TL;DR: The best trucking dispatch software depends on fleet size and what’s actually broken. Small fleets need simple tools. Mid-market carriers need an integrated TMS with AI-powered dispatch. Enterprise operations need scalability without the 12-month implementations. This breakdown covers eight platforms so you can find the right fit without wading through sales pitches.
Your dispatcher just spent 30 minutes finding a driver for a load that should’ve taken 30 seconds. Driver A was closest but out of hours. Driver B had the hours but the wrong equipment. Driver C would’ve been perfect, but nobody knew he was available because the ELD data lives in a different system.
That’s the problem dispatch software is supposed to solve. But “dispatch software” means different things to different vendors. Some just track loads. Others connect dispatch to accounting, driver pay, and AI optimization, so everything flows without re-keying.
Here’s how eight platforms compare.
1. PCS Software: Best All-in-One TMS for Mid-Market and Enterprise Carriers
PCS Software puts dispatch, accounting, fleet management, and settlement in one system. No bolting together modules from different vendors. No copying data between windows.
The standout feature is Cortex AI, which analyzes 36+ data points (location, hours, equipment, driver preferences) and recommends the optimal driver for each load. One click to assign. Cortex also includes Backhaul Booster, which finds profitable return loads and reaches out to shippers automatically via email or AI voice.
Royal Logistics, runs 100 trucks and 240 trailers. Before PCS, finding backhauls could eat three hours a day. Now Cortex runs in the background, surfacing recommendations without the back-and-forth. “PCS is one of those softwares where everything is easier than you expect,” says Director of Operations Kaleb Groce, “because you’re used to taking ten steps for one task.”
RDX LLC calls PCS “the best decision we ever made” and saves $100,000 annually by not needing a dedicated IT staff.
Why choose PCS Software:
- Dispatch, accounting, and fleet management share one database
- Cortex AI recommends optimal driver matches from 36+ data points
- Backhaul Booster automatically finds and secures return loads
- Scales from 25 trucks to 1,000+ without switching platforms
- Built by truckers since 1996
- 70+ integrations with ELDs, fuel cards, and load boards
Best for: Carriers running 25 to 1,000+ trucks who want dispatch and accounting integrated. Also serves enterprise operations needing multi-terminal support.
2. McLeod Software: Best for Large Enterprise Carriers With Complex Operations
McLeod LoadMaster dominates the enterprise space. Deep functionality for dispatch, operations, safety, maintenance, and analytics. Modular design means you pay for what you need, but costs add up.
McLeod handles sophisticated multi-stop routing and complex driver pay structures. Implementations typically run 6 to 12 months and require dedicated IT resources.
Why choose McLeod:
- Deep functionality for complex multi-terminal operations
- Advanced route optimization for high-volume carriers
- Comprehensive driver settlement and payroll
- Extensive reporting and analytics
Best for: Carriers with 500+ trucks and dedicated IT teams. If you’re under 300 trucks, you’re likely paying for complexity you won’t use.
3. Samsara: Best for Safety-Focused Fleets Needing Telematics
Samsara leads with telematics and safety. AI dash cams with 99% collision detection, real-time GPS, driver coaching, and safety scoring. Dispatch features exist, but aren’t the core strength.
For full dispatch and accounting workflows, Samsara typically pairs with a TMS. Where it shines: reducing accidents and insurance costs through driver behavior monitoring.
Why choose Samsara:
- Industry-leading AI dash cams and collision detection
- Real-time GPS and ELD built in
- Driver safety scoring and coaching
- Strong telematics data and reporting
Best for: Fleets where safety is the top priority. Plan to run a separate TMS for dispatch and accounting.
4. Rose Rocket: Best for Mid-Market Carriers Wanting a Modern Interface
Rose Rocket appeals to carriers tired of clunky legacy interfaces. Cloud-native, clean design, and faster implementation than enterprise systems. Handles both carrier and brokerage operations.
Founded in 2015, Rose Rocket is newer than established players. But that focus on user experience has earned them a following among mid-market fleets who want modern software without enterprise complexity.
Why choose Rose Rocket:
- Modern interface that dispatchers learn quickly
- Handles carrier and broker operations together
- Customer portal for shipper visibility
- API-first architecture for integrations
- Fast implementation compared to legacy systems
Best for: Carriers and brokers valuing modern UX and fast deployment. Compare carefully if strong accounting integration is a requirement.
5. Axon Software: Best for Accounting-Driven Operations
Axon Software approaches trucking from the accounting side. Full general ledger, comprehensive settlement, IFTA reporting, and equipment profitability tracking. If the CFO is driving the software decision, Axon speaks their language.
Dispatch capabilities exist but aren’t as full-featured as dispatch-first platforms. The real strength is financial management built specifically for trucking.
Why choose Axon:
- ERP-level trucking accounting
- Strong settlement and driver pay functionality
- Automated IFTA reporting
- Equipment profitability tracking at the asset level
- Particularly strong for Canadian carriers
Best for: Carriers where accounting accuracy and financial visibility are the top priorities. Interface feels less modern than newer competitors.
6. TMW Suite (Trimble): Best for Maximum Customization at Enterprise Scale
TMW Suite competes directly with McLeod for enterprise carriers. 30+ functional modules, deep customization options, and flexible deployment (on-premise or cloud).
Like McLeod, TMW implementations are significant investments. Expect 6 to 12 months and professional services for proper configuration.
Why choose TMW Suite:
- 30+ modules covering every operational area
- Advanced optimization and network planning tools
- On-premise or cloud deployment options
- Handles complex multi-modal operations
Best for: Large carriers (500+ trucks) with dedicated IT teams and specialized requirements. Overkill for mid-market fleets.
7. Toro TMS: Best for Mid-Size Carriers Who Don’t Need Enterprise Complexity
Toro TMS positions itself against enterprise complexity. If McLeod feels like overkill, Toro targets carriers in growth mode who need more than basic tools but aren’t ready for six-figure implementations.
Cloud-based, focused on dispatch and load management, with faster implementation than legacy platforms.
Why choose Toro:
- Simpler alternative to enterprise TMS platforms
- Cloud-based with faster deployment
- Customer portal for shipper visibility
- Designed for carriers outgrowing basic tools
Best for: Carriers in the 50 to 300 truck range frustrated with enterprise complexity or outgrowing spreadsheets.
8. Truckbase: Best for Small Fleets Wanting Simple Dispatch
Truckbase targets smaller fleets needing more than spreadsheets but not ready for a full TMS. Mobile-first design, clean interface, focused on core dispatch.
Document capture from driver phones, simple load tracking, basic customer visibility. If integrated accounting or complex settlement is needed, Truckbase won’t cover it.
Why choose Truckbase:
- Modern, mobile-friendly dispatch interface
- Quick setup in days, not weeks
- Driver app with document capture
- Affordable per-truck pricing
Best for: Fleets under 50 trucks wanting simple dispatch software. Plan to outgrow it when scaling past that size.
Trucking Dispatch Software Comparison: Features by Fleet Size
| Platform | Best For | Fleet Size | AI Dispatch | Built-in Accounting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCS Software | All-in-one TMS | 25 to 1,000+ | Yes (Cortex) | Yes |
| McLeod | Enterprise complexity | 500+ | Limited | Yes |
| Samsara | Safety and telematics | Any | No | No |
| Rose Rocket | Modern UX | 25 to 300 | Limited | Basic |
| Axon | Accounting-first | 25 to 500 | No | Yes (strong) |
| TMW Suite | Maximum customization | 500+ | Limited | Yes |
| Toro TMS | Growing carriers | 50 to 300 | No | Basic |
| Truckbase | Small fleet simplicity | Under 50 | No | No |
How to Choose the Right Dispatch Software
- What’s the biggest bottleneck? If it’s driver matching, prioritize AI-powered dispatch. If it’s billing delays, look for integrated accounting. If it’s empty miles, find automated backhaul tools.
- How many trucks are you running? Under 50, Truckbase handles basics affordably. Between 25 and 500, PCS delivers all-in-one without enterprise complexity. Over 500 with dedicated IT, McLeod and TMW offer maximum customization.
- Does the back office need fixing? If accounting drives the decision, Axon speaks CFO. If dispatch is the pain point, Rose Rocket’s modern interface gets teams up fast.
- Is safety the top priority? Samsara leads with dash cams and telematics. Plan to pair it with a TMS for dispatch and invoicing.
- How much implementation can you absorb? Enterprise platforms like McLeod and TMW run 6-12 months. PCS and Rose Rocket deploy faster without dedicated IT resources.
- Small fleet, tight budget: Truckbase covers the basics without enterprise pricing. Expect to outgrow it past 50 trucks.
Which Dispatch Platform Fits Your Fleet
The best trucking dispatch software solves problems for a specific operation without creating new ones. A 40-truck regional carrier needs different capabilities than a 400-truck national operation.
For carriers in the 25 to 500 truck range, PCS delivers what most fleets actually need: dispatch, accounting, fleet management, and AI-powered optimization in one platform. No piecing together modules. No year-long implementations.
Still watching dispatchers spend 30 minutes on assignments that should take 30 seconds? Still missing backhauls because the right person didn’t see them in time?
PCS puts AI-powered dispatch, accounting, and fleet management in one platform, built by truckers who’ve been at it since 1996.
Schedule a demo and see what Cortex can do for your operation.
