Best Trucking Dispatch Software Solutions for 2024

As a truck dispatcher or fleet manager, you’re probably juggling a million things every day, such as:

• Driver schedules
• Vehicle maintenance
• Customers orders
• Route planning

But what if I told you there’s a way to take a lot of that stress off your plate?

Trucking dispatch software automates repetitive, tedious tasks, saving you valuable time. From optimizing routes and ensuring driver compliance to real-time tracking of trucks and orders, the trucking dispatch software covers everything. 

We have carefully curated a list of trucking dispatch software through extensive research and analysis, considering user feedback, expert reviews, and industry standards. While we didn’t conduct individual tests on each app, our selection process prioritized transparency and reliability. 

So, let’s learn about each app individually to streamline operations and transform the dispatching processes!

The Best Trucking Dispatch Software for 2024

1. Upper: Best trucking dispatch software
2. Trimble: Best for third-party logistics (3PL) companies
3. ITS Dispatch: Good for small to mid-sized carriers
4. Axon Trucking: Good for truckload/LTL carriers
5. Truckbase: Best for small to mid-sized carriers
6. Pro Transport: Best for companies looking for a centralized trucking solution
7. Truck Spy: Best for FedEx contractors
8. Onfleet: Best for last-mile delivery
9. Samsara: Best for large fleets
10. McLeod: Best for carriers and brokers

1. Upper

Best trucking dispatch software

If you’re looking for top-notch trucking dispatch software, Upper deserves a top spot on your list. This robust software is intended to eliminate the headache of managing a fleet and dispatching drivers. 

With Upper, say goodbye to the hassle of managing schedules and routes with spreadsheets. Additionally, its user-friendly interface allows you to assign and optimize trucking routes effortlessly based on real-time traffic data and monitor trucks’ locations every minute.

Yet Upper isn’t just focused on the stray pieces of dispatching. Moreover, Upper’s driver app enables seamless communication, keeping your team informed and productive while on the road. With live tracking, Upper ensures clear visibility of the movement of trucks, making it ideal for fleets of any size.

Hence, whether you are managing a modest fleet or a massive operation, Upper will meet your requirements. It’s all-in-one software that combines planning, execution, and analytics into one efficient system. 

Key features

• Import spreadsheet: Upper allows you to seamlessly import delivery addresses and other details directly from the spreadsheet through Excel or CSV files. This speeds up planning and removes manual tasks, allowing for efficient use of time and resources.
• Route planning: This enables users to create unlimited multi-stop routes with automated route planning that generates the most efficient routes in seconds, considering real-time traffic, weather conditions, and other constraints.
• Route optimization: Upper utilizes an advanced route optimization algorithm while offering the flexibility to optimize routes based on your preferences, whether minimizing time or distance, to facilitate efficient deliveries.
• One-click dispatch: After optimizing routes, Upper makes it simple to dispatch them to multiple drivers with just one click, sending routes via email, text message, or directly to the driver’s mobile app.
• Customer notifications: Leading trucking dispatch software like Upper enables automated customer notifications with real-time updates on estimated arrival times and delivery statuses.
• Proof of delivery: This feature reduces the paperwork and the chances of potential disputes by capturing in-app signatures, photos of successfully delivered items/services, and notes in the form of proof of delivery.
• Reports and analytics: Comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities allow us to gain valuable insights into delivery operations, pinpoint areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to optimize performance.

2. Trimble

Best for third-party logistics (3PL) companies

Established in 1983, Trimble specializes in providing transportation management software designed specifically for dispatch, fleet maintenance, and accounting needs. It is a great option for third-party logistics (3PL) companies and brokers.

Trimble is software explicitly designed to make 3PL deliveries and trucking operations easier. It enables carriers, intermediaries, shippers, and service centers to optimize efficiency across their operations. The multi-modal optimization engine empowers businesses to handle different aspects of supply chain operations.

Key features

• Transportation management: The comprehensive TMS allows for the optimization of dispatch operations, the tackling of complicated accounting tasks, and the streamlining of operations in general. 
• Maintenance: It allows one to view real-time meter information and DVIRs for each truck and then schedule preventative maintenance at the right times to keep vehicles on the road.
• Routing and optimization: This allows transportation businesses to improve and streamline operations for carriers, shippers, and intermediaries.

3. ITS Dispatch

Good for small to mid-sized carriers

The company, which has been around since 1995, has developed diverse software solutions for each phase of freight transportation. ITS Dispatch, connected to TruckStop.com, provides web-based trucking dispatch software with essential capabilities for streamlined operations.

This truck dispatch software integrates with QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Online. It serves small-to-midsize carriers, freight brokers, and owner-operators and offers essential tools for effective trucking operation management.

Key features

• Multiple integration: It seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Online, enabling easy financial management for trucking companies and freight brokers.
• Easy reporting: Users can easily add software modules, including file storage, IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) reporting, and additional reporting capabilities.

4. Axon Trucking

Good for truckload/LTL carriers

Since around 1982, Axon has been in the protected shipping dispatch stage, endeavoring to make finance a breeze. Axon integrates with PC Miler truck routing, mileage, and mapping software. It calculates IFTA, fuel charges, and other expenses in the shipping business. 

Axon provides real-time, fully integrated trucking software that decreases responsibility, supports cash flow, and disposes of driver pay stress. It is intended to make your trucking operations tasks smoother, more proficient, and stress-free.

Key features

• Transportation management: The software enables users to create employee and contractor documents with just a click.
• Customized reporting: The customized reporting feature enables better business decision-making by integrating with other systems.

5. Truckbase

Best for small to mid-sized carriers

Truckbase enables small trucking companies to extend their fleet flawlessly, limiting intricacy. Custom-fitted for affordability, it offers a direct TMS solution, ideal for those looking for simplicity in automating their back-office operations. 

Automate load building and dispatching easily by utilizing a PDF importer that easily sends tasks to drivers through a text message. It enhances income flow with instant invoicing and strong financial reporting tools. Furthermore, it cultivates trust with drivers through direct settlements, disposing of pointless problems.

Key features

• Automation: It allows for streamlined load building and effortless dispatch with an AI-powered PDF importer.
• Instant messaging: This enables dispatch details to be instantly sent to drivers via text or email.
• Route guidance: It provides drivers with clear route information through a mobile-friendly app, reducing phone calls and messages.
• Pay management: This feature allows the user to easily add reimbursements, stop pay, and other payments with just a few clicks.

6. Pro Transport

Best for companies looking for a centralized trucking solution

Laid out in 2005, ProTransport remains an all-in-one trucking software, offering a robust truck dispatching system at its core. With ProTransport’s dispatching software, managers can efficiently communicate and organize their fleet dispatching progressively, improving operational efficiency.

This software goes beyond dispatching, integrating seamlessly with different programs such as QuickBooks, GPS systems, fuel card providers, factoring companies, and IFTA reporting tools. ProTransport’s easy-to-use dashboard and color-coded interface guarantee that all features are promptly accessible and simple to navigate, simplifying the management of trucking operations.

Key features

• Dispatch: ProTransport’s dispatching system enables managers to streamline communication and organization of fleet tasks.
• GPS data integration: The software seamlessly integrates GPS systems, providing real-time location tracking and route optimization capabilities.
• Maintenance and safety management: Managers can schedule maintenance tasks, monitor vehicle inspections, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Best for FedEx contractors

7. TruckSpy

TruckSpy is something other than dispatch software; it’s a complete solution for dealing with your fleet successfully. Close by with its powerful dispatch feature, TruckSpy focuses on driver compliance, security, and efficiency, offering tools and bits of knowledge to streamline each part of your activities. 

With its intuitive drag-and-drop dispatch system, route deviation checker, and precise estimated time of arrival for all stops, TruckSpy encourages you to remain in charge and offer exceptional support to your clients. Its easy-to-understand interface makes it simple for dispatchers to allocate assignments and monitor progress.

Key features

• Drag-and-drop dispatcher: It allows dispatchers to easily assign and rearrange tasks, optimizing fleet management and ensuring efficient task allocation.
• Route deviation identifier: To enhance route optimization, it incorporates a route deviation identifier, enabling prompt adjustments to maintain efficiency and meet delivery schedules.
• Document scanner: TruckSpy streamlines document management by allowing drivers to scan and attach necessary documents to each stop in real-time.

8. Onfleet

Best for last-mile delivery

Onfleet delivers an advanced logistics software solution, empowering businesses to master their last-mile delivery operations. This comprehensive toolkit simplifies dispatch, route planning, communication, and analytics, streamlining operations for optimal efficiency. This app caters to a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, retail, pharmacy, parcel, and more, in over 90 countries. 

Furthermore, businesses can delight customers with accurate ETAs and real-time tracking while seamlessly integrating various systems through their developer-friendly API. Onfleet’s route optimization considers time, location, capacity, and traffic for efficient routing, while auto-assigning on-demand tasks reduces service time and labor costs.

Check out the Onfleet alternatives if you are still interested in looking for similar solutions.

Key features

• Automated dispatch: The system automates assigning jobs to drivers based on predefined criteria such as proximity, availability, and priority.
• End-to-end route planning: It facilitates comprehensive route planning from start to finish, considering traffic, road conditions, and customer preferences.
• Integration: The software seamlessly integrates with various third-party systems and applications, allowing for smooth data exchange and interoperability.
• Analytics: It provides advanced analytics and reporting tools, offering insights into key performance metrics, trends, and patterns.

9. Samsara

Best for large fleets

Samsara offers an extensive solution for fleet management, driver security, and consistency across different industries. Their dispatching software and hardware solutions serve shipping companies of all sizes, focusing on improving operational proficiency and correspondence. The feature-rich software covers all parts of a task, guaranteeing real-time visibility and analytics.

From transportation and logistics to field services, construction, and manufacturing, Samsara serves clients across different areas. While commonly serving fleets with at least 20 vehicles, their adaptable solution obliges even the largest multinational companies. However, it may be too robust for very small fleets of fewer than 5-10 vehicles.

Key features

• Fleet maintenance: This ensures that all vehicles in the fleet are properly maintained and serviced through trucking scheduling software. 
• Route planning: This functionality optimizes delivery routes to maximize efficiency and minimize fuel consumption and driving time. 
• Dash cams: They are installed in fleet vehicles to capture video footage of driving events and incidents. 
• Compliance: It makes sure that fleet operations adhere to regulatory requirements and industry standards.

10. McLeod

Best for carriers and brokers

McLeod software stands out as transportation management software. LoadMaster provides carriers with tools for ideal load planning, shipment tracking, driver communication, and financial management. For freight brokers, McLeod’s PowerBroker software provides a dedicated platform for seamlessly managing the entire brokerage work process, from load acquisition to billing.

With over 35 years of experience, McLeod Software has been a trusted partner in overseeing trucking dispatch operations, freight brokerage, fleet management, and more. Moreover, McLeod offers software solutions for paperwork management, sales and marketing, and fleet performance measurement. This is ideal for industries like trucking, freight brokerage, third-party logistics, and shippers.

Key features

• Driver app: It allows drivers to manage their tasks, communicate with dispatchers, and access essential information on the go. 
• Back office capabilities: This streamlines administrative functions such as load planning, billing, payroll, CRM, and document management.
• Business intelligence: It enables users to utilize data-driven insights for strategic decision-making and performance optimization.

How Do I Choose the Best Trucking Dispatch Software?

While choosing the best dispatch software for small trucking companies, it’s pivotal to consider a few factors custom-fitted to your particular necessities. With plenty of choices accessible, understanding your budget, business model, and goals is crucial. This is what to focus on during your search:

1. Essential features

Look for tools that make dispatching smoother and increase earnings, like

• Real-time tracking provides details about ongoing deliveries, enabling transparency regarding route and location.
• Route planning and scheduling enable effective resource utilization and provide details about driver schedules.  
• The fuel management feature helps monitor fuel utilization and related costs, thus saving money on fuel.
• Digital documentation helps to provide documents related to trucking, such as BOLs (bill of lading) and PODs (proof of delivery).

2. Ease of use

Choose an easy-to-understand dispatching software for trucking to boost reception and efficiency. Complex frameworks can overpower your team, so focus on intuitive interfaces. Many suppliers offer free demos and preliminaries, so you can check usability before committing.

3. Scalability

Pick a dispatch software for trucks that grows with your business, effortlessly adapting to evolving needs. Scalable software permits easy expansion of drivers, vehicles, and equipment as your fleet grows. Consider both short and haul needs to guarantee the product stays powerful as your business advances.

4. Customer support

Focus on excellent client service, including live chat, email, and telephone assistance, as well as a far-reaching knowledge base. Reliable help guarantees smooth operation and quick resolution of any issues that emerge. Moreover, it focuses on software with robust security measures to safeguard information and maintain compliance with industry guidelines. 

By cautiously considering these factors, you can pick the best truck dispatching software that enhances efficiency, upholds growth, and gives peace of mind.

Uplevel Your Dispatch Operations to Drive Efficiency and Profits

Conclusively, as we explore the trucking industry in 2024, the significance of choosing the right dispatch software couldn’t possibly be more significant. By adopting top-notch solutions with features like real-time tracking, route optimization, and ELD compliance, organizations can streamline operations and boost efficiency. Besides, picking reliable software ensures smooth adoption across your team, boosting overall efficiency.

Moreover, the chosen trucking scheduling software should also accommodate the expansion of drivers, vehicles, and equipment as needed. Furthermore, we should not forget the importance of client service, accessible at whatever point you want it, furnishing inner harmony with simply a call or click. In this way, with the right software for trucking companies, you’re ready to flourish and cut out a way toward sustained growth.