First, here’s an at-a-glance look at the best software for different situations you may be in. If these summaries don’t touch on your specific circumstances, keep reading to learn more uses of each program.

• Q7: The best trucking-specific accounting software that’s self-sufficient.
• Rigbooks: The most cost-effective and easy-to-use, but best for small fleets.
• Zoho Books: A lightweight, mobile option best for independent truckers.
• Tailwind TMS: Has the best trucking-specific invoicing and bill payments features.
• QuickBooks Online: The best choice if you’re integrating with trucking management software.

Now let’s consider each software.

Q7 (Best Self-Sufficient Software For Truckers)

If you need a comprehensive program to manage bookkeeping, operation management, accounting, and more, you can use Q7 instead of learning several programs. This all-in-one approach best serves trucking company owners with many employees and trips involving complicated regulations.

For example, Q7 has its own trucking payroll module so you can pay your workers without leaving your accounting app, and see everything in real time.

Q7 has downsides you’ll want to consider:

• It’s a complex program best learned with dedication.
• Mac computers aren’t compatible with this desktop software.
• Pricing isn’t upfront, so tight budgets beware.

Here’s another benefit, though. If you’re a delivery truck driver or employ them, Q7 has a mobile app that automatically updates the status of load assignments. You can also plan trips on it and collaborate with managers. That level of extra communication would be hard without a dedicated app.

Tailwind TMS (Best Trucking-Specific Features)

This software specializes in invoicing and bill payments, and can handle an unlimited number of each.

If you’re a trucking business owner of more than one branch, you can set that up within Tailwind TMS, then separately manage each branch’s records and transactions.

The main cons of Tailwind TMS are:

• More payroll functionality would have been nice
• You’ll need another program for bank reconciliation
• Its all-round bookkeeping capabilities are lacking
• It’s more expensive than comparable software

Rigbooks (Best Price For Small Fleets)

This software is best for trucking business owners who need an accounting program they can ease into. Rigbooks presents itself simply and concisely. You’ll find yourself comfortable with the features within a couple of uses.

Here’s the other reason you’ll easily lean into Rigbooks. It’s quite affordable. For one truck, it’s only $19 per month. Up until six or more trucks, the price stays peachy. If it’s new employees you’re adding to the system, you can do so easily at no extra cost.

The cons of Rigbooks are:

• If you have more than five trucks, using this software gets pricy
• Missing some of the common bookkeeping tools; for example, you won’t get invoicing with the lower plans
• No phone app is available yet

Zoho Books (Best Option For Independent Truck Drivers)

Self-employed truck drivers can rejoice over Zoho Books. This mobile app is lightweight and simple enough that you’ll never think twice about recording your transactions.

It can automatically track your business mileage, of course, but it also tracks your income and expenses. You can even use the app to facilitate getting paid by clients.

Zoho Books does have some cons:

• If you make over $5o,000 in annual revenue, you can’t use the free plan
• Limits the number of users and charges a fee at higher counts
• Can’t integrate with trucking management systems
• Doesn’t boast any trucking-specific features

QuickBooks Online (Best Integrated With Trucking Management Software)

It would be an understatement to say QuickBooks Online is popular. That means if you’d benefit from expert guidance, you’ll easily find QuickBooks ProAdvisors ready to assist you with using the software.

Granted, using QuickBooks Online does have some downsides:

• To connect with trucking management software (and most other integrations) you’ll pay extra for a subscription. If you’re already subscribed to the integration, there’s no extra cost.
• It can be a bit unintuitive to use for complex functions, meaning you may need time to learn.
• You can’t call customer support directly.

QuickBooks Online is supremely versatile; it can handle your accounting whether you’re a solo act that needs to save time, or you own a large fleet and need advanced financial planning. QuickBooks is a complete solution that will accommodate your growth. How?

One reason QuickBooks is so adaptable and scalable is it connects with a ton of popular integrations. For example, some integrations connect with PayPal so you can handle invoices directly in QuickBooks. Others connect with a contact database so you can communicate with clients and sort their information without leaving your accounting software.

So naturally, if you plan to use trucking management software, you’ll find the most success integrating it with QuickBooks Online.

One Step Closer To Conquering The Trucking Industry

Now that you can pick the ideal accounting software for you, enjoy the benefits! Pay attention to how much time you save. The next time your taxes are calculated without a single sigh of frustration, be thankful you took this step.

If you got stuck or you’re unsure how to use your accounting software to the best effect, contact us for a free consultation. Explain your situation and priorities — we’ll start working with you on an action plan.