Top 5 SaaS Tools To Know When You Run A Trucking Business

Technology has made a positive, significant impact across every sector in the world. It has simplified and improved a lot of industrial processes by helping to execute them accurately. Technology has also enabled businesses to generate leads and get new clients. 

The trucking industry, though late to the party, has not been left out of technological advancements. Trucking companies have been moving from hectic, manual data management to software-based solutions. One of the ways technology has and is helping the trucking business is via SaaS. 

Software as a service (SaaS) is a cloud-based software distribution model in which a service provider creates and hosts applications and makes them available to end users through the internet. SaaS tools are useful in daily activities. Some popular SaaS applications include Google apps, Skype, Spotify, and Dropbox, to mention a few. SaaS tools are created to make business activities easier. 

This article explains why SaaS tools are important in the trucking business and some top SaaS tools that will help you run your trucking business. 

Why SaaS Tools Are Important To A Trucking Business 

The traditional on-premise method of trucking business management is tedious and expensive and often requires a long-term commitment to using it. It is impossible to access this traditional method from anywhere at any time because it requires installation on every device.

This method usually has a lot of unnecessary features while business owners needed to wait till the next upgrade to get new features. Finally, it also required hardware upgrades and maintenance. 

All of these pointed to the need for a better solution to trucking business problems. SaaS tools provide numerous advantages and ease to trucking companies in the following ways. 

Lower Implementation Costs

Software as a service (SaaS) differs from the traditional on-premise model because the software (application) is already installed and configured. You can simply provide the server for example, in the cloud, and in no time,  the application becomes ready for use. This reduces the amount of time wasted on installation and configuration and can reduce the issues that get in the way of the software deployment.

Flexibility And Scalability 

SaaS software usually provides many subscription options and flexibility to change subscriptions as and when needed, e.g. when your business size booms, or more users need to access the service. 

Unlike the traditional model, you don’t need to purchase another server or software for integrations. Once installed, the app can request and share data seamlessly with the other app or an on-site system.

Improved Workflow 

SaaS software automates most of the business side of things allowing truckers more time to focus on moving goods. This saves the truckers and the customers valuable time. It also frees employees from performing routine tasks associated with paperwork. 

Shipment Tracking 

Truckers move goods from one point to another. Hence, shipment tracking is a core part of the trucking business. SaaS tools offer seamless shipment tracking features where businesses can effectively manage their orders while preventing and detecting problems before they occur. 

After successfully installing the software, business owners can easily track and inform customers about the status of their packages. They can also allow customers to track the movement of their packages from wherever they are. 

Easy Data Handling 

The trucking business previously underwent the hectic process of manually creating, collecting, and processing important documents via traditional means. SaaS tools, however, make data and document handling extremely easy. 

Some tools automatically organize any data input leaving zero chances for human error. With SaaS tools, your trucking business can streamline the process from start to finish. These tools help with invoice management, handling guarantee letters, reporting transportation details, and any other vital information.

Improved Data Analytics 

Some SaaS tools come with inbuilt data analytics features. Tho means that they can analyze every data input and present the results in simpler terms. Trucking business owners can then use these analyses to find the faults and ultimately improve their businesses. 

Better Customer Service 

SaaS tools allow your trucking business to up its customer service game with features like live chats, chatbots, etc. When customers run into trouble or have questions, your customized SaaS tool will be there to provide answers and help them find and navigate whatever issues they have. There are also features on the software that monitors the customer’s activities so your support team can serve them better. 

Top 5 SaaS Tools For Trucking Businesses 

Trucking SaaS tools are built to help trucking companies electronically store records and manage daily operations. These tools enable better organization and reduce inefficiencies and errors.

Trucking software often provides features that handle routing, dispatch records, driver pay records, invoices, IFTA reports, truck maintenance records, mileage reports, and expense reports. They may also have accounting, insurance, asset tracking, and recruiting features. 

Below are the top 5 SaaS tools to know when you run a trucking business.  

CoverWallet 

CoverWallet is an easy-to-use cloud-based SaaS tool to help small businesses understand and purchase customized coverage, get significant savings, and easily manage their insurance quickly through its online platform. The platform sells truck insurance for businesses through agency partners and keeps policy information in one cloud-based location. The software is ideal for trucking business owners, who need a fast way to compare the best business insurance options for their companies. 

In no time, you can get a free quote and buy your insurance, even from your mobile devices. CoverWallet uses a transparent, smart, and easy online application to get you protected fast and hassle-free. Once you are a certified client of CoverWallet, you get a My CoverWallet account that stores all of your policies in one place. 

You can access information, view policies, file claims, and make payments all from the My CoverWallet interface. Businesses of every size can benefit from CoverWallet’s ability to assist with their insurance and compliance needs. 

Truckstop

Truckstop is software that makes it easy to find and post loads with one simple-to-use solution, the Truckstop.com Load Board. Your trucking business can access vetted users and unrestricted truck/lane searches by using this load board. 

Additionally, the software provides decision-making capabilities that help you negotiate better prices. It measures negotiating strength using truck-to-load ratio and activity by source and final destination. 

The platform also has a “Book It Now” option for immediate reservations with clients you know and trust. Truckers who use the Truckstop’s load board don’t get charged for the service. Real-time load updates and other features like accurate rate data broken down by equipment type, rate trends, and rate levels for even more negotiating power are available on the load board. 

With its array of simple-to-use business solutions, including back-office management, bookkeeping, and more, Truckstop helps you streamline every aspect of your operation while saving you time and money.

Fleetmatics

FleetMatics is a SaaS-based GPS tracking software that allows small and medium-sized businesses to track real-time data on vehicle activity. It is a global fleet management solutions provider. Fleetmatics’ fleet management solutions are web-based applications. They manage and deliver data on vehicle location, fuel usage, speed, mileage, and other workforce and logistics information to fleet managers and operators.

The software addresses issues with fleet management allowing trucking companies to focus on their business and enjoy a positive increase in ROI via increased revenue, reduced costs, and growth of bottom line profits. 

With Fleetmatics, every driver carries a unique key fob. This implies ease when moving from vehicle to vehicle without complications in driver and vehicle management reporting. Each vehicle has a key reader and a GPS unit. 

The software also provides real-time notifications for diagnostics, maintenance, and more monitoring engines. In addition, it gives detailed truck information without having to physically check each truck.

TruckRouter

TruckRouter is a free, SaaS online routing & mileage software that assists trucking managers in planning their route based on various factors. These factors include vehicle dimensions and axles, toll costs, truck-specific routes, and en-route truck stops. 

TruckRouter will help you avoid low-clearance and size-restricted maneuvers under Federal 

and State limits.  TruckRouter is not suitable for oversize loads routing. Other features include:

• Reports
• Truck-specific routes
• State mileage – Excel Export
• Weight, height, width, and length restrictions
• Truck warnings and truck stops
• HazMat compliant
• IFTA reports information
• Low clearances

Quickbooks

QuickBooks is the most popular accounting software businesses use to manage income and expenses and keep track of the financial records of their business. You can use it for invoicing customers, paying bills, generating reports, and preparing taxes. Other features include:

• Automated payment reminders
• Customized payment receipts 
• Create customer groups
• Advanced bank feeds
• Track invoice history
• Alternate vendor reports
• Mobile apps
• Multi-currency support 

Conclusion 

As a trucking business owner, you want the best for your business. SaaS tools provide ease and simplicity while helping you to boost your ROI. Every trucking business should tap into the luxury of ease SaaS tools provide.

This article describes some top SaaS tools you should know when you run a trucking business.

Author Bio:
Lydia Iseh is a writer with years of experience in writing SEO content that provides value to the reader. As someone who believes in the power of SEO to transform businesses, she enjoys being part of the process that helps websites rank high on search engines.