Quick Overview
- 1#1: DAT One - Provides real-time LTL freight rates, load matching, and analytics for shippers and brokers.
- 2#2: Truckstop - Offers load board services with LTL rate insights, booking, and carrier management tools.
- 3#3: AscendTMS - Cloud-based TMS for freight brokers featuring LTL quoting, EDI, and dispatch automation.
- 4#4: Tai Software - Modern TMS platform optimized for LTL freight operations with rate shopping and workflow automation.
- 5#5: Rose Rocket - All-in-one TMS for LTL brokers including CRM, accounting, and carrier relationship management.
- 6#6: MercuryGate - Enterprise TMS with advanced LTL optimization, multi-carrier rating, and execution capabilities.
- 7#7: Oracle Transportation Management - Comprehensive enterprise solution for LTL planning, execution, and freight payment integration.
- 8#8: Descartes - Logistics management suite supporting LTL routing, visibility, and carrier connectivity.
- 9#9: Blue Yonder - AI-powered TMS for LTL supply chain planning, optimization, and execution.
- 10#10: SAP Transportation Management - Integrated ERP-based TMS handling LTL freight management and global logistics.
Tools were selected and ranked based on feature depth (including real-time analytics, automation, and integration capabilities), user experience, and overall value, ensuring alignment with diverse logistics needs from small brokers to enterprise operations.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right LTL freight software is critical for optimizing logistics operations, and our comparison table simplifies this process by featuring top tools like DAT One, Truckstop, AscendTMS, Tai Software, Rose Rocket, and more. It explores key features, capabilities, and operational benefits, helping readers identify the platform that aligns with their specific business needs for efficient, cost-effective freight management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAT One Provides real-time LTL freight rates, load matching, and analytics for shippers and brokers. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Truckstop Offers load board services with LTL rate insights, booking, and carrier management tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | AscendTMS Cloud-based TMS for freight brokers featuring LTL quoting, EDI, and dispatch automation. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Tai Software Modern TMS platform optimized for LTL freight operations with rate shopping and workflow automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Rose Rocket All-in-one TMS for LTL brokers including CRM, accounting, and carrier relationship management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | MercuryGate Enterprise TMS with advanced LTL optimization, multi-carrier rating, and execution capabilities. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Oracle Transportation Management Comprehensive enterprise solution for LTL planning, execution, and freight payment integration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Descartes Logistics management suite supporting LTL routing, visibility, and carrier connectivity. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Blue Yonder AI-powered TMS for LTL supply chain planning, optimization, and execution. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | SAP Transportation Management Integrated ERP-based TMS handling LTL freight management and global logistics. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
Provides real-time LTL freight rates, load matching, and analytics for shippers and brokers.
Offers load board services with LTL rate insights, booking, and carrier management tools.
Cloud-based TMS for freight brokers featuring LTL quoting, EDI, and dispatch automation.
Modern TMS platform optimized for LTL freight operations with rate shopping and workflow automation.
All-in-one TMS for LTL brokers including CRM, accounting, and carrier relationship management.
Enterprise TMS with advanced LTL optimization, multi-carrier rating, and execution capabilities.
Comprehensive enterprise solution for LTL planning, execution, and freight payment integration.
Logistics management suite supporting LTL routing, visibility, and carrier connectivity.
AI-powered TMS for LTL supply chain planning, optimization, and execution.
Integrated ERP-based TMS handling LTL freight management and global logistics.
DAT One
specializedProvides real-time LTL freight rates, load matching, and analytics for shippers and brokers.
Real-time LTL rate shopping and quoting from 50+ carriers in seconds via integrated RateView technology
DAT One is a premier freight marketplace platform specializing in LTL freight solutions, offering real-time load boards, rate shopping from over 50 major LTL carriers, and advanced market analytics for shippers, brokers, and carriers. It enables instant quoting, booking, and tendering of LTL shipments with tools like DAT RateView and LTL Solutions for streamlined operations. The platform processes millions of loads daily, providing unmatched visibility into capacity and pricing trends across North America.
Pros
- Largest LTL load board with real-time data from thousands of sources
- Instant LTL quoting and rate comparisons from 50+ carriers
- Powerful analytics and benchmarking tools for freight spend optimization
Cons
- Higher subscription tiers required for full LTL advanced features
- Initial learning curve for maximizing all tools and integrations
- Primarily focused on North American market with limited global coverage
Best For
LTL shippers, brokers, and 3PLs needing comprehensive rate intelligence, load matching, and market insights to optimize freight operations.
Pricing
Tiered subscriptions starting at $99/month for basic access, up to $499+/month for premium LTL quoting and analytics features.
Truckstop
specializedOffers load board services with LTL rate insights, booking, and carrier management tools.
Rate Insights providing LTL lane-specific market rates and historical data for informed negotiations
Truckstop.com is a leading freight marketplace platform that excels in connecting brokers, shippers, and carriers for LTL freight through its expansive load board and real-time matching tools. It provides market rate intelligence, carrier vetting, and negotiation features tailored to LTL shipments, enabling efficient load posting, searching, and booking. While versatile across freight types, its LTL capabilities shine in brokerage workflows, supported by integrations and mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Massive LTL load board with real-time postings and high volume
- Robust rate insights and benchmarking for competitive LTL pricing
- Carrier compliance tools and QuickPay for streamlined operations
Cons
- Limited advanced LTL-specific tools like manifesting or pallet optimization
- Interface can feel overwhelming for LTL-only users
- Higher costs for premium features may deter small operators
Best For
Freight brokers and 3PLs handling mixed LTL and truckload volumes who need a powerful marketplace for load sourcing and rate intelligence.
Pricing
Subscription-based plans start at $69/month for basic carrier access, $199+/month for broker tools, with custom enterprise pricing for advanced LTL features.
AscendTMS
specializedCloud-based TMS for freight brokers featuring LTL quoting, EDI, and dispatch automation.
Real-time LTL rating engine comparing rates from 50+ carriers instantly
AscendTMS is a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) tailored for LTL freight, enabling shippers and brokers to handle quoting, booking, tracking, and invoicing seamlessly. It integrates with over 50 major LTL carriers for real-time rates and EDI compliance, reducing manual processes. The platform also offers analytics dashboards and automated accounting to optimize freight operations efficiently.
Pros
- Extensive carrier integrations for accurate real-time LTL rating
- User-friendly interface with quick onboarding
- Cost-effective flat-rate pricing model
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics for enterprise-scale operations
- No native mobile app for on-the-go access
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to mid-sized LTL shippers and freight brokers seeking an intuitive, affordable TMS without complex setup.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at $199/month for basic features, scaling to $999+/month for enterprise with unlimited users and advanced tools.
Tai Software
enterpriseModern TMS platform optimized for LTL freight operations with rate shopping and workflow automation.
Proprietary tariff engine that accurately interprets and applies complex LTL carrier rules in milliseconds for precise rate shopping.
Tai Software's Tai Navigator is a cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) tailored for LTL freight operations, offering real-time quoting and rate shopping across over 20 major carriers. It streamlines shipment lifecycle management, from tendering and tracking to billing and analytics, with strong EDI integrations for seamless carrier communication. The platform emphasizes accuracy in handling complex LTL tariffs and provides actionable insights to optimize costs and efficiency.
Pros
- Highly accurate real-time LTL quoting engine with broad carrier support
- Intuitive interface and mobile accessibility for quick decision-making
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for cost optimization
Cons
- Limited support for non-LTL freight modes like FTL or parcel
- Pricing is quote-based and can be premium for smaller shippers
- Initial setup and carrier onboarding may require IT involvement
Best For
Mid-sized LTL shippers and 3PLs focused on high-volume quoting, rate management, and operational efficiency.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with shipment volume and advanced features.
Rose Rocket
specializedAll-in-one TMS for LTL brokers including CRM, accounting, and carrier relationship management.
Automated LTL rate shopping and carrier procurement engine that pulls real-time rates from multiple carriers via EDI
Rose Rocket is a cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) designed primarily for freight brokers, 3PLs, and carriers, with robust support for LTL freight operations including rate shopping, EDI integrations with major LTL carriers, and automated shipment tendering. It provides end-to-end visibility from quoting and booking to tracking, invoicing, and accounting, all within a unified platform. The software emphasizes operational efficiency and scalability for small to mid-sized operations handling LTL shipments alongside other freight types.
Pros
- Comprehensive LTL tools like automated rate shopping and carrier EDI integrations
- Integrated CRM, accounting, and reporting for streamlined operations
- Mobile app for real-time dispatch and tracking
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized freight brokers and 3PLs focused on LTL shipments seeking an all-in-one TMS without heavy customization needs.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at approximately $500/month for basic plans, scaling with users and features (typically $99-$199/user/month).
MercuryGate
enterpriseEnterprise TMS with advanced LTL optimization, multi-carrier rating, and execution capabilities.
Dynamic LTL rate shopping and carrier bidding engine that automates negotiations for optimal pricing
MercuryGate is a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) that provides end-to-end visibility and optimization for LTL freight operations, including automated rating, carrier selection, and EDI integrations. It supports multi-modal shipping with a focus on cost reduction through dynamic planning and real-time tracking. The platform offers robust analytics dashboards to monitor LTL performance metrics like on-time delivery and spend analysis.
Pros
- Comprehensive LTL rating engine with access to multiple carriers
- Real-time visibility and mobile app for shipment tracking
- Strong analytics and reporting for cost optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller operations
- Implementation time can be lengthy for complex setups
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with high-volume LTL freight needs seeking advanced optimization and multi-modal TMS capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically subscription-based starting at $10,000+ annually depending on volume and modules.
Oracle Transportation Management
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise solution for LTL planning, execution, and freight payment integration.
AI-powered LTL optimization engine for dynamic load consolidation, carrier selection, and predictive cost modeling across global networks
Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) is an enterprise-grade cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) that supports LTL freight operations through advanced planning, optimization, rate management, and execution capabilities. It enables LTL shippers to perform rate shopping across carriers, consolidate loads for efficiency, and automate tendering and freight payment processes. OTM stands out for its scalability in handling high-volume, complex LTL shipments within multimodal networks, integrating deeply with Oracle's ERP ecosystem for holistic supply chain visibility.
Pros
- Comprehensive LTL rate shopping and carrier optimization with real-time benchmarking
- Scalable architecture for high-volume LTL operations and multimodal integration
- Robust analytics and AI-driven planning for load consolidation and cost savings
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex configuration requiring extensive training
- High implementation time and costs, often 6-12 months for full deployment
- Premium pricing that may not suit smaller LTL shippers
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, high-volume LTL freight needs integrated into broader Oracle supply chain systems.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $500K+ annually for enterprise deployments, based on modules, users, and volume.
Descartes
enterpriseLogistics management suite supporting LTL routing, visibility, and carrier connectivity.
AI-powered LTL rate shopping engine with access to thousands of real-time carrier rates
Descartes provides a robust suite of LTL freight software solutions, including rate shopping, quoting, and shipment management tools tailored for shippers and 3PLs. It leverages a vast carrier network for accurate pricing, real-time visibility through MacroPoint, and seamless integrations with TMS and ERP systems. The platform optimizes LTL operations by automating compliance, tendering, and tracking to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Pros
- Extensive network of 700+ LTL carriers for precise rate comparisons
- Real-time visibility and analytics via MacroPoint
- Strong EDI and API integrations for enterprise workflows
Cons
- Complex interface with a steep learning curve for new users
- Custom pricing can be opaque and expensive for SMBs
- Limited self-service options; heavy reliance on implementation support
Best For
Mid-to-large shippers and 3PLs handling high-volume LTL freight with needs for advanced rate optimization and global visibility.
Pricing
Quote-based; modular SaaS pricing typically starts at $5,000+/month based on volume, users, and features.
Blue Yonder
enterpriseAI-powered TMS for LTL supply chain planning, optimization, and execution.
AI-powered predictive rate engine for real-time LTL optimization and cost savings
Blue Yonder provides an enterprise-grade Transportation Management System (TMS) with robust LTL freight capabilities, enabling rate shopping, carrier optimization, and shipment execution. It leverages AI and machine learning for predictive analytics, dynamic pricing, and performance management to streamline LTL operations. Ideal for complex supply chains, it integrates seamlessly with ERPs and carriers for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven rate shopping and carrier selection
- Comprehensive analytics and performance dashboards
- Scalable integrations with major carriers and ERPs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High implementation costs and time
- Less intuitive UI compared to simpler LTL tools
Best For
Large enterprises with high-volume, complex LTL shipping needs requiring deep analytics and optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $100,000+ annually based on modules, users, and scale.
SAP Transportation Management
enterpriseIntegrated ERP-based TMS handling LTL freight management and global logistics.
AI-powered freight optimization engine that dynamically consolidates LTL shipments for cost efficiency and service levels
SAP Transportation Management (TM) is a robust enterprise-grade transportation management system designed to optimize planning, execution, and settlement of shipments across all modes, including LTL freight. It excels in freight unit management, carrier tendering, rate shopping, and load optimization tailored for LTL scenarios with dynamic consolidation and splitting capabilities. Integrated with SAP's ecosystem, it provides end-to-end visibility and analytics for complex supply chains.
Pros
- Seamless integration with SAP ERP and S/4HANA for unified supply chain management
- Advanced optimization algorithms for LTL load building, carrier selection, and rate management
- Comprehensive real-time tracking, analytics, and compliance reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex configuration requiring specialized expertise
- High implementation costs and long deployment timelines
- Less intuitive interface compared to specialized LTL tools
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, high-volume LTL operations needing deep integration into existing SAP environments.
Pricing
Enterprise-level pricing, typically $100,000+ annually based on modules, users, and deployment scale; often bundled in SAP SCM suites.
Conclusion
The reviewed LTL freight software tools offer robust solutions across efficiency, analytics, and integration, with DAT One standing out as the top choice for its real-time rates and load matching. Truckstop and AscendTMS provide exceptional alternatives—Truckstop for load board services and carrier management, and AscendTMS for cloud-based automation and EDI capabilities. This list caters to diverse needs, ensuring every user finds a match that aligns with their operational focus.
Don’t miss out—start with DAT One to leverage its advanced tools and enhance your LTL logistics efficiency, whether you’re a shipper, broker, or looking to optimize carrier relationships.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison