Truck accounting software helps trucking companies have easier access to financial management. Tasks like payroll, tax compliance, expense and mileage tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting can all be automated. Trucking businesses’ fleet management tools, dispatch services, IFTA tax filing, and fuel cost and mileage tracking are all included in their accounting software.
The finest trucking accounting software can be either a stand-alone application designed specifically for trucking or a flexible accounting package that works in unison with other trucking solutions. Price, customer service, usability, and the availability of trucking-specific capabilities like carrier and driver management, as well as essential accounting functions like invoicing and bill management, were the main criteria we used to compare the best options.
Best 18 Trucking Accounting Software
1. Zoho Books
The reason Zoho Books received an A in the accounting area is that it is a comprehensive bookkeeping solution. Its free plan for trucking companies with yearly revenue of $50,000 or less helped it excel in price as well. We took away some points from it since, although it provided excellent customer service, the network of Zoho Advisors it has is smaller than that of QuickBooks Online.
It makes perfect sense that Zoho Books does not include any capabilities that are unique to trucking. Furthermore, unlike QuickBooks, which interfaces with trucking software like RLS, we were still looking for connections that could address this issue. Additionally, the dashboard’s disorganization and hidden functions made it challenging to browse. Hence, we docked some points for ease of use.
2. ProTransport
ProTransport modules include dispatching and maintenance management and cover all of the primary accounting requirements. With capabilities like two-way texting, maintenance reminder alarms, and live GPS monitoring, fleet management offerings are likewise extensive. ProTransport’s accounting tools are designed to keep things manageable. It is possible to compute taxes (including IFTA), input gasoline card data straight from any primary provider, and create invoices automatically.
Additionally, ProTransport interfaces with a number of additional programs. These consist of Motive for tracking service hours and Quickbooks for bookkeeping. A demo is necessary because ProTransport does not promote its prices or provide a free software trial. Email and phone support are offered to ProTransport clients.
3. DAT Broker TMS
We discovered that DAT Broker TMS’s carrier selection and load-matching functions work well for 3PLs and freight brokers. These tools enable users to find capacity on demand and cover loads effectively by utilizing DAT’s vast network, which contains data on over 1.3 million trucks.
When used in conjunction with DAT OnTime, DAT Broker TMS gives brokers and 3PLs visibility into the location and status of every load, enabling them to track shipments from a single interface. This capability supports transparent and automated load-tracking services. It also includes optional modules for CRM sales, the CarrierWatch interface, the freight matching interface, and more.
4. Rigbooks
Since Rigbooks is the least expensive specialist transportation software on our list, it excelled in the pricing area. It also received an A for tracking features and a flawless score for simplicity of use because of its straightforward, user-friendly layout.
On the other hand, we hope to see some advancements in accounting features. Similar to Tailwind TMS, Rigbooks lacks certain functionality, including balance sheets and bank reconciliation, because it isn’t a complete accounting system. In order to provide bookkeeping functions, we also hope that the provider will take into account integrating QuickBooks Online or another accounting program. Additionally, Rigbooks offers email and phone support, which is comparable to Tailwind TMS’s customer service.
5. EnvioHQ TMS
With a freemium plan tailored for a single truck, EnvioHQ TMS offers a comprehensive feature set without any additional costs. This approach is especially appropriate for small and startup logistics businesses that want to free up capital and optimize their operations, from tracking shipments to managing routes.
Because of the platform’s flexibility, businesses can change or cancel their plans at any time. Furthermore, the freemium service gives users access to valuable real-time data that helps businesses optimize their logistical processes, like cost tracking and distance reporting.
6. TruckLogics
By reducing the amount of human record entry and providing one-click financial reports, TruckLogics simplifies bookkeeping. It offers comprehensive business management features as well. This includes managing drivers and maintenance, tracking expenses, finding employment on load boards, and invoicing. The ability of TruckLogic to integrate with other technologies used by the transportation industry is among its most helpful aspects.
Motive, DAT, ProMiles, Quickbooks, ExpressTruckTax, and ExpressIFTA are a few of these. To save time, IFTA reports can be prepared automatically. The cost of each report is a one-time transaction. This allows you to choose between using the automated report feature to save time or manually filling out a report when you need to cut down on administrative expenses.
7. Tailwind
Tailwind TMS scored slightly above average in the other categories and received a perfect score in the trucking category. Although it isn’t a double-entry accounting program, we appreciate that it links with QuickBooks Online to provide more advanced accounting capabilities and that it has integrated bookkeeping elements like profit and loss (P&L) reporting and invoicing.
Tailwind TMS, on the other hand, struggled with dashboard customization, which cost them some points in the ease of use department. Additionally, it could have performed better in terms of customer care if it had provided live chat assistance and made expert bookkeepers with software knowledge easily accessible. In conclusion, Tailwind TMS’s cost is moderate in relation to the other software choices on our list.
8. Rose Rocket
Rose Rocket combines two key modules that are essential to any person involved in the trucking industry or managing a trucking company: a freight broker platform and a trucking management solution. Rose Rocket TMS offers features specific to the needs of carriers and freight brokers, making it advantageous for both parties.
Customers can use an easier-to-use order management module and an ideal transportation rate calculator to get the best deals. Rose Rocket makes extensive use of automation to help your team minimize errors and save time when doing tasks like manual data entry. In addition to partner and customer portals, IFTA management, real-time reporting, and a driver mobile app for updates while driving are also provided by the software. Rose Rocket additionally manages a calendar, sales commission tools, and combined invoicing.
9. FRESHBOOKS
Freshbooks is an excellent option for trucking companies because of its well-known ability to streamline invoicing and billing procedures. You can automate recurring bills and optimize your invoicing process to improve cash flow and save time. In addition, Freshbooks has time tracking and expenditure management features that let you keep tabs on costs associated with various projects and precisely track billable hours. The customer and project management features of the program make it even more user-friendly for trucking companies.
For small to medium-sized enterprises, FreshBooks for Business is a comprehensive business management solution. Any business can use the robust accounting, expenditure tracking, and invoicing services offered by FreshBooks. Larger companies usually choose the “Select” plan, which adds more features, while smaller organizations can choose from free or paid plans and feature sets.
10. Xero
Another user-friendly, reasonably priced accounting software alternative with features tailored to the trucking industry is Xero. It is an excellent choice for small trucking companies searching for more specialized accounting software because of these features, which include load tracking, fuel tracking, and trip tracking. Apart from these functionalities, Xero provides typical accounting functions, including financial reporting, payroll administration, and invoicing.
The cost of Xero is one of its main advantages. A variety of price options are available for the program, such as a basic plan for individuals and an advanced plan for small organizations. Additionally, small businesses can test out Xero’s software with a free trial before committing to a subscription.
11. Shoeboxed Magic Envelope
It’s not practical to keep paper receipts for fast food and gas receipts in your taxi when your profession requires you to travel, and it can be inconvenient to store them there when you have little additional room. For trucking owner-operators who are always on the go, Shoeboxed’s Magic Envelope is a unique receipt-scanning solution that comes in handy. Whether you drive for a living or run your own trucking business, managing missing invoices can be difficult when you’re always on the go.
Please put all of your receipts inside a pre-paid Magic Envelope that you keep in your vehicle, mail it off at the end of the month to have it scanned and put into your account, and avoid hours of tedious manual data entry. In order to keep track of the distance you’ve travelled on asphalt, Shoeboxed even provides a helpful mileage tracker. After they’ve been scanned, the receipts can be viewed in your Shoeboxed account through customizable categories, making it simple and quick to submit expenses without having to make your trucking expense spreadsheet.
12. TruckingOffice PRO
In addition to providing typical bookkeeping functions, TruckingOffice enables variable fee invoicing, including flat, per ton, per mile, and weight. Additionally, IFTA tax reports are automatically generated and give choices for selecting which trucks to include. Miles and gallons are broken down per state in each report. TruckingOffice handles maintenance tracking and dispatching on the management end. Its dispatch tools simplify the process of creating and allocating trips. Less than truckload hauls can also be captured with optional equipment. Calendars or miles can be used to develop maintenance schedules.
Due to its truck-centric design, TruckingOffice provides scale, toll, and maintenance expense reporting. Stats on miles travelled are also easily accessible. Premium routing software with mileage calculation and optimal routing capabilities is an optional upgrade. Additionally, TruckingOffice provides an optional electronic logging device (ELD) that can immediately sync with your mobile app. During setup, online and video instruction is offered, and phone, email, and online chat support are all available. A truck driver was involved in the design of the TruckingOffice trucking management system. The IFTA was the primary focus from the start, alongside the charging module. To provide you with greater peace of mind that the figures are accurate, we have improved the IFTA report. To give you an idea of what to expect, we update our databases with the tax rates for each jurisdiction as soon as possible. Our analysis can even be used to determine where you need to buy fuel in order to lower your IFTA costs.
13. Alvys
Due to its broad integration possibilities with top-tier applications, Alyvs is included on our list. These include load boards, visibility tools, Geotab, QuickBooks, TCS, Motive, RTS, RMIS, DAT, and Samsara. This guarantees seamless operations and the ease of completing tasks in one location without requiring numerous tabs or systems.
Alvys’s primary features include:
- A driver mobile app.
- Tools for efficiently finding truck capacity.
- Real-time load tracking and tracing with an integrated ELD.
The platform also provides load management, integrated analytics, and reporting for monitoring asset and driver performance, as well as one-click accounting for simple payment and invoice processing.
14. QuickBooks
In our assessment of accounting features, QuickBooks Online performed flawlessly. In this specialized category, it received an even higher score because the RLS connection covers the elements that aren’t specific to trucking. We deducted a few points for usability because some users could find the integrated functions to be rather complex to utilize. In addition, the combined cost of the two software packages caused us to subtract some points from pricing. These days, TruckingOffice may be integrated with QuickBooks Online and desktop versions. Now, trucking companies may also obtain capabilities unique to the trucking industry by using QuickBooks for invoicing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and expenditure monitoring.
Even with the extra assistance from the RLS integration, customer service remains QuickBooks Online’s most significant shortcoming. You can call an agent directly with QuickBooks Online Plus and lower versions, but you can’t do that with Tailwind TMS and Zoho Books, among other providers. Nonetheless, we like QuickBooks’ extensive network of QuickBooks ProAdvisors, which makes it simple to get assistance when needed. Drivers don’t have to worry about losing receipts or the associated tax deductions because they may enter expenses and take pictures of their receipts while driving, keeping their expenses current.
15. GREAT PLAINS
Great Plains offers extensive financial management features designed to meet the demands of larger transportation companies. You can effectively track and manage your inventory levels thanks to its extensive inventory and order management tools.
Making well-informed decisions is made possible by the software’s robust reporting and analytics features, which offer insightful information on the financial health of your business. Great Plains is a suitable option for companies that currently use Microsoft software because it connects effectively with other Microsoft products as well.
16. Axon
The trucking management system Axon uses manages all aspects of the business, including dispatching, tax reporting, and invoicing. The software is aimed at larger trucking companies that wish to reduce the number of employees in their offices. Axon prioritizes productivity and getting rid of redundant tasks. For instance, in order to automatically generate IFTA tax returns, their IFTA mileage tracker automatically logs both toll and non-toll distances.
Axon manages payroll by tracking expenses and doing compensation calculations tailored to the trucking industry. It also handles W-2 and 1099 papers for contractors and employees. Axon provides tailored solutions, even for the transportation sector. These comprise specialized equipment for oilfield trucks, freight brokers, and transporters. You may reach the highly regarded customer service team at Axon by phone or email.
17. Q7
It is to be anticipated from such specialist trucking software that Q7’s most vital point is its trucking-specific capabilities, according to our rubric analysis. Although it’s a complete double-entry bookkeeping program, its accounting functions are less vital than QuickBooks’. For example, Q7 does not allow you to create recurring invoices or modify the chart of accounts, unlike QuickBooks.
Payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and a general ledger for small enterprises are among the accounting services provided by Q7. However, this all-inclusive system covers more than just accounting for trucking-specific factors. It also manages all trucking logistics, including fleet management and dispatch. Along with sophisticated integrations like a fuel card interface and an electronic onboard recorder (EOBR) interface that measures driving time, it also includes mobile logistics.
18. TruckBytes
TruckBytes offers free pre-made spreadsheets as an alternative to software solutions for invoicing, trip reports, and IFTA filing. Truck owners who own only one vehicle and are sick of maintaining records manually but do not want to increase their monthly costs by adding accounting software are fond of these free bookkeeping spreadsheets. Regarding free software for managing your trucking accounting, no one can complain—whether they are truck drivers, owner-operators, or owners of trucking companies.
Invoice, mileage, and expense data must be manually entered into the spreadsheets by TruckBytes. Although it simplifies a lot of calculations, it needs more reporting and automatic entry features from other products.
In conclusion
Accounting software is essential for monitoring corporate revenue and outlays, particularly given the intricate economic structure of a trucking firm.
Even if every trucker accounting program on this list works well for integrating with a trucking company, it’s a good idea to think about your requirements and compare your possibilities before selecting one.
