Trucking dispatch software is the future of streamlining operations in your transportation business. It’s quickly becoming one of the must-haves for any modern trucking company since it helps improve communication, increase productivity and reduce operating costs. Ultimately, if you’re looking to grow your business, a trucking dispatch software is for you.

What is dispatch trucking software?

So what exactly is dispatch trucking software? Trucking software is a technology solution for fleet management on all fronts. This is a software that automates the process of dispatching trucks as well as managing the movement of freight from one location to another. Not only does it prioritize route optimization, but it helps reduce risk factors associated with the freight and logistics industry.

Typically, the software includes features for managing dispatch orders, tracking vehicles and drivers, monitoring routes and schedules, and communicating with drivers and customers. More importantly, it can help show real-time updates and send alerts to drivers and dispatchers, which helps to improve efficiency and communication.

The cost of cloud-based TMS Software depends on how you want to use the interface and the size of your company. Since, it’s important to understand the offerings of each software and weigh it accordingly with our business needs. Similar to any category of software, some can be free, moderate, or cost up to millions of dollars. What will affect pricing is what integrations you need and the number of users on a platform. Luckily, many organizations will offer different price ranges for TMS software to fit your business.

What to look for in trucking dispatch software?

When looking for trucking dispatch software, there are several key features and factors to consider in your freight management. Here are some things to look for:

Dispatch & scheduling: The dispatch software should have the ability to manage dispatch orders, assign drivers to trips, and track loads.

Adaptive route planning: The TMS software should have the ability to function route optimization which will aid to minimize fuel costs and reduce travel time.

Real-time tracking: The software should be able to include shipment tracking. There should be a map of drivers’ location in real-time, so you can monitor progress and provide updates to dispatchers.

Geography-based intelligence: Whichever software you choose, make sure it is based on geography intelligence. It uses satellite images and GPS data in order to create maps, visualize data and provide real-time situational awareness.

Customer service: The trucking software should provide a way for dispatchers to communicate with customers, such as sending notifications about shipment status. On the other hand, the software vendor should have a team ready to assist and support when there are any technical issues to troubleshoot. Use software that offers excellent customer service and support. 

Mobile communication & access: The software should have a mobile-friendly interface or an accessible mobile app. Then, drivers can access it on the go and anywhere there’s Internet available.

Accounting: The software should include features for generating invoices and tracking payments, as well as IFTA taxes.

Usability: The freight dispatch software should be easy to use with a user-friendly interface and design. Something that is simple to set up where your employees can interact with ease and makes full use of it. }

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Whether you own a carrier business, a broker, private fleet or as an owner operator, focus on what type of your transport business needs the most to ensure a smooth transition into new software. At the end of the day, it's important to choose a trucking dispatch software that meets the company’s specific needs that will improve efficiency and profitability.

The 5 Best Dispatch Trucking Softwares of 2023

We’ve rounded up a list of the top five dispatch trucking softwares for this year:

1) Rose Rocket TMS: Best All-In-One Trucking Dispatch Software

The best software for brokers and carriers in market that is cloud-based, which means wherever there’s Internet, you can use Rose Rocket TMS. Plus, this eliminates the need for servers to be installed in your office. Rose Rocket’s customer service also offers a custom onboarding experience to help make transitioning for your company seamless and worry-free. Included functions are: business metrics, live monitoring for ETA, orderbot, invoicing and an easy-to-use mobile app for your entire team. It includes all the features you would want from a trucking dispatch software and even more features you didn’t know you needed. 

2) PCS Software: Good for Carriers and Brokerages 

As the oldest software on the block, you expect experienced software. Although it is one of the far more expensive softwares in the market, you can mostly use it on premise. PCS is an AI-driven solution for shippers, carriers and brokers. The main features include dispatching, accounting and fleet management.

3) ProTransport: Good for Fleet Management 

Whether your business is big or small, ProTransport offers fleet management solutions. The key features include: safety, dispatch, accounting, reporting, driver communications and GPS tracking. Their main accounting function can create invoices, prepare statements, import fuel card data and calculate taxes.

4) Xpert Dispatch: Good for Entry Level Carriers 

Since 2002, Xpert has offered affordable dispatch software. Although it is for carriers only, you are still able to dispatch, IFTA report, eManifest eduling, track drivers and file accounting. Xpert’s user interface is simple but can be only used on-premise.

5) Axon Trucking Software: Good for Truckload Carriers

A cloud-based software that caters to small to large trucking businesses. Axon’s main features are KPI monitoring, barcode scanning, invoicing, warehouse management, accounts payable/receivable, and inventory control. It comes with an IFTA calculator, in order to track mileage with ease due to their in-cab satellite interface where you can also report revenue or expenses.

Why a trucking software is your business’ best bet

All in all, dispatch trucking software is a powerful tool that streamlines trucking companies operations including everything from load management and dispatch planning to scheduling, GPS tracking, and communication tools. This helps your business boost productivity through efficiency, cuts down on unnecessary costs, and enhances customer satisfaction. If you’re looking to streamline your trucking business or have more questions about how dispatch software can help your company, you can book a demo with one of our Rose Rocket logistics experts –  as the #1 Rated TMS, we’d be happy to help you learn more!