Trucking software
Best trucking software for owner-operators
Most 'best trucking software' lists are written for 50-truck fleets. If you're running one to ten trucks yourself, the platform that works for a large carrier's dispatch office is usually the wrong tool - here are 6 options actually worth comparing.
Last checked 2026-08-26 · Pricing sourced from each vendor's own published pricing page where available - confirm current pricing before you buy.
Quick answer
Our top pick: TruckingOffice- owner-operators and small fleets (1-10 trucks) that mainly need billing, ifta, and basic dispatch - not a full enterprise tms.
Trucking software at a glance
6 platforms worth considering, top pick first.
| Platform | Best for | Starting price | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
T | Owner-operators and small fleets (1-10 trucks) that mainly need billing, IFTA, and basic dispatch - not a full enterprise TMS | $20-75/mo | 7.4/10 | Read review → |
M | Small to mid-size fleets that want a simpler setup and lower entry cost than enterprise platforms | Custom quote | 8.2/10 | Read review → |
A | Small to mid-size carriers and brokers wanting a modern, all-in-one cloud TMS without legacy-platform complexity | ~$292+/mo* | 8.1/10 | Read review → |
S | Mid-size to large fleets that want hardware and software from one vendor | Custom quote | 8.6/10 | Read review → |
G | Fleets wanting maximum integration flexibility, especially multi-national operations | Custom quote | 8.4/10 | Read review → |
MC | Established carriers and freight brokers needing deep back-office TMS functionality | Custom quote | 7.9/10 | Read review → |
🏆 Our #1 pick: TruckingOffice
TruckingOffice
Owner-operators and small fleets (1-10 trucks) that mainly need billing, IFTA, and basic dispatch - not a full enterprise TMS
What we like
- ✓Priced specifically for 1-2 truck operations, not just scaled-down enterprise pricing
- ✓Straightforward invoicing, IFTA reporting, and expense tracking without a steep learning curve
- ✓30-day free trial makes it low-risk to test before committing
Potential drawbacks
- −No direct QuickBooks integration - some users report manual data transfer for accounting
- −Dispatch functionality is basic compared to full TMS platforms like McLeod
- −Less suited to fleets that plan to scale past roughly 10-15 trucks
Other top options by use case
Depending on your situation, one of these may fit better than our overall pick.
🚛 Best for 3-10 trucks
Motive
Small to mid-size fleets that want a simpler setup and lower entry cost than enterprise platforms
Read review →☁️ Best modern cloud TMS
Alvys
Small to mid-size carriers and brokers wanting a modern, all-in-one cloud TMS without legacy-platform complexity
Read review →📡 Best hardware+software bundle
Samsara
Mid-size to large fleets that want hardware and software from one vendor
Read review →🔗 Best integration flexibility
Geotab
Fleets wanting maximum integration flexibility, especially multi-national operations
Read review →Which is right for you?
A quick way to narrow it down without reading every review.
Trucking software: what you actually need
Before comparing platforms, it's worth being clear about what a 1-10 truck operation typically needs versus what a 100-truck carrier needs: straightforward invoicing, IFTA reporting, basic expense tracking, and ELD compliance - not a full dispatch board with terminal management and deep BI reporting.
This guide is for you if you:
- ✓ Run 1-10 trucks yourself or with a small team
- ✓ Need straightforward invoicing and IFTA reporting
- ✓ Need ELD compliance without excess complexity
- ✓ Don’t have dedicated dispatch or back-office staff
You may need something else if:
- ✕ You’re running 50+ trucks with a dispatch office
- ✕ You need terminal management and driver payroll automation
- ✕ You need deep BI/reporting across a large fleet
- ✕ You’re negotiating hardware bundles across many vehicles
What to look for
ELD compliance
Stay compliant with Hours of Service rules automatically.
Dispatch & routing
Assign loads and track trucks in real time.
IFTA reporting
Automate fuel tax calculations across states.
Invoicing
Bill loads and track payments without spreadsheets.
Driver safety scoring
Track harsh braking, speeding, and following distance.
Maintenance tracking
Catch upkeep before it becomes a costly breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best trucking software for owner-operators?
TruckingOffice is our top pick for 1-2 truck operations, priced specifically for owner-operators rather than scaled down from an enterprise product. Motive is worth a look once you have 3-10 trucks and drivers to manage.
How much does trucking software cost for an owner-operator?
TruckingOffice starts around $20/month for a single owner-operator. Motive, Samsara, Geotab, and McLeod are quote-based - expect per-vehicle or per-module pricing once you talk to sales.
Do owner-operators need Samsara or Geotab?
Usually not yet. Both are built for mid-size to large fleets wanting hardware and software bundled together or maximum integration flexibility - more than a 1-10 truck operation typically needs.
Can trucking software replace paper logs and spreadsheets?
Yes - ELD compliance replaces paper logs by regulation for most commercial fleets, and every platform on this page also handles invoicing and IFTA reporting that would otherwise live in spreadsheets.
What’s the easiest trucking software to set up?
TruckingOffice and Motive are generally the fastest to get running for a small operation.