Azuga
#1Simple, affordable GPS fleet tracking with driver rewards and safety features.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, geofencing, trip history, basic reportingCloudFree trial
Route Optimization for Trucking Companies — HOS-Aware Routing, IFTA Mileage, and Weight-Restricted Paths
Compare route optimization software for trucking companies. HOS-compliant routing, weight and height restrictions, IFTA jurisdiction miles, and fuel stop planning for carriers of all sizes.
Trucking route optimization is not last-mile delivery software running on bigger vehicles. It is a compliance tool as much as an efficiency tool — HOS clocks constrain route length, 80,000 lb weight limits dictate which roads are legal, and IFTA requires exact miles per jurisdiction. Platforms that do not account for these constraints generate routes your drivers legally cannot follow.
Last reviewed Mar 19, 2026
How to evaluate route optimization for trucking companies
HOS integration is the constraint that separates trucking-grade route optimization from generic multi-stop planners. A route that looks efficient on a map may require 11 hours of driving plus 4 hours of stop service time — a direct HOS violation for a driver who started their shift 4 hours ago. Purpose-built trucking route optimizers pull live HOS status from your ELD and plan routes that respect each driver's available hours before dispatch. Motive, Samsara, and Omnitracs all offer HOS-aware route planning within their platforms. Third-party tools that do not connect to your ELD are routing blind to your most important constraint.
Weight restrictions and hazmat routing require a road network database, not just turn-by-turn GPS. Standard routing engines use the same road data as passenger cars. Trucking route optimization must reference bridge weight limits, low-clearance underpasses, state permit requirements for over-dimensional loads, and hazmat-restricted tunnels and bridges. PC*Miler has been the trucking industry standard for legally compliant commercial routing for 30+ years and integrates with most TMS platforms. Rand McNally IntelliRoute and ProMiles are alternatives. Ask any route optimization vendor which commercial routing engine their platform uses — if the answer is Google Maps, stop the evaluation.
IFTA mileage optimization is a meaningful cost lever on long-haul routes. Fuel tax rates vary significantly by state — California's diesel tax is $0.58/gallon versus Wyoming's $0.23/gallon. For carriers choosing between two comparable interstate routes, a routing engine that calculates total IFTA fuel tax liability per route — not just total distance — can identify the lower-tax path. At 10,000 miles/month per truck and 6 MPG, the difference between a high-tax and low-tax routing choice can exceed $500/truck/month on certain corridors. Very few route optimizers include IFTA tax modeling; it is a differentiator worth asking about.
Long-haul vs. regional routing have fundamentally different optimization problems. Long-haul carriers (500+ mile runs) need multi-day trip planning with compliant 10-hour rest stops, fuel stop sequencing, and truck stop availability data. Regional carriers (under 300 miles, same-day return) need multi-stop sequencing with time windows and depot returns — closer to delivery optimization. TMS platforms like McLeod, TMW, and Mercury Gate handle long-haul trip planning. Dedicated route optimizers like OptimoRoute and Circuit handle regional multi-stop work better. Avoid using a long-haul TMS for regional stop sequencing or a delivery optimizer for interstate trip planning — neither does the other job well.
Fuel stop optimization is underutilized by most trucking operations. At $4-5/gallon diesel, fuel is 25-35% of total operating cost for long-haul carriers. Routing engines that integrate fuel price data from GasBuddy or DOE datasets can sequence fuel stops at the cheapest available stations on route. Combined with a fuel card program, planned fuel stop routing reduces both fuel cost and driver time searching for truck stop capacity. Ask vendors whether their routing engine includes live fuel price data or integrates with fleet fuel cards.
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Pricing guidance
Trucking-specific route optimization ranges from $50-150/month for regional multi-stop tools (OptimoRoute, Route4Me) to $300-800/month for full TMS route planning modules (McLeod, TMW, Mercury Gate). PC*Miler routing data licenses for compliance-grade commercial routing cost $500-2,000/year for software integrations. HOS-integrated route planning is included in Motive and Samsara fleet subscriptions at no extra cost for existing customers. For a 25-truck regional carrier, a standalone route optimizer adds $50-200/month to your existing fleet platform cost.
How each platform serves trucking fleets
Here's how each leading platform performs specifically for trucking fleet operations.
Route4Me
Route4Me handles multi-stop trucking routes with commercial vehicle constraint support, including weight limits, height restrictions, and hazmat routing rules. For regional LTL carriers managing dock appointment windows across multiple stops, Route4Me's time-window enforcement and load sequencing tools keep delivery order aligned with dock schedules. The platform supports up to 500 stops per optimization and integrates with PC*Miler for legally compliant commercial routing — essential when routing Class 8 trucks through urban corridors with low bridge clearances. Pricing runs $40-80/driver/month. Best fit for regional carriers with 5-50 trucks running fixed multi-stop delivery circuits.
OptimoRoute
OptimoRoute is a strong choice for regional trucking carriers running multi-stop delivery routes under 300 miles. Its time-window optimization and vehicle capacity constraints handle LTL stop sequencing with dock appointment compliance. The platform supports multi-day route planning — valuable for carriers whose drivers cross multiple states on two- or three-day runs. HOS-aware scheduling is available when integrated with ELD data. At $39-69/driver/month, OptimoRoute is notably more affordable than TMS-bundled routing modules. Best suited to regional carriers with 10-50 drivers who need dedicated stop-sequencing optimization without a full TMS.
Onfleet
Onfleet is built for high-frequency delivery operations with strong API access and real-time driver tracking — capabilities that transfer to regional trucking when load counts are high and customer ETA communication matters. For trucking carriers making scheduled deliveries to commercial accounts that expect narrow arrival windows and delivery confirmation, Onfleet's proof-of-delivery and customer notification layer adds service differentiation. The platform lacks native HOS integration, so dispatchers must manually verify driver hour availability before route assignment. Pricing starts around $550/month for small teams. Best for trucking carriers with a strong delivery-service component and customer-facing tracking requirements.
WorkWave Route Manager
WorkWave Route Manager supports commercial vehicle routing with weight and volume capacity constraints and integrates with WorkWave's broader fleet management ecosystem. For trucking carriers already using WorkWave for field service or delivery management, adding the route optimization module avoids a separate software contract. The platform handles multi-depot routing for carriers operating from more than one terminal. Time-window compliance is solid. HOS integration requires a third-party ELD connection. Pricing is negotiated based on fleet size; expect $50-100/driver/month for trucking use cases. Best for mid-size carriers with 15-75 trucks already inside the WorkWave platform family.
Routific
Routific excels at clean, fast route optimization for fleets making multiple scheduled stops per day — a fit for regional trucking carriers running dense urban delivery circuits. Its algorithm prioritizes time-window compliance and route balance across drivers. However, Routific was built for light commercial delivery and lacks native Class 8 trucking features: no HOS clock integration, no commercial road restriction database, and no multi-day trip planning. For short-haul regional carriers with standard-size trucks making 10-30 commercial deliveries per driver per day within a metro area, Routific at $49-93/driver/month delivers fast, accurate sequencing.
Circuit
Circuit is the most accessible entry point for small trucking operations running simple multi-stop delivery routes. At $25-35/driver/month, it offers basic route sequencing with time windows and a driver mobile app. What it does not cover is what separates trucking from light delivery: no commercial vehicle road restrictions, no HOS integration, and no IFTA jurisdiction mileage tracking. For owner-operators running local distribution routes in standard box trucks — not Class 8 — Circuit provides solid optimization at the lowest price point in this segment. Carriers with regulatory compliance requirements or multi-day routing needs should evaluate Motive or Samsara instead.
Samsara
Samsara is the most complete platform for trucking operations that need route optimization embedded inside a full fleet management stack. HOS-aware routing pulls live hours-of-service data from each driver's ELD and plans only legally compliant routes before dispatch. The AI dashcam and driver behavior scoring add insurance qualification documentation and accident liability protection that standalone route optimizers cannot provide. Fuel stop optimization is included. At $25-45/vehicle/month plus hardware, Samsara is a premium commitment — but for carriers with 25+ trucks, the route planning, ELD, GPS, and compliance functionality in one platform eliminates the fragmentation cost of separate tools.
Motive
Motive combines ELD compliance, HOS tracking, and route optimization in one platform — a practical advantage for trucking carriers that need legally compliant routing without integrating separate tools. Route planning respects each driver's actual HOS availability pulled in real time from the ELD, eliminating the manual compliance check dispatchers otherwise perform before every route assignment. IFTA mileage tracking is automated. At $20-35/vehicle/month, Motive is priced below Samsara while covering the core compliance and routing needs of regional carriers. Best fit for trucking companies with 10-100 trucks that prioritize HOS-compliant routing over advanced stop-sequencing analytics.
Verizon Connect
Verizon Connect provides GPS-integrated route planning for trucking fleets with a strong emphasis on real-time visibility and dispatch coordination. The platform's commercial vehicle routing module handles weight and height restrictions and integrates with PC*Miler for compliant trucking routes. ELD compliance and HOS tracking are bundled for carriers subject to FMCSA regulations. Where Verizon Connect trails Motive and Samsara for pure route optimization is configurability — advanced sequencing constraints require more setup time. At $22-38/vehicle negotiated, it is best suited to trucking operations with 40+ trucks that value Verizon network coverage reliability and strong account support.
Trimble Maps
Trimble Maps is the routing engine of choice for trucking operations demanding commercial vehicle compliance at the road-network level. Unlike delivery-optimized platforms that use consumer mapping APIs, Trimble's routing database covers bridge weight limits, low-clearance structures, hazmat-restricted routes, and state permit corridors for over-dimensional loads. Most major TMS platforms — McLeod, TMW, Mercury Gate — embed Trimble Maps as their commercial routing engine. For carriers needing standalone route planning with full commercial compliance, Trimble's PC*MILER integration delivers legally compliant routes for Class 3-8 vehicles. Pricing is typically licensed per fleet or per API call — contact for current rates.
All route optimization platforms for trucking companies
25 platforms reviewed with pricing, deployment details, and editorial verdicts. Each profile includes a full review.
Geotab
#2Open-platform telematics with advanced data analytics for fleet optimization.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencingCloudFree trial
Budget-friendly fleet tracking with flexible hardware options.
Per vehicleReal-time tracking, trip history, basic geofencingCloudFree trial
Route4Me
#4Multi-stop route planning and optimization for delivery and field service fleets.
Per userRoute planning, GPS trackingCloudFree trial
CalAmp
#5CalAmp is a telematics hardware manufacturer and fleet management software provider known for its LMU and TTU device families and the CalAmp iOn cloud platform. With roots in OEM telematics hardware, CalAmp serves fleet operators, construction companies, and asset-heavy industries. We tested the iOn platform, analyzed real user feedback from G2 and Capterra, evaluated their hardware lineup, and compared CalAmp against leading competitors to deliver this comprehensive review.
~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes)Varies by features and fleet size
ClearPathGPS is an 8.1/10-rated GPS fleet tracking platform best suited for small-to-mid-size field service, construction, and trade fleets that want reliable tracking with transparent pricing and exceptional customer support. At ~$20/vehicle/month with no contracts and a 14-day free trial, it offers real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, and maintenance alerts — making it the top choice for service-based businesses that value simplicity and responsive US-based support o
~$20/vehicle/mo; no setup feesReal-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, driver behavior, reportingFree trial
Fleet Complete (now Powerfleet) is a Canadian-born fleet management platform serving 30,000+ customers across North America. We tested its GPS tracking, AI dash cameras, ELD compliance tools, and asset tracking for 90 days to see how it stacks up against Geotab, Samsara, and other top players.
From $10/vehicle/moGPS tracking, geofences, basic reporting. 36-month contract. Best for basic location tracking.
Fleetio
#8Modern fleet maintenance and management platform for mixed fleets.
Per vehicleVehicle records, basic maintenance, fuel trackingCloudFree trial
IntelliShift is a 7.9/10-rated fleet intelligence platform best suited for mid-to-large mixed fleets in construction, utilities, and field service that need to unify data from multiple vehicle types and telematics sources. The platform aggregates connected vehicle data, AI safety scoring, compliance management, and maintenance insights into a single dashboard — making it the top choice for complex operations with diverse asset types, though its custom pricing and steeper learning curve favor lar
~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes)Connected vehicle data, GPS tracking, basic safety scoring, reportingFree trial
Lytx
#10AI-powered video safety platform with the largest driving behavior database.
Per vehicleAI dashcam with coaching workflowsCloud
Motive
#11AI-powered fleet management with ELD, dashcams, and spend management.
Per vehicleELD, GPS tracking, basic reportingCloudFree trial
Netradyne
#12Netradyne is an 8.6/10-rated AI dash cam platform best suited for fleets that prioritize driver safety, video telematics, and positive behavior coaching. The Driveri camera uses four lenses and edge AI to provide 360-degree vision, real-time alerts, and GreenZone scoring that rewards safe driving — making it the top choice for safety-focused fleets, though it requires integration with a separate fleet management platform for GPS tracking and ELD compliance.
~$30–$50/vehicle/mo + hardwareAI alerts, GreenZone scoring, video cloud storage, driver coaching, analytics dashboard
Omnitracs
#13Omnitracs is a veteran fleet management platform now owned by Solera, built for long-haul trucking and enterprise carriers. With the Omnitracs One unified platform, it combines ELD compliance, route optimization, driver safety, and critical event video in a single ecosystem. We tested the platform, analyzed hundreds of user reviews, and compared it against modern competitors to determine whether Omnitracs still delivers value in 2026.
From $23/vehicle/mo (quote-based)EOBR ($23), Compliance ($32), Premium ($46)
One Step GPS
#14One Step GPS is an 8.0/10-rated GPS fleet tracker best suited for small businesses and budget-conscious fleets that need reliable real-time tracking at the industry’s lowest price point. At ~$13.95/vehicle/month with no contracts, it delivers solid GPS tracking, geofencing, and driver behavior monitoring — making it the top choice for cost-conscious fleets that need visibility without paying for features they won’t use.
~$13.95/vehicle/mo (no contract)Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, trip history, driver reports
Rastrac
#15Rastrac is a 7.5/10-rated GPS fleet tracking and asset management platform best suited for small to mid-size fleets that need affordable real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, fuel management, and maintenance alerts. Founded in 1993, Rastrac is one of the longest-running GPS tracking providers in the industry, offering solid core tracking features at competitive pricing — though it trails newer platforms like Samsara and Motive in advanced analytics, AI capabilities,
Contact for pricingReal-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts
Samsara
#16Connected operations platform for fleet tracking, safety, and compliance.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, telematics, basic reportingCloudFree trial
Simply Fleet
#17Simply Fleet is a 7.6/10-rated fleet maintenance app best suited for very small fleets, owner-operators, and individual vehicle owners who need basic maintenance tracking, fuel logging, and expense management without paying enterprise prices. With a free plan for one vehicle and Pro plans starting at ~$3/vehicle/month, it delivers solid maintenance reminders and fuel tracking — but lacks GPS tracking, telematics, and the advanced features that growing fleets eventually need.
Free plan; Pro from ~$3/vehicle/mo1 vehicle, maintenance tracking, fuel logging, service reminders, basic reportingFree trial
Fleet management with strong compliance and safety features for commercial fleets.
Per vehicleGPS tracking and basic fleet managementCloudFree trial
GPS fleet tracking and fleet management for businesses of all sizes.
Per vehicleReal-time tracking, geofencing, basic alertsCloudFree trial
Zonar Systems is a commercial fleet telematics provider known for its dominance in school bus and public transit fleet management. Now merged with GPS Trackit to form Zonar Ignition, the platform offers GPS tracking, EVIR electronic inspections, ELD compliance, and AI-powered dash cams. We tested the platform, analyzed 300+ user reviews, and compared it against market leaders to deliver this independent assessment.
From ~$26/vehicle/moIncludes Zonar Logs, DVIR, Ground Traffic Control, HOS
Rhino Fleet Tracking is a 7.8/10-rated budget GPS fleet tracking platform best suited for small to mid-size fleets that need affordable real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, maintenance alerts, and basic reporting without long-term contracts. It delivers solid core GPS tracking at low cost but lacks advanced telematics, dash cams, and ELD compliance features offered by larger platforms.
Contact for pricingStandard rate; all core features included
Trimble
#22Trimble Transportation is one of the most established names in enterprise fleet and transportation management. Born from acquisitions of TMW Systems, PeopleNet, and others, the platform now offers a cloud-native, AI-powered TMS alongside fleet maintenance, driver mobility, and real-time visibility tools. We evaluated the full Trimble Transportation ecosystem — testing its new AI-powered Trimble TMS, analyzing hundreds of user reviews, and comparing it against Omnitracs, Samsara, Motive, and Geot
Contact for pricing
Onfleet
#23Onfleet is a last-mile delivery management platform built for on-demand and same-day operations, with the highest-rated driver app (4.7+ stars) and real-time re-routing.
Monthly subscriptionUp to 500 tasks/month — suitable for small delivery operationsCloudFree trial
Routific
#24Routific is a delivery route optimization platform priced at a flat $150/month rate — the most cost-effective option for small fleets of 5-15 vehicles doing predictable scheduled deliveries.
Flat monthly rateApproximately $150/month flat rate — route optimization, time windows, basic driver trackingCloudFree trial
OptimoRoute
#25OptimoRoute is a mid-market route optimization platform at $35-44/vehicle/month, balancing Routific's simplicity and Route4Me's flexibility for fleets of 10-50 vehicles.
Per vehicle$35/vehicle/month — route optimization, time windows, driver appCloudFree trial
route optimization software for trucking — side by side
Pricing, deployment, and trial availability for every platform reviewed. Click any row to read the full review.
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| Software | Pricing model | Starting price | Deployment | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azuga | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, geofencing, trip history, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| Geotab | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| GPS Trackit | Per vehicle | Real-time tracking, trip history, basic geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| Route4Me | Per user | Route planning, GPS tracking | Cloud | Yes |
| CalAmp | ~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes) | Varies by features and fleet size | — | — |
| ClearPathGPS | ~$20/vehicle/mo; no setup fees | Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, driver behavior, reporting | — | Yes |
| Fleet Complete | From $10/vehicle/mo | GPS tracking, geofences, basic reporting. 36-month contract. Best for basic location tracking. | — | — |
| Fleetio | Per vehicle | Vehicle records, basic maintenance, fuel tracking | Cloud | Yes |
| IntelliShift | ~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes) | Connected vehicle data, GPS tracking, basic safety scoring, reporting | — | Yes |
| Lytx | Per vehicle | AI dashcam with coaching workflows | Cloud | — |
| Motive | Per vehicle | ELD, GPS tracking, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| Netradyne | ~$30–$50/vehicle/mo + hardware | AI alerts, GreenZone scoring, video cloud storage, driver coaching, analytics dashboard | — | — |
| Omnitracs | From $23/vehicle/mo (quote-based) | EOBR ($23), Compliance ($32), Premium ($46) | — | — |
| One Step GPS | ~$13.95/vehicle/mo (no contract) | Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, trip history, driver reports | — | — |
| Rastrac | Contact for pricing | Real-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts | — | — |
| Samsara | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, telematics, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| Simply Fleet | Free plan; Pro from ~$3/vehicle/mo | 1 vehicle, maintenance tracking, fuel logging, service reminders, basic reporting | — | Yes |
| Teletrac Navman | Per vehicle | GPS tracking and basic fleet management | Cloud | Yes |
| Verizon Connect | Per vehicle | Real-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts | Cloud | Yes |
| Zonar Systems | From ~$26/vehicle/mo | Includes Zonar Logs, DVIR, Ground Traffic Control, HOS | — | — |
| Rhino Fleet Tracking | Contact for pricing | Standard rate; all core features included | — | — |
| Trimble | Contact for pricing | Custom quote | — | — |
| Onfleet | Monthly subscription | Up to 500 tasks/month — suitable for small delivery operations | Cloud | Yes |
| Routific | Flat monthly rate | Approximately $150/month flat rate — route optimization, time windows, basic driver tracking | Cloud | Yes |
| OptimoRoute | Per vehicle | $35/vehicle/month — route optimization, time windows, driver app | Cloud | Yes |
Frequently asked questions about route optimization for trucking fleets
What makes route optimization for trucking different from standard delivery routing software?
Three things: legal compliance, network constraints, and multi-day planning. Trucking route optimization must respect HOS limits (11-hour driving limits per shift, 70-hour weekly limits), commercial vehicle road restrictions (bridge weights, low clearances, hazmat routes), and IFTA jurisdiction mileage tracking. Delivery route optimizers are built for 20-80 stops in a single city over a single shift — they have no concept of HOS clocks, weigh station requirements, or multi-day rest stops. Using a delivery optimizer for trucking produces routes that your drivers legally cannot run.
Does route optimization software automatically account for HOS compliance?
Only if it integrates with your ELD. Standalone route planners calculate routes based on hours of driving time without knowing each driver's actual HOS status. HOS-aware route optimization requires a real-time feed from your ELD showing remaining drive time per driver. Motive and Samsara both offer HOS-integrated route planning within their platforms. Third-party route planners that connect via API to Motive or Samsara can also pull HOS data. If your route optimizer does not know each driver's remaining hours before planning, it is generating non-compliant routes that your dispatchers must manually check.
How does route optimization help with IFTA reporting for trucking companies?
Route optimization software with commercial routing engines (PC*Miler, ProMiles) tracks miles per jurisdiction automatically as part of the route calculation. This jurisdiction mileage data feeds directly into IFTA quarterly calculations, replacing manual driver log entries with GPS-verified, route-calculated mileage by state. For a 20-truck interstate carrier, automated IFTA mileage tracking saves 4-8 hours of administrative work per quarter and produces more accurate filings. Platforms bundling GPS tracking, ELD, and route planning (Motive, Samsara) capture this automatically — separate route tools require API integration with your GPS system.
What is the best route optimization software for trucking companies?
For regional carriers with multi-stop routes under 300 miles, OptimoRoute and Route4Me handle time windows, vehicle capacity, and HOS-aware planning at $50-100/month. For long-haul carriers needing full TMS functionality, McLeod Software, TMW Suite, and Mercury Gate include commercial-grade routing with PC*Miler integration. For carriers already on Motive or Samsara, both platforms include basic HOS-aware route planning at no added cost. Avoid consumer-grade delivery apps (Circuit, Routific) for Class 8 trucking — they lack commercial road restrictions and HOS integration.
Can route optimization software reduce fuel costs for trucking companies?
Yes — through three mechanisms: shorter total miles per route (15-20% reduction typical with optimized sequencing), legally compliant routing that avoids tolls and permits where alternatives exist, and planned fuel stop sequencing that directs drivers to cheaper diesel on their actual route. At $4.50/gallon diesel and 6 MPG, a 15% reduction in miles driven on a 25-truck fleet averaging 8,000 miles/truck/month saves $22,500/month in fuel alone. The software cost is typically recovered in fuel savings within the first month at this scale.
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