking solution must offer.

Dispatch and Scheduling

Effective transportation management software should offer automated dispatching to assign drivers and vehicles based on location, availability, and real-time scheduling. This way, operators can accommodate last-minute changes and unforeseen circumstances and optimize routes with GPS data to identify the most efficient routes, saving time and fuel.

Route optimization is one of the crucial features and can be found in almost any software. If the chosen tool doesn’t provide such functionality, it has to at least integrate with route optimization software, which has gained significant popularity lately.

Custom Reporting

Data-driven decision-making can improve operational efficiency and profitability. Customizable, bid-data generated reports in trucking management software insights into driver performance, vehicle utilization, and route efficiency based on specific data points and performance analytics.

This, in turn, allows for quick, real-time data access that contributes to strategic decision-making.

Fleet Management

Robust fleet management capabilities are essential for maintaining fleet health and efficiency. Your software should include real-time GPS vehicle tracking and automated maintenance scheduling to prevent costly repairs and extend vehicle lifespan. Don’t overlook fuel management features: they track and analyze fuel usage to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Integration with 3rd Parties

The truly best trucking software should synchronize financial data such as invoicing and payroll with accounting software and integrate it with HR systems for better management of driver records, training, and certifications. Most importantly, it has to sync with customer relationship management (CRM) systems to work on customer service and retention.

Driver Behavior Tracking

Tracking driver behavior is paramount to ensuring safe driving practices. This approach to fleet safety includes alerts and monitoring to prevent cargo theft and ensure delivery integrity.

Some truck driver software allows you to track vehicle health and send alerts from a driver’s mobile app to your system. This is especially valuable for issues like low tire pressure or engine problems.

Compliance Management

Since performance in the trucking industry is highly dependent on adherence to industry regulations, your software has run with built-in compliance protocols. A solid tool will help you manage hours of service (HOS) by automatically tracking and recording driver hours.

In the best scenario, it will facilitate the submission of daily driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIR) for safety and compliance and integrate with electronic logging devices (ELD) to meet mandate requirements.

Responsive Interface & Support

Finally, user-friendliness and support are key. Capable transportation tracking software providers offer intuitive interfaces that are easy to navigate for all users while including comprehensive training sessions into the package.

Prioritize software with detailed documentation to help your employees understand its features and make sure the vendor provides accessible customer support to resolve any issues quickly.

The Best Trucking Software: Top 5 Picks

There are numerous trucking logistics software available, each built to address certain challenges faced by trucking companies. Here are some of the most popular tools used by transportation businesses of any size globally:

SafetyCulture

The trucking software by SafetyCulture offers robust inspection and audit tools, helping trucking companies maintain compliance and safety standards. Its diverse functionality also allows managers from the construction, manufacturing, and healthcare industries to maintain adherence to industry regulations.

Best for: medium to large trucking companies

Key features and benefits

• Customizable checklists. Create and modify checklists tailored to specific safety protocols and compliance standards.
• Real-time reporting. Instantly generate reports from inspections and audits, accessible from any device.
• Analytics and insights. Analyze collected data to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Corrective actions. Assign and track corrective actions to ensure issues are resolved promptly.
• Mobile Accessibility. Use the platform on smartphones for prompt inspections and audits.

Disadvantages

• It might not be the best software for small trucking company operations due to its comprehensive features.
• The system might also require significant time for initial setup and training.

TruckLogics

Known as affordable small trucking company software, the truck management system by TruckLogics provides comprehensive fleet management functionality. The product is designed to streamline basic operations, manage dispatches, and enable predictive maintenance with intelligent reporting.

Best for: small to medium-sized trucking companies

Key features and benefits

• Dispatch management. Schedule and manage loads, assign drivers, and track shipments in real-time.
• Invoicing and billing. Generate invoices, track payments, and manage accounts receivable and payable.
• Fuel tax reporting. Automate fuel tax reporting and compliance with IFTA regulations.
• Document management. Store and organize important documents such as permits, licenses, and insurance certificates.
• Mobile app. Access key features are available on the go using the mobile application for drivers and dispatchers.

Disadvantages

• Some users may find the software lacks advanced customization options tailored to specific business needs.
• New users may require time to familiarize themselves with all features and functionalities, particularly if they are not experienced with TMS software.

TruckingOffice

TruckingOffice is one of the best trucking management software. Serving as a web-based TMS, it offers an extensive suite of features to manage dispatching, invoicing, expenses, and compliance.

Best for: small to mid-sized trucking companies

Key features and benefits

• Dispatch management. Efficiently assign and track loads, manage drivers, and optimize routes for maximum efficiency.
• Invoicing and billing. Create professional invoices, track payments, and manage accounts receivable with ease.
• Expense tracking. Record and categorize expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and permits to accurately calculate operating costs.
• IFTA Reporting. Automate fuel tax reporting and compliance with IFTA regulations.
• Document management. Store and organize important documents such as driver records, vehicle registrations, and insurance certificates.
• CRM Maintain a database of customers and contacts, track interactions, and manage customer relationships effectively.

Disadvantages

• It may not be suitable for larger trucking operations with complex, scalable needs and high transaction volumes.
• The product offers limited trucking software integration options with other third-party software and systems.

Motive

Motive is a multipurpose, multicarrier TMS designed to meet the needs of freight brokers, carriers, and shippers. It provides a set of capabilities to optimize freight operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer service.

Best for: large carrier, broker, and shipping companies

Key features and benefits

• Load management. Efficiently manage and track loads from booking to delivery, including load matching, tendering, and tracking.
• Carrier Management. Maintain a database of carriers, manage carrier contracts, and track carrier performance to ensure quality service.
• CRM. Manage customer relationships, track interactions, and maintain a database of contacts and accounts.
• Integration capabilities. Integrate with third-party accounting software, load boards, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
• Compliance. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and freight brokerage licensing requirements.

Disadvantages

• It may be overwhelming for smaller businesses or those new to transportation management software, requiring a certain learning curve.
• The pricing of this trucking software may be higher compared to basic TMS solutions.

TransPlus

The truck management system by TruckBase is known for its simple functionality that comprises the basic needed tools and features for businesses of small operation scale.

Best for: small to medium-sized trucking companies

Key features and benefits

• Load management. Provide visibility into available loads, allowing customers to select and book shipments based on their needs and preferences.
• Dispatching. Optimize dispatching operations by assigning loads based on driver availability, proximity to pickup locations, and load preferences.
• Reporting. Generate reports on key metrics such as load volume, delivery performance, fuel consumption, and freight costs.
• Vehicle tracking. Use GPS technology for accurate location data, allowing fleet managers to monitor vehicle movements, route progress, and driver behavior.

Disadvantages

• The product requires a steep learning curve for new users
• It offers fewer customization options compared to other trucking software programs.

Truckbase

This trucking management software is quite similar to the previous solution, yet is different in terms of design and offers smooth mobile availability. Embracing all the necessary features for carriers and brokers, it simplifies the basic shipping and trucking operations.

Best for: small to medium-sized trucking

Key features and benefits

• Seamless integrations. Integrate your TMS with Quickbooks, EDI, and ELDs for automated data flow.
• Tracking and invoicing. Use real-time data to manage your fleet and turn it into insights for better response management and route planning.
• Dispatching and reporting. Assign loads based on fleet capacities and generate automatic load delivery reports.

Disadvantages

• The product provides little customization options compared to other off-the-shelf options.

Custom Truck Management Software vs. Off-the-Shelf Software

Custom truck management software offers tailored solutions crafted specifically for the unique needs and requirements of a trucking company.

Tailor-made vs. Generic

Unlike off-the-shelf software, which provides generic features that may not fully adress the company’s objectives, custom solutions are built from scratch. This allows for greater flexibility and scalability business-wise.

UPS, for example, developed its own custom logistics software for trucking called UPS WorldShip, which automates shipping and logistics processes, including order processing, tracking, and label printing. This software has helped UPS streamline its operations, reduce shipping errors, and improve delivery accuracy.

Specialized Integration

Additionally, with custom truck management software, companies can integrate specific functionalities like load management, dispatching, and reporting seamlessly into their existing workflows. That way, you can optimize efficiency and productivity.

For instance, Schneider National implemented custom transportation management and logistics software to streamline its freight brokerage and trucking operations. This software allows the company to optimize load planning, route scheduling, and driver dispatching while also integrating with all the external tools it needs.

As a result, the company improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Full control vs. Product Dependency

Custom solutions offer greater control over updates, maintenance, and support, ensuring that the software evolves with the company’s scaling needs. With ready-made options, you are limited to the customization and infrastructure presented by the

While off-the-shelf software may be quicker to implement initially, custom solutions provide long-term benefits, empowering companies to adapt and innovate despite the dynamic market.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Before investing in custom trucking management software development, you need to evaluate your business needs and contact an IT outsourcing company or web development vendor with some research done. Here are the steps you can’t do without:

• Assess fleet challenges like inefficient management or rising fuel costs.
• Consider fleet size, dispatch challenges, and accounting integration needs.
• Research industry-leading truck management software.
• Evaluate key features.
• Review pricing plans, including implementation and training costs.
• Prioritize software usability, mobile compatibility, and customization frameworks.
• Look for integration capabilities with accounting systems and GPS trackers.
• Verify the quality of customer support through available channels and reputation.
• Analyze the vendor’s reputation and look for client testimonials on platforms like Clutch.

Acropolium Experience

As we’ve been breathing innovation into logistics businesses for a decade, we have witnessed how automation and real-time capabilities revolutionize operations.

SaaS WMS Development

When cooperating with a third-party logistics provider, we were to create cloud-based warehouse management software that was supposed to enhance and automate the warehouse operations. In 19 months, the client received a solution that reduced operational costs by 17%, improving overall efficient by 29%.

TMS Modernization

We were also once asked to modernize a transportation management system: the client required scalable functionality for their legacy system. Having migrated the client’s software to another infrastructure, we helped them save $5,000 monthly, with $10,000 yearly savings from hosting change.

IoT Fleet Tracking App Development

As Acropolium specializes in IoT and bid data, our client tasked us with IoT-based fleet tracking app development. Our task was to connect all the devices into a single system with a synchronized database.

We seamlessly integrated almost 1000 IoT devices, including GPS trackers from diverse brands. As a result, the client boosted the map display capacity from 100 to 1000 truck objects.

Final Thoughts

In today’s tech-driven era, digitization streamlines operations, offering convenience and precision with just a click. Trucking software stands as the optimal solution, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in industry operations. By automating basic tasks, such as accounting and documentation, it minimizes mistakes, thanks to programmed algorithms.

Acropolium is a place where innovation meets a tailored approach. Whether you need to modernize your system by integrating IoT, Big Data, AI/ML modules or develop software from scratch, we’ve got you covered. Following ISO-certified processes, we craft GDPR-compliant solutions at a flexible subscription-based fee.

Contact us to reimagine your tracking routine today!

Sources of Information

• Logistics Automation Market — Precedence Research
• Route Optimization Software Market — Grand View Research