Truckers are paid differently than most workers, sometimes by the mile or load. Having payroll software that can accommodate that and other trucking-unique requirements can take a load off your staff. We looked at many payroll options from general payroll software and services to transportation management systems (TMSes) that include payroll. Here are the eight best.
8 Best Payroll Software for Trucking Companies
Payroll Provider | Best for |
|---|---|
Best overall payroll software for trucking businesses | |
Trucking businesses that want a simpler, more straightforward option for payroll and HR | |
Trucking companies needing strong HR functions, like training and learning | |
Mom-and-pop trucking companies that want an inexpensive payroll option without a lot of additional tools | |
Companies wanting a full-service TMS and will pay extra for an integrated payroll add-on | |
Trucking companies needing an inexpensive TMS that can also handle limited payroll | |
Trucking companies that need special features for sales agents, such as moving companies | |
Trucking companies that primarily hire contractors and want a TMS solution that tackles limited payroll |
If you need more payroll software options, check out our top picks for best overall payroll services.
How We Chose the Top 8 Payroll Software for Trucking Companies
We removed any payroll services that did not allow payment by miles or some way to designate a different pay rate beyond hourly or salary. We chose those that offered some other tools or were part of, or integrated with, trucking software. Then, we looked for the best mix of features, giving priority to trucking-specific tools.
You’ll notice that none of the providers scored exceptionally high as trucking payroll software; this is primarily because trucking-specific software (payroll or TMS) tend to score well for trucking-related features but not so much when it comes to other HR and payroll features that are important. On that same token, general payroll providers that offer solid payroll and HR features tend to be limited on trucking features.
Overall, we chose QuickBooks Payroll as the best overall payroll system for truckers. It is a solid payroll system with HR benefits and is flexible enough to handle drivers and staff. In addition, it can integrate with several TMSes.
RUBRIC SCORECARD CRITERIA:
20% of Overall Score
We gave points for plans costing less than $50 per employee, per month. We also favored companies with transparent pricing, unlimited pay runs, and no set-up fees.
30% of Overall Score
Trucking companies need more than basic payroll. We looked for payroll companies that let you pay by miles, designate roles, track important information like IFTA, and more.
10% of Overall Score
We looked for HR features, like self-service portals, onboarding, compensation management, training tools, and performance management.
15% of Overall Score
We looked at whether the software calculated taxes, had 2-day direct deposit, and other common payroll tools. Many of the transportation management software on our list scored low in these areas but made up for it in other functions.
15% of Overall Score
We looked for features that make the software easy to use such as a modern, intuitive interface, how-to guides, and phone support.
5% of Overall Score
We average review ratings of real users from our website, G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius; 4+ stars is ideal. We also favor software with 1,000+ reviews on any third-party sites.
5% of Overall Score
We looked for a large selection of reports and whether you could customize them.
QuickBooks Payroll
PROS
- Plans under $50 per employee, per month
- Next-day direct deposit included in all plans
- Integrates with multiple TMSes through QuickBooks Accounting
CONS
- Need QuickBooks Accounting to integrate bookkeeping and payroll
- Basic HR features only
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Trucking-specific features | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 | OUT OF | 5 |
QuickBooks Payroll is our top-ranking software for truck drivers, but you need to have QuickBooks Accounting to fully integrate it with a TMS. It does not charge for setup, allows unlimited pay runs—including one-off checks—and offers next-day direct deposit in all plans—same-day in its premium products. It works with SimplyInsured to provide health benefits and Mammoth for HR functions.
QuickBooks earned 4.06 out of 5 stars. ADP offers more features for truckers, including HR benefits. QuickBooks, on the other hand, is cheaper and posts pricing and plans on its website. Another advantage to QuickBooks Payroll is that it integrates with a variety of TMS software.
QuickBooks Payroll Pricing
- Core ($22.50 per month, plus $4 per employee, per month): Full payroll including automated taxes and forms, health benefits, 401(k), next-day direct deposit
- Premium ($37.50 per month, plus $8 per employee, per month): Core + same-day direct deposit, workers’ comp administration, HR support center access, set-up, time tracking
- Elite ($62.50 per month, plus $10 per employee, per month): Premium + customized setup, 24/7 expert support, tax penalty protection, personal HR adviser
QuickBooks Payroll Features
Some features are available only in premium level plans.
- Payroll: Unlimited and automated pay runs, next-day or same-day direct deposit or pay cards, pay contractors and employees, PTO and time trackers, employee self-service terminal
- Tax filing: Federal and state tax filing, year-end report prep and delivery, files state and federal unemployment insurance
- Trucker-specific: Integrate with TMS software like Tailwind, Kuebix, and others; pay by miles or tonnage
- HR: Employee onboarding, workers’ comp, job descriptions, document management, performance management
- Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance in 50 states; 401(k)
Gusto
PROS
- Pay drivers and staff
- Allows for pay advances
- HR includes onboarding, new hire support, advising
CONS
- No mobile app for employees
- Health insurance limited to 39 states
- Does not integrate with trucking software
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Trucking-specific features | 2.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Features | 4.13 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4 | OUT OF | 5 |
Gusto is a highly-rated payroll software with HR functionality. It works for contractors and wage-earning employees, handles PTO and mileage reimbursement, and files taxes on the federal, state, and local level. It also offers health insurance in 39 states and is working to get the other 11. Users find it intuitive and praise its customer support.
Gusto earned 3.9 out of 5 stars, but its trucking tools are not as robust as many on the list. It also does not provide health insurance in all 50 states. It’s well-priced with no surprises and offers a solid range of payroll and HR features, including some useful for the trucking industry in particular. In addition, companies that use the software give it 4.64 out of 5 stars on independent review sites.
Gusto Pricing
- Basic ($19 per month + $6 per month, per employee): Full-service payroll + employee self-serve portals; this is a Beta version of the software and very limited
- Core ($39 per month + $6 per month, per employee): Basic + employee onboarding, automatic and multi-state payroll, time tracking, health insurance administration, document management
- Complete ($39 per month + $12 per month, per employee): Core + permissions, employee directory and surveys, project tracking and workforce costing
- Concierge ($149 per month + $12 per month, per employee): Complete + HR resource center and certified advisers
Gusto Features
Some features are available only in more expensive plans.
- Payroll: Unlimited pay runs that can run automatically, 2-day direct deposit or pay cards, pay contractors, as well as hourly and salary employees, multiple pay rates, PTO and time tracking, employee self-service terminal, pay advances
- Tax filing: Federal, state, and local tax filing; year-end report prep and delivery; files state and federal unemployment insurance
- Trucker-specific: Job designations and mobile app, can pay by miles but need additional software integrations
- HR: Employee onboarding, workers’ comp, files new hire forms, expert payroll advisers, and an HR library
- Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance in 39 states; Gusto wallet; health reimbursement plans, HSA, and FSA; 401(k), commuter benefits
ADP Run
PROS
- Health insurance in all 50 states
- New hire support includes background checks
- Good for companies of all sizes
CONS
- No transparent pricing
- No IFTA tracking
- Charges by pay run
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 1 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Trucking-specific features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Features | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.38 | OUT OF | 5 |
ADP is a highly versatile payroll program that can meet the needs of small companies to huge corporations in a variety of industries, including trucking. It offers a wide range of features for payroll and HR and can support trucking companies as they grow—plans are tailored to businesses with 10,000+ employees.
ADP earned 3.62 out of 5 stars in our evaluation. It offers a better range of payroll tools for truckers than most general payroll software, including non-driver staff designations, mobile apps, and integration with trucking software. It also has background checks, which is useful when hiring drivers. Its pricing is where it lost the most points because it is not transparent and can vary by your needs and negotiation. For example, sometimes, the salesperson can waive the setup fee. ADP had a reputation for mediocre customer service toward small companies, but in the last year, users say that the company has improved.
ADP Run Pricing
APD does not list pricing online, as it tailors a package to your needs. We received a quote of $9.95 per employee, per pay run for basic payroll for 10 employees. You’ll need to call to discuss your specific requirements and get a more accurate custom pricing. It has setup fees as well, though the first three months are free. Members of TruckersB2B get a 25% discount.
ADP Run Features
Some features are available only on more expensive plans.
- Payroll: Automatic pay runs, 2-day direct deposit or pay cards, pay contractors or employees, PTO and time tracking, employee self-service terminal
- Tax filing: Federal, state, and local tax filing; year-end report prep and delivery; files state and federal unemployment insurance; penalty insurance if ADP makes an error
- Trucker-specific: Some ability to pay by alternate means like miles, job designations, mobile apps for employees and employers, integrates with trucking software like Tenstreet
- HR: Employee onboarding, workers’ comp, files new hire forms, document management, expert advisers available 24/7, HR handbook wizard, post jobs on ZipRecruiter, background checks, HR advisers and training
- Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance in 50 states; employee discounts; HSA and FSA; 401(k)
Patriot
PROS
- Mobile apps for employers and employees
- Unlimited payroll at any frequency
- Multi-job and departments
CONS
- No IFTA tracking
- Few HR features
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Trucking-specific features | 2.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Features | 1.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 |
If you need to be able to run a payroll any time and want a reliable system that makes it easy to calculate pay and taxes, Patriot can get the job done. The program is inexpensive, but its features are basic. Nonetheless, it’s highly rated by users for functionality and ease-of-use.
With 3.41 out of 5 stars, it’s a strong competitor. The HR tools are weakest, and it does not have trucking-specific functions. Nonetheless, it is flexible enough to work for a trucking company and is priced for budget-minded companies that do a lot of pay runs. If you pay workers after each job as well as on a consistent schedule, it’s worth checking out. Businesses that use the software rate it an average of 4.76 out of 5 stars on several independent sites.
Patriot Software Pricing
Patriot’s accounting costs $15 per month, and online payroll starts at $10 + $4 per employee, per month, with $30 + $4 per employee, per month for full payroll. It offers a 30-day free trial.
Patriot Software Features
- Payroll: Unlimited and automated pay runs, direct deposit, pay contractors and employees, multiple pay rates and departments, integrate with Patriot Accounting
- Tax filing: Federal, state, and local tax filing; year-end report prep and delivery
- Trucker-specific: Designate drivers or staff, pay by miles, mobile apps for employers and employees
- HR: Files new hire forms, employee portal
Axis TMS
PROS
- Tracks IFTA information
- Mobile app connects to ELD, lets drivers view loads, make requests
- Users praise its ease of use
CONS
- Payroll is an add-on
- Unlimited pay runs
- Does not pay taxes
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Trucking-specific features | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Features | 1 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 2 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 2.25 | OUT OF | 5 |
Axis TMS is a trucking management system that includes payroll. As such, it offers tools specific to the industry but does not offer HR functions aside from managing PTO. The mobile app stands out, as it lets you scan and send documents, get directions, request cash advances or maintenance calls, and get order offers. It has e-signature and a driver logbook and updates stops. It also makes it easy to communicate with dispatch, managers, safety personnel, and other drivers.
Despite the lack of HR features, we give Axis 3.33 out of 5 stars. It’s a little more expensive than other software on the list, but you’re getting a full trucking management system rather than mere payroll. Its advantage lies in having payroll directly tied to the trucking software so that it’s easy to determine mileage, advances, and the like to get an accurate pay calculation. However, it does not handle taxes for you. Trucking companies reviewing on Capterra gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars for features and services.
Axis TMS Pricing
Axis TMS’s pricing depends on the length of your commitment. You can select the 36-month license for $50 per month plus $10 per month per truck, an annual plan at $60 per month plus $12 per month, per truck, or a monthly plan at $90 per month plus $15 per month, per truck.
To get payroll, you need to sign up for a 36-month contract or pay an additional $50 per month, which makes it one of the more expensive payroll plans on our list. The three-year contract also includes the billing, maintenance, and IFTA add-ons.
Axis TMS Features
- Payroll: Automated or manual payroll, pay contractors as well as hourly and salary employees, designate different pay codes for non-drivers, PTO tracking, employee self-service terminal
- Tax filing: Year-end report prep and delivery
- Trucker-specific: A complete trucker management system that can include IFTA, fuel card integration, maintenance reminders, task alerts, location management, and the driver’s app
- HR: Very limited
Truckers Helper
PROS
- Pay by miles or tonnage
- IFTA tracking
- Customizable reporting
CONS
- No HR features
- Help tools are hard to find
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Trucking-specific features | 4 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Features | 0 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 1.81 | OUT OF | 5 |
Truckers Helper is an inexpensive TMS with payroll included. You can get it as a monthly online plan or an annual download. Like Axis TMS, it has a strong mobile app for tracking mileage, logs, driver records, and more. However, it’s light on payment features and has no HR tools.
Truckers Helper earns 3.32 out of 5 stars. Its price point is excellent for budget-minded companies, and it’s up-front about all it offers. In addition to driver-specific payroll, it has IFTA tools, FTL and LTL load tools, accounting functions, and more. You also get 90 days of free live phone support. Users rated it 4.2 out of 5 stars for usability and support.
Truckers Helper Pricing
- Company Driver ($29.95 per month or $329.45 per year): Track income and expenses, logs, track reimbursements, track loads and mileage
- Leased Owner/Operator ($29.95 per month or $329.45 per year): Track income and expenses, logs, track reimbursements, track loads and mileage
- Owner/Operator with Own Authority ($39.95 per month): Billing and receivables, trucking-specific payroll, validate driver logs, maintenance and safety
- Fleet Owner ($39.95 per month): Billing and receivables, trucking-specific payroll, validate driver logs, maintenance and safety
Truckers Helper Features
- Payroll: Unlimited pay runs, automatic or manual pay runs, direct deposit, pay staff and drivers, contractors or employees, multiple pay rates, time and mileage trackers, employee mobile app
- Tax filing: Federal and state tax calculations, year-end report prep and delivery, local taxes if you supply the tables
- Trucker-specific: Complete TMS includes log management, routing, fuel and maintenance, a variety of reports, IFTA tracking
Dr. Dispatch
PROS
- Pay by miles
- IFTA reports
- Pay sales agents or drivers
CONS
- No HR Functions
- No tax calculations
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 2.5 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Trucking-specific features | 4 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Features | 0 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 0.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.5 | OUT OF | 5 |
Dr. Dispatch is another TMS with payroll functions, but its features are very basic and best suited for contract employees and paying by runs. It does allow you to also pay your sales personnel by percent of gross, carries pay, or profit, which could make it a good choice for moving companies.
It earns 3.31 out of 5 stars, with strong tools for the trucking industry, as would be expected from a transportation management system. However, it lacks any HR functions, benefits management, and tax calculations (one reason why we recommend it for 1099 employees rather than salary workers). It is well-regarded by users, who gave it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars for user-friendliness and service.
Dr. Dispatch Pricing
Dr. Dispatch’s price starts at $99 per month. There’s a two-week free trial.
Dr. Dispatch Features
- Payroll: Unlimited pay runs, multiple pay rates, built-in accounting software
- Tax filing: None
- Trucker-specific: Truck and load management, built-in accounting software, IFTA and other reports, integrations with QuickBooks, import fuel purchases, dispatch communications tools
Trucking Office
PROS
- Pay on demand
- IFTA, FTL, and LTL tools
- Pay per mile, percent, or custom designation
CONS
- No HR features
- No automatic pay runs
- Does not file taxes
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Trucking-specific features | 4.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Features | 0 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 2.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 1.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Payroll Features | 1.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 |
Trucking Office is a TMS software that concentrates on dispatch first, cash flow, then expenses and maintenance. It has payroll software, but like Dr. Dispatch, it’s limited. Nonetheless, it’s a popular software among trucking companies with simple payroll needs.
We gave Trucking Office 3.01 out of 5 stars. It’s priced by the number of trucks in your fleet, making it affordable even for very small trucking companies. It has strong TMS tools, although the payroll tools themselves are middling. For example, it does not file taxes, which explains why it’s good for contractors, but does calculate pay by miles if desired. It lacks HR features completely. It got 4.4 out of 5 stars from user reviews.
Trucking Office Pricing
Trucking Office has a 30-day free trial.
- Owner/Operator (1–2 trucks): $20 per month
- Mid Sized (3–7 trucks): $45 per month
- Fleet (8+ trucks): $75 per month
- Broker (Unlimited): $45 per month
- Pro version: includes FTL and LTL loads in the load planner
- $30 per month for up to 2 trucks
- $65 per month for up to 7 trucks
- $110 for up to 8 trucks
- PC*Miler Premium Routing/Mileage Add-on
- +$5 per month for up to 2 trucks
- +$15 per month for up to 7 trucks
- +$25 per month for up to 15 trucks + $2 per month for additional trucks
Trucking Office Features
- Payroll: Unlimited pay runs, direct deposit, pay contractors as well as hourly and salary employees, pay by miles or hours or other measures, time trackers
- Tax filing: None
- Trucker-specific: Full TMS software, mobile app for drivers (costs extra), tracks IFTA information, FTL and LTL dispatch, expense tracking, maintenance, client invoicing
Still not sure how to make the best choice? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to choose payroll software for your business.
Bottom Line
Trucking companies have a lot of moving parts to keep track of—and we’re not just talking about the trucks themselves. With a good trucking payroll software, especially one that is part of a TMS or can integrate with it, your office staff can keep your drivers paid on-time and accurately.
While it’s not a TMS software, we chose QuickBooks Payroll as the best payroll software for trucking companies. Through QuickBooks Accounting, it integrates with several TMSes, even some on our list. It also has a good range of payroll and HR features. Sign up for a free trial today.
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