Key Takeaways: Truck routing software provides precise delivery predictions, real-time tracking, and optimum routes to improve driver efficiency and customer experience. Systems like Upper, Sygic, Paragon Routing, TrackoBit, TruckRouter, and SmartRoutes are leading the pack in truck routing solutions. Each offers unique features to cater to diverse logistics needs. These tools streamline delivery management, bolster driver safety, ensure compliance with transport regulations, and support overall business growth. Let’s face it: optimizing routes for commercial trucks is a daunting task. Unlike regular vehicles, trucks face unique hurdles such as road closures, construction zones, zoning restrictions, and stringent hours-of-service regulations. These complexities make efficient route planning crucial yet challenging. Fortunately, truck routing software is designed to address these issues. It creates optimal paths that avoid truck-restricted roads, busy streets, and unnecessary tolls, ensuring timely deliveries while reducing fuel consumption, unwanted mileage, and legal penalties. If you’re considering implementing such software but are overwhelmed by the options, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the 11 best truck routing software solutions to streamline your operations in 2024. Maximize Your Trucking Profits with Upper’s Advanced Routing Take a 7-Day Free Trial Our Evaluation and Selection Process for the Top Truck Routing Solutions We began by extensively researching online forums, directories, and trusted review sites like Capterra and G2 to identify the top 15 truck routing software options. Our team then personally tested each solution, evaluating them on crucial factors including truck-specific features, user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and overall performance. We analyzed user ratings and reviews from multiple sources to gauge real-world satisfaction. This rigorous process allowed us to narrow down our list to the 11 best options, which we then compared in detail. Our goal is to provide you with unbiased, reliable information to help you make the best choice for your trucking operations. Table of Contents Our Evaluation and Selection Process for the Top Truck Routing Solutions Why is Truck Routing Software Important? In-Depth Analysis of the Leading Truck Routing Software Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Redefine Logistics and Embrace Truck Route Efficiency Why is Truck Routing Software Important? Efficient truck routing is crucial for maximizing productivity, reducing costs, and ensuring timely deliveries in the logistics industry. Here’s why it’s important: Commercial truck routing software calculates the most efficient routes, significantly cutting fuel costs and transportation expenses. The software speeds up planning by removing manual work, leading to faster responses and better delivery times. With optimized routes and reduced idle time, drivers can complete more deliveries per shift, boosting overall productivity. Did you know Upper has helped one of their clients increase drivers’ productivity by 200% and daily deliveries by 300%? Want to be the next to taste this level of success? Give it a shot! Accurate ETAs and timely deliveries greatly increase customer satisfaction, building loyalty and trust. Optimized truck routes lead to reduced carbon emissions and align perfectly with eco-friendly business practices. Thus, truck routing software is a smart move that improves operations, saves money, and gives you an edge in the trucking logistics game. In-Depth Analysis of the Leading Truck Routing Software Solutions 1. Upper Route Planner Best Truck Routing Software Free trial: 7 days Cost: $40/user/month (on annual basis) Supported platforms: Web, Android, and iOS Upper is an end-to-end routing software designed, keeping in mind truck dispatchers’ unique routing requirements, including avoiding tolls, highways, road closures, one-way streets, or high-congestion areas in cities. Upper lets you plan routes based on your truck drivers’ Hours of Service to prevent the violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCA’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and avoid fines and penalties. It also helps you maintain real-time communication with your customers. In case unforeseen situations like vehicle breakdown or illness cause a delay, our truck route scheduling software lets you inform all your customers along that route via the bulk SMS feature. All these features make Upper a perfect match for your truck routing, whether you are a small fleet or a logistics giant. Key Features and Benefits: Multi-Stop Route Optimization: Upper optimizes truck routes based on customers’ preferred delivery windows, minimizing travel time and distance for maximum efficiency and catering to unique demands. In-transit route edits: Add or delete stops or reoptimize the sequence of stops to handle last-minute orders or cancellations, vehicle breakdowns, or accidents. GPS-based tracking: Allows for tracking truck drivers’ live locations to analyze the progress of routes and ensure timely deliveries through proactive resolution of run-time issues. Driver-dispatcher chat: Enables you to communicate with your drivers in transit to address their concerns and queries and enhance real-time collaboration. Vehicle capacity constraints: Lets you set your vehicle’s limits, like area or weight, to schedule loads that fit those specifications. Then, it sends them on routes to make the most of your vehicle’s capacity. Pros Real-time route adjustments Robust live tracking, including the history of locations visited No hidden charges Cons Lacks barcode scanning Create Cost-Efficient and Law-Compliant Truck Routes with Upper Start a 7-Day Free Trial 2. Route XL Best For Small to Mid-sized Businesses Free trial: Free (up to 20 addresses) Cost: $35/month Supported platforms: Web, Android, iOS RouteXL is one of the route planners tailored for commercial fleets and businesses with heavier workloads. While its free version caters to basic routing needs, RouteXL’s alternative packages provide advanced features like proof of delivery and real-time tracking, ensuring comprehensive solutions for businesses. Curious about RouteXL? We put it through its paces so you don’t have to. Check out our comprehensive review for an honest look at this route planning tool. Key features and benefits Cost-Effective Solution: RouteXL’s free version best suits businesses with moderate budgets, offering basic route planning capabilities. Multi-Stop Route Optimization: RouteXL simplifies delivery management with multiple routes, streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency across multiple delivery locations. Route Customization: The software offers customizable route options, allowing businesses to tailor routes according to specific needs and preferences. Pros Dispatchers have many route-sharing options available, including exporting routes to navigation devices Easy modification with drag-and-drop functionality Save created routes for future use, eliminating the need for repetitive route creation Cons The map color scheme lacks contrast, making navigation and route planning confusing No dedicated driver app, limiting features like live tracking and POD New users may require significant time to adapt to the interface layout and configuration 3. Paragon Routing Best For Superior Customer Satisfaction Free trial: No Cost: Custom pricing Supported platforms: Web Paragon is a routing and scheduling software ideal for customer-centric delivery businesses, especially those with smaller fleets. Designed for effective route scheduling, Paragon Routing enhances deliveries, boosts satisfaction, and ensures excellence. The speed of Paragon Routing significantly enhances the user experience for delivery businesses, while its flexibility and reputation make it a trusted choice, leading to customer satisfaction. The easy-to-use interface facilitates quick adaptation for new users in delivery operations. Key features Smart Route Planning and Scheduling: Paragon’s intelligent route optimization algorithms create cost-effective routes tailored to your specific needs, maximizing resource efficiency. Live Route Planning: Paragon Routing’s live route planning system stands apart. It uses real-time road data to dynamically optimize routes, guaranteeing agility and responsiveness to changing circumstances. Pros The speed of Paragon Routing significantly enhances user experience The flexibility and reputation of this software make it a trusted choice, leading to customer satisfaction The easy-to-use interface facilitates quick adaptation for new users Cons Users have reported performance issues, including slowdowns The relatively high pricing may limit accessibility for some businesses Some users have suggested that the software’s functionality can be improved 4. TrackoBit Best For Large Trucking Businesses Free trial: 14 days Cost: Custom pricing Supported platforms: Web, Android, iOS TrackoBit is a robust commercial truck routing software streamlining multi-stop route planning for efficient operations. With comprehensive fleet management tools, including fuel management and live driver tracking businesses can maintain control over their operations for optimal performance. This vehicle route planning software empowers businesses to maintain control over their fleet operations, ensuring efficient delivery operations and optimal performance. Key features Dedicated Driver App: TrackoBit includes a driver app for easy trip tracking and updates, along with DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) capabilities to keep drivers focused. Comprehensive Fleet Solutions: TrackoBit is flexible truck mapping software for fleets of any size. Plus, their expertise in telematics shows in their full fleet management solutions, including geospatial analysis and video telematics. Real-time Supervision: Managers access trip data directly, removing the need for manual driver updates. This real-time visibility enables data-driven business decisions and proactive management of the fleet. Pros Real-time tracking and comprehensive monitoring for efficient operations Customizable alerts enhance security and efficiency for better management Detailed reporting and analytics tools enable informed decision-making Cons A complex interface may require extensive training Expensive subscription plans may not be affordable for all businesses Limited customer support affects overall user experience negatively 5. Samsara Best For Large Enterprises Free trial: 30 days Cost: Custom pricing Supported platforms: Web, Android, iOS Samsara is an all-in-one fleet management platform designed for enterprise businesses in various industries, including commercial trucking companies and fleets. It provides various solutions, including advanced dashcams and vehicle tracking hardware for safety and route compliance. Samsara’s tailored fleet truck real-time tracking software caters specifically to the needs of trucking companies or commercial fleets. This software offers more than just optimized routes, leading to streamlined operations and reduced fleet operating costs. With advanced functionality, extensive support, and responsive client service, Samsara provides streamlined operations at a competitive price. Key features Comprehensive Fleet Management Ecosystem: Samsara excels in offering end-to-end fleet management for trucks, utilizing its integrated hardware and software solutions. Advanced Workflow and Reporting: The advanced workflow and reporting systems gather crucial data from hardware, transforming it into actionable insights for strategic fleet management. Pros Advanced functionality is accessible at a competitive price point Extensive support for different tasks and operations Responsive client support Easy-to-use interface Cons Users have experienced occasional temporary slowdowns Many have even encountered bugs or glitches Choose Upper, Choose Seamless Truck Routing! Optimize your fleet operations with advanced routing software designed for modern logistics. Try Upper! 6. PC*miler Best For the Transportation Industry Free trial: 15 days Cost: $84.99/month Supported platforms: Web PC*miler is a specialized fleet management solution for transportation businesses. It focuses on efficient route planning and optimization for trucks. With advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a detailed street-level digital map of North America, it offers precise route planning. PC*miler’s web app supports global routing operations, catering to fleets managing larger trucks with extensive information on truck restrictions. Additionally, its MileOn app facilitates seamless route planning for drivers, and integrations with popular applications like Microsoft Excel streamline routing processes. Key features Dimension-Based Routing: It enables customizing routes based on vehicle dimensions, guaranteeing efficient navigation around restrictions. Live Driver Tracking: PC*miler offers real-time monitoring of driver locations for streamlined fleet management and better responsiveness. Fuel Cost Calculations: Estimates fuel expenses using consumption data and current prices for optimized route planning and reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Hardware Integrations: Seamlessly connects with onboard systems and telematics devices for enhanced data accuracy and communication. Detailed Reports: Generates comprehensive analytics for route efficiency, driver performance, fuel utilization, and operational insights. Pros Precise route planning facilitated by a complete truck restriction database MileOn app empowers seamless route planning for drivers using PC*Miler’s robust systems Integrations with popular business applications like Microsoft Excel streamline routing processes Cons The costs might rise with various clients and add-ons Lack of transparency regarding the utilization of collected user data PC*Miler may be considered relatively basic compared to competing routing software 7. Workwave Route Manager Best For Delivery Businesses Free trial: 4 days Cost: Custom pricing Supported platforms: Web, Android, iOS WorkWave Route Manager is trusted truck routing planning software that offers more than fleet business route management. It includes hardware ELD solutions for regulatory compliance, making it ideal for maintaining compliance. Focusing on industries like pest control and lawn care, it also caters to field sales professionals. Its strong emphasis on compliance extends to robust fleet performance tracking capabilities. Time window planning caters to customers with specific delivery windows, while optional add-ons support hard-wired GPS and ELDs for ELD regulation compliance. The software also boasts excellent customer service and quick adoption of new technologies, ensuring businesses stay ahead. Key features ELD Solutions: Guarantee compliance with electronic logging device guidelines for accurate and streamlined driver tracking and reporting. Time Windows: Specify time constraints for stops or appointments, guaranteeing timely arrivals and customer satisfaction. GPS Tracking: Monitor vehicle locations in real-time, empowering effective fleet management and route adjustments as needed. SMS Customer Notifications: Keep clients informed with automated delivery notifications via SMS regarding service appointments or delivery updates. Pros Time window planning caters to customers with delivery windows Optional add-ons support hard-wired GPS and ELDs, aiding in ELD regulation compliance Excellent customer service and quick adoption of new technologies Cons WorkWave’s route manager is relatively expensive Features like customer notifications, GPS tracking, and barcode scanners are not in the basic plan The lack of a dashboard hinders the ability to assess overall driving behavior 8. SmartRoutes Best For Delivery Management Businesses Free trial: 14 days Cost: $49/month Supported platforms: Web SmartRoutes is an advanced truck route planning software intended for effective route management. It simplifies route planning and provides quick updates to drivers on their smartphones. This software streamlines delivery operations by integrating route planning, proof of delivery capture, real-time alerts, and truck tracking. It offers detailed insights into estimated arrival time (ETA), actual arrival times, and delivery costs for enhanced efficiency. Additionally, it enhances operational efficiency with streamlined delivery routes, facilitates seamless communication between drivers and managers, and provides valuable data-driven insights through end-of-day reports. PRO TIP: To learn more about how to optimize commercial truck routes, click here. Key features Driver App: Empowers drivers with optimized routes and proof of delivery capture, encouraging seamless communication with managers for streamlined coordination. Data-driven Approach: This feature enables delivery teams to embrace a data-driven approach with end-of-day reports, facilitating performance measurement and continuous improvement month after month. Pros Enhances operational efficiency with streamlined delivery routes Facilitates seamless communication between drivers and managers Provides valuable data-driven insights through end-of-day reports Cons Initial learning curve due to extensive features and potential complexity Limited customization may hinder adaptability to specific business needs and preferences 9. MileMaker by Rand McNally Best For Shipping Companies Free trial: 30 days Cost: $99/month Supported platforms: Web MileMaker, powered by Rand McNally, a veteran of traditional paper route planning, has embraced advancement by offering robust online mapping tools for truck fleet dispatchers. With its easy-to-understand interface, businesses can plan the most efficient route for their drivers, considering traffic, load particulars, and travel distances. Ideal for truck fleet dispatchers, MileMaker focuses on driver well-being by avoiding delivery routes with weight or height restrictions. Furthermore, this trucking dispatch software has a traffic-enabled routing engine that ensures precise arrival times, elevating the overall client experience. Key features Load Planning: This lets you plan your load based on your vehicles’ specifications and send them on routes that maximize their payload capacity utilization. Route Saving: This helps save your favorite stops, vehicle profiles, and an optimal route for each recurring trip. ITFA Compliance: Ensures compliance with International Tax Freedom Agreement regulations through regular state mileage reports. Pros User-friendly web-mapping interface Detailed fuel usage insights to improve mileage Enhanced door-to-door driving directions and batch routing Cons There is no mobile app Lack of routing for pedestrians and cyclists Reported poor customer service response 10. Logistia Route Planner Best For Delivery Management Free trial: 7 days Cost: $55/month Supported platforms: Web Logistia is a simple yet powerful route planner designed for efficient truck routes. It prioritizes route optimization based on vehicle capacity and delivery areas. This route optimization software offers flexibility in emergencies, as it allows users to edit and plan routes on the go. Moreover, it offers live tracking links for real-time driver location updates to dispatchers and customers. The robust reporting features provide insights into route efficiency and driver performance for continuous growth. Additionally, its seamless integration with existing eCommerce platforms enhances operational efficiency. Key features Accurate ETAs: Logistia Route Planner ensures precise estimated time of arrivals (ETAs) for efficient scheduling and customer satisfaction. Adjust Routes: Flexibility to adapt routes in real-time, optimizing delivery efficiency, and accommodating unforeseen circumstances for seamless execution. Seamless Execution: Streamlined processes from planning to delivery foster the smooth execution of logistics operations for enhanced productivity and customer service. Pros Live tracking reassures customers and dispatchers about delivery progress Easy integration with existing eCommerce platforms Cons Map occasionally fails to display during app use, hindering operations Bugs and map-loading issues confuse and lengthen the learning curve 11. FleetUp Best For Asset & Fleet Management Free trial: 14 days Cost: Custom pricing Supported platforms: Web, Android, iOS FleetUp is an all-in-one platform for fleet management, providing visibility into vehicles, drivers, and equipment. This fleet routing software centralizes communication through a mobile app and simplifies administrative tasks like time tracking and job assignments. FleetUp offers real-time diagnostics and GPS tracking and identifies high-risk drivers to enhance safety and efficiency, ensuring optimal fleet operations. FleetUp is known for its user-friendly software, streamlining onboarding and integration for teams, and responsive customer service. Moreover, FleetUp facilitates daily vehicle inspections, ensuring compliance and safety. Key features Simplifies Route Planning: FleetUp streamlines route planning processes, optimizing efficiency and ensuring timely deliveries through intuitive route optimization algorithms. Drag-n-Drop Your Location Data: Enhances the user experience by allowing seamless integration of location data, enabling quick and easy customization of routes. Pros User-friendly software streamlines onboarding and integration for teams Responsive customer service FleetUp facilitates daily vehicle inspections Cons Rural connectivity limitations may render fleet operations unreliable FleetUp’s pricing may be higher than competitors’ Maximize Your Efficiency Boost trucking efficiency instantly with Upper's strategic route planning designed to save time, fuel, and costs. Get Started Frequently Asked Questions Why use truck routing software? Truck routing software improves routes, saves fuel, and speeds up deliveries. It also smooths operations, improves driver performance, and makes customers happier. It’s a great tool for making transportation work well and profitable. What is truck routing software? Truck routing software is a technology that helps drivers plan efficient routes by considering factors like vehicle size, weight limits, traffic, and delivery schedules. What are the top free truck routing software programs? Some of the top free truck routing software options include Google Maps, Waze, and Trucker Path, which provide real-time traffic data and basic routing features without any membership fees. However, paid route optimization software like Upper offers advanced features tailored specifically for delivery drivers. Will my staff require special training to use delivery truck routing software? No. Usually, truck routing software will be built to be as user-friendly and straightforward as possible to allow for easy onboarding. To ensure that users are informed, many routing systems will have dedicated support teams or guides to help you navigate the software. Does truck routing software assist in complying with safety regulations? Yes, truck routing software assists in complying with safety regulations by providing optimized routes that avoid hazardous areas, follow weight and size constraints, and consider other safety considerations. What are the top features to look for in good truck routing software? Ideally, good truck route optimization software must-have features such as the ability to collect proof of delivery, live driver tracking, customer notifications, delivery data reports, and easy dispatching options to facilitate services and deliveries. Redefine Logistics and Embrace Truck Route Efficiency Truck routing software is a game-changer compared to manually planning routes. These smart tools automate route planning, saving you time and cutting fuel costs by finding the most efficient routes. Plus, investing in top-notch route planners can make your operations smoother and better. If you’re also in the towing industry, exploring tow truck business strategies alongside these tools could further streamline your operations. Choosing the right truck route planning software for your fleet might seem tough with so many options. But Upper stands out as an advanced truck routing and scheduling software that makes your operations smoother. Try Upper’s 7 days free trial and see how it can take your logistics to the next level. Author Bio Rakesh Patel Rakesh Patel, author of two defining books on reverse geotagging, is a trusted authority in routing and logistics. His innovative solutions at Upper Route Planner have simplified logistics for businesses across the board. A thought leader in the field, Rakesh's insights are shaping the future of modern-day logistics, making him your go-to expert for all things route optimization. Read more. Share this post: Overcome Logistics HurdlesHarness the power of top truck routing software to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. Get started now!
