Table of Contents
The workplace is constantly changing with the evolution of technology. With that in mind, it is important for businesses to evolve as well so they can keep up and thrive. The four most popular payroll software programs are available on our website, along with reviews from current users who will give you a clear understanding of what these products offer before making your decision.,
The “best payroll software for small trucking business” is a software that allows companies to manage their payroll. It is best suited for companies that do not have a large workforce, but it can be used by businesses with up to 100 employees.
Truckers, unlike hourly and salaried workers, may be paid depending on kilometres travelled or truckloads transported. The finest trucker payroll software can manage these particular circumstances and meet trucking-specific needs while simplifying compensation calculations and payment procedures.
We looked at 16 different alternatives to discover the best trucking payroll software, ranging from basic payroll solutions to transportation management systems (TMSes) that integrate payroll. We’ve reduced it down to the top four:
- Gusto: For trucking firms, the best overall payroll software is Gusto.
- Payroll in QuickBooks is the best payroll software for QuickBooks accounting customers.
- TruckLogics With Add-On for PayWow: Best for Southern and Eastern state trucking firms looking for a comprehensive TMS with payroll integration.
- ADP Run is ideal for expanding trucking firms that need robust HR resources.
Choosing the Best Trucking Payroll Software
*The contractor-only plan is for companies that do not have W-2 workers.
Gusto: For trucking firms, the best overall payroll software is Gusto.
Gusto
4.23 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE
| CRITERIA FOR RATING | Pricing | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Tools for the trucking industry | 2.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Benefits | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Features of Payroll | 4.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Opinion | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| User-Friendliness | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 |
What We Enjoy
- All levels include reasonably priced plans with full-service payroll.
- Contractor-only package at a reasonable price
- There are a variety of payment alternatives available, including payroll cards and on-demand pay.
What Isn’t There
- There is no connection with TMSes.
- It only has a few trucking-specific features.
- Only 39 states provide health insurance.
Monthly Gusto Pricing
Monthly Gusto Pricing
- $39 + $6 per employee (basic)
- $39 + $12 per employee (total)
- $149 + $12 per employee for concierge
- Payroll for contractors only: $6 per contractor
Add-ons
- Retirement: $49 per month plus $8 per participant every month
- HSA: $2.50 per month per participant
- FSA: $4 per month per participant*
- Benefits for commuters: $4 per participant each month*
- $6 per participant each month in a 529 college savings plan*
*Has a monthly minimum of $20
There is There is no free trial available. available.
On our lists of the best online payroll software and top payroll solutions, Gusto comes in first. It’s also our top-recommended payroll for trucking firms since it can handle both driver and non-driver pay procedures at a reasonable cost. It can compute employee and contractor pay, manage paid time off (PTO) and time tracking, and file federal, state, and local taxes for you for a monthly charge of $39 + $6 per person.
It also provides critical HR tools (such as onboarding and new hire reporting) as well as a wide range of perks, such as retirement plans, workers’ compensation, and commuting benefits. Gusto’s health insurance coverage, on the other hand, isn’t as extensive as that of Payroll in QuickBooks and ADP Run, which both provide policies that cover all 50 states, but Gusto’s is only accessible in 39 states as of this writing. This functionality is not available in TruckLogics.
Scoring 4.23 out of 5 in our evaluation, Gusto received perfect marks in pricing, reporting, and user Popularity. Many users find its interface intuitive and its support team helpful. It also scored well (4.25 to 4.75) in several of our other criteria given its User-Friendliness, efficient HR Benefits, and solid payroll tools. It would have gotten a higher overall rating if not for the limited coverage of its health benefits and lack of TMS features like International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) information tracking.
Additional employee earnings, such as per-diem for meals, incentives, and commission distributions, may be entered into Gusto. (Image courtesy of Gusto)
Gusto’s Highlights
Platform that is simple to use
Gusto’s user-friendly interface makes it simple to go through all of its features. Unlike ADP Run, which has a relatively high learning curve, its online tools are straightforward to use. Gusto includes how-to tutorials, an online help center, and phone, email, and chat assistance if you have concerns regarding its features.
Payroll software that is robust
You receive comprehensive payroll service, including unlimited and automated pay runs. Plus, unlike most payroll firms, you can add unique earning kinds like payment by miles (you’ll need an integration like Teemeo to measure miles, however).
Gusto automatically prepares and provides electronic copies of W-2s/1099s to workers for free, in addition to payroll tax payments and filings. This is in contrast to ADP Run, which costs a price for such service. If you choose the Complete Payroll option, TruckLogics with the Add-On for PayWow also provides tax payment and filing services.
There are many payment methods available.
You may pay workers using next-day, two-day, and four-day choices using physical checks, pay cards, and direct transfers. It also offers a “Gusto Cashout” option that allows your employees to receive earned money (calculated using projected accrued net salary) prior to paydays. This might be beneficial for driving advancements.
If you require speedier direct deposits, Payroll in QuickBooks is a good alternative since it provides next- and same-day possibilities. If you prefer check payments, ADP Run offers check signature and stuffing services, something none of the other three companies on our list provide.
HR help and tools that work
You get access to employee onboarding, time tracking, and self-service tools, as well as compliance alerts and HR professional help, in addition to payroll. Medical, dental, vision, retirement, commuter benefits, workers’ compensation, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), and 529 college savings are all available via Gusto. However, 11 states do not have access to its health advantages (Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming).
Reporting with finesse
From payroll registers to bank transaction summaries and labor expenses, you may run and configure a broad variety of reports. Gusto also allows you to make your own payroll diaries, personnel lists, and job status reports.
Check out our Gusto Review.
Payroll in QuickBooks is the best payroll software for trucking companies that use QuickBooks Accounting.
Payroll in QuickBooks
4.19 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE
| CRITERIA FOR RATING | Pricing | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Tools for the trucking industry | 2.63 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Benefits | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Features of Payroll | 4.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Opinion | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| User-Friendliness | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
What We Enjoy
- Benefits are provided in every state in the United States.
- Even the beginning tier includes next-day direct transfers.
- The UI is user-friendly and intuitive.
What Isn’t There
- There aren’t many trucking-specific features, and IFTA tracking isn’t available.
- QuickBooks Accounting requires third-party TMSes and other software to combine payroll and accounting.
- Unless you upgrade to the top plan, it does not manage local payroll tax payments and filings.
Payroll in QuickBooks Monthly Pricing
- $45 + $4 per employee as a base salary
- $75 plus $8 per employee as a premium
- Elite: $125 per employee plus $10 for each additional staff
Trial for 30 days for free
Payroll in QuickBooks is another popular payroll system that has made our payroll best-of lists. When used with QuickBooks accounting software, it can integrate with TMSes, making it a great payroll option for trucking companies. Its pay processing tools are efficient and robust, letting you run unlimited payrolls with next- and same-day direct deposit options. It doesn’t charge for setup, plus it works with SimplyInsured for employee health benefits and Mammoth for expert HR support. This is in contrast to TruckLogics, which doesn’t offer benefits plans and has very basic HR Benefits.
It earned 4.19 out of 5 in our evaluation, with perfect marks in pricing, HR Benefits, and reporting. It scored the lowest in Tools for the trucking industry because Payroll in QuickBooks doesn’t have a direct way to pay by miles—you have to manually calculate and input the applicable rates when you run payroll. However, with QuickBooks Accounting Online, you can set up vendor profiles for employees so you can track and reimburse mileage per driver or import the information from your TMS.
In terms of user feedback, many left positive comments on third-party review sites like G2 and Capterra. They commended Payroll in QuickBooks’s User-Friendliness and efficient pay processing tools.
When adding employees into Payroll in QuickBooks, the system helps you set up how often they are paid and what their deductions are. (Source: QuickBooks)
QuickBooks Features of Payroll
User-Friendliness
Payroll in QuickBooks has an intuitive interface with tools that are Simple to understand and apply. You can even set up and do payroll in just a few clicks. In case you require assistance, the provider offers customer support (through phone and 24/7 live chat), how-to guides, video tutorials, and a community forum with other QuickBooks users. However, the how-to section is cluttered and hard to search compared to the others on our list.
Even while you’re on the road, you can handle payments and file taxes.
You’ll have access to a variety of pay processing options as well as speedy direct payments (quicker than any of the providers on our list with its same-day option). Its mobile applications (for iOS and Android smartphones) allow you to handle payroll and file and pay taxes online while on the move, as long as you have access to the internet. The other suppliers on our list, with the exception of ADP Run, do not provide mobile applications for payroll managers.
HR tools that work
Online onboarding, time and PTO tracking, and employee benefits (such as health insurance, retirement plans, and pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation) are just some of the HR Benefits that come with Payroll in QuickBooks. And unlike Gusto, its health insurance options are available across the US. However, if you’re looking for non-standard benefits, ADP Run is a good choice since it offers retail and restaurant discounts for employees.
Integration with TMSes is a must.
If you have QuickBooks Accounting, you can connect to TMS systems like Tailwind and Kuebix. Similar connectivity possibilities are available from ADP Run and TruckLogics (Gusto does not interface with TMSes).
Detailed reporting
You may create and configure reports that display time sheet activity and labor expenditures by driver and fleet, in addition to payroll-related paperwork.
Read our Payroll in QuickBooks Review
TruckLogics + PayWow: The Best TMS With Integrated Payroll Add-on for Trucking Companies
TruckLogics
3.57 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE
| CRITERIA FOR RATING | Pricing | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Tools for the trucking industry | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Benefits | 2.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Features of Payroll | 3.63 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 1.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Opinion | 3.13 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| User-Friendliness | 3.38 | OUT OF | 5 |
What We Enjoy
- Simple to understand and apply
- IFTA tracking is included.
- For small trucking businesses and independent drivers, this is a low-cost option.
- PayWow payroll integration is easy.
What Isn’t There
- Payroll for non-drivers is restricted to nine states.
- Payroll is an optional feature.
- Employee benefit choices and administrative tools are limited.
Monthly Pricing from TruckLogics
- $9.95–$29.95 for 1–2 trucks
- $39.95–$69.95 for 3–7 trucks
- $49.95–$89.95 for 8–14 trucks
- $79.95–$119.95 for 15+ trucks
15-day free trial
Add-On for PayWow
- Contractor Pay is free (check payments only); the Pro plan is $9 per month Plus $1.49 per direct deposit.
- Payroll (including tax filing): $25 per month + $4 per employee each month
There is There is no free trial available. available. of PayWow
TruckLogics is a comprehensive TMS that includes everything from truck dispatch and IFTA tracking to maintenance scheduling to driver management. It also has business intelligence tools and online document management, plus it can handle driver settlements and manage your accounts. If you want payroll for your non-driver staff, its Add-On for PayWow is inexpensive compared to the other plans on our list and can handle contractors, hourly, and salaried employees.
PayWow was created by the same firm that created TruckLogics, thus the two work in tandem. The major disadvantage is that, as of this writing, PayWow’s entire payroll plan is only offered in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
With 3.57 out of 5 on our evaluation, TruckLogics + PayWow earned high marks (3 and up) in nearly all of our criteria and a perfect score in trucking-specific features. It lost points due to its lack of employee benefits options, limited report customizations, and the low number of average user reviews on third-party sites (like G2 and Capterra). However, users still find TruckLogics Simple to understand and apply. They also appreciate its breadth of trucking management tools and good customer support.
TruckLogics can manage paying drivers on its own. (Image courtesy of TruckLogics)
TruckLogics’ PayWow connection enables you to conduct limitless payroll for both drivers and non-driver employees. (Image courtesy of PayWow)
Features of TruckLogics + PayWow
App with a lot of features
TruckLogics’ mobile app works for employers and drivers and has no limit on users. The toolset depends on the plan you purchase but can include dispatch, filing Form 2290s, logging trips, fuel purchases, per diem, storing receipts, and more. ADP Run and Payroll in QuickBooks both have mobile apps, but the functionalities are more HR- and payroll-related.
TMS toolset in its entirety
TruckLogics is the only trucking payroll software we looked at that includes a full suite of trucking management features. Dispatch scheduling and assignment, mileage estimates, bills of lading, and invoicing are among the features. In addition, you may keep track of truck maintenance schedules, driver preferences, and IFTA data. TruckLogics also provides a variety of reporting choices, including year-end taxes, equipment maintenance, and insurance monitoring. It also offers drivers access to an online site.
Drivers and employees should be paid.
If all you want to do is repay drivers, TruckLogics has a straightforward approach for you. PayWow, the company’s payroll add-on, provides you additional options. It allows you to keep track of settlements, reimbursements, and deductions for drivers and dispatchers. You may pay hourly and salaried staff, and you can use the inbuilt time tracker to monitor their real working hours. It also deposits and files your state and federal taxes.
Employees may also clock in/out, examine pay stubs, and obtain tax forms using an online self-service site and mobile applications (for iOS and Android devices). While it lacks the complex features available in Gusto, QuickBooks, and ADP Run (such as employee benefits), it does provide a basic yet efficient payroll for the trucking sector.
ADP Run
3.52 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE
| CRITERIA FOR RATING | Pricing | 2.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| Tools for the trucking industry | 2.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| HR Benefits | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Features of Payroll | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Popularity | 4.38 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Reporting | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Opinion | 3.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| User-Friendliness | 3.52 | OUT OF | 5 |
What We Enjoy
- There are a variety of payroll plans to select from.
- HR software with a lot of features (offers hiring, payroll, time tracking, benefits, and talent management tools)
- Compatibility with TMSes
What Isn’t There
- There isn’t any transparency in pricing.
- Paid add-ons include time monitoring, health insurance, and workers’ compensation.
- For a price, W-2/1099 form delivery and filing are available.
- IFTA tracking isn’t available.
Pricing for ADP Runs
- Custom-priced is a must-have.
- Enhanced: Priced on a case-by-case basis
- Complete: Priced on a case-by-case basis
- HR Pro: Priced on a case-by-case basis
There is There is no free trial available. available.
ADP Run is a versatile payroll program that can meet the needs of small to large businesses in a variety of industries, including trucking. It has multiple payroll packages with a wide range of payroll and HR Benefits to support trucking companies as they grow. It even offers professional employer organization (PEO) services if you need expert assistance in handling HR administrative tasks without expanding your in-house HR team.
With an overall score of 3.52 out of 5 in our evaluation, it earned perfect ratings in HR Benefits and reporting and high marks (4 and up) in user Popularity and payroll functionalities. Compared to Gusto, ADP Run offers a better range of payroll tools for truckers as it supports non-driver staff designations and integrates with trucking software. It also has background checks, which is useful when hiring drivers. However, non-transparent pricing, additional fees for year-end tax reporting, and the lack of IFTA tracking features prevented ADP Run from ranking higher on our list.
Many users claimed ADP Run is typically straightforward to use, with effective payroll options that save them time, according to user evaluations. Some customers, on the other hand, expressed dissatisfaction with the cost, claiming that many of the services they want are either expensive add-ons or require a plan upgrade.
Payroll may be managed with ADP Run on the web or on a mobile device. (Image courtesy of ADP Run)
Features of the ADP Run
Platform with a lot of features
Compared to TruckLogics, Gusto, and Payroll in QuickBooks, ADP Run has the most extensive HR solution suite, enabling you to efficiently handle the entire employee lifecycle. Aside from payroll, it offers recruitment, time and attendance, benefits, learning and development, and performance management tools. It even provides HR outsourcing and PEO services. Of course, these extras come at an increased price.
HR solutions that work
While several of the products on our list have basic onboarding tools, ADP Run offers complete employee onboarding tools, including background checks. Its mobile apps (iOS and Android) also let your employees access their pay stubs, tax forms, time sheets, and benefits information while on the go. There’s even a mobile app for payroll administrators to run payroll (Gusto and TruckLogics with the Add-On for PayWow don’t offer this). Plus, if you need expert support, ADP Run has a team of HR professionals that can assist you with compliance and HR issues—provided you subscribe to its higher tiers.
Payroll software that is user-friendly for truckers
ADP Run can handle non-driver staff designations and Compatibility with TMSes, such as Tenstreet and allGeo. Aside from hours worked, it supports pay calculations by other means like miles driven—a pay processing functionality that most trucking companies need. Gusto and Payroll in QuickBooks can’t do this automatically.
There are many payment methods available. with secure paychecks
You may pay workers through paychecks or a Wisely Direct debit card in addition to direct payments. Paychecks with comprehensive fraud prevention measures, including check signature and stuffing services, are available if you subscribe to ADP Run’s premium payroll packages, a feature that none of the other suppliers in this guide provide.
Detailed reporting
A variety of payroll and HR reports are available to examine, run, modify, and print.
Check out our ADP Run Review.
How Did We Choose the Best Trucking Payroll Software?
We analyzed a combination of trucking software with payroll functions and payroll software that would enable payment by kilometers or loads in our study of the best trucking payroll software. We chose solutions that provided the best balance of payroll processing and trucking-specific features, with the latter taking precedence.
TMSes (trucking management systems) often rated well for trucking-related features but poorly for critical HR and payroll functions. Payroll software companies, on the other hand, give good payroll processing and HR solutions but limited transportation capabilities. When making a decision, you’ll need to consider what’s most important to you.
Click through the sections in the box below to discover our complete assessment criteria for the best payroll software for trucking firms.
20%
Tools for the trucking industry
15% of the overall score
We gave points for plans costing less than $100 monthly for five employees. We also favored companies with transparent pricing, no set-up fees, and unlimited pay runs. Gusto and Payroll in QuickBooks earned perfect scores here.
15% of the overall score
Software that can calculate taxes and offer two-day direct deposits and other payroll tools (such as automatic pay runs and year-end tax report preparation and delivery) are rated favorably. Gusto and Payroll in QuickBooks earned the highest points in this criterion, both scoring 4.75 out of 5.
15% of the overall score
Our specialists looked at price and how well the features met the HR and payroll demands of small trucking companies. Gusto obtained a perfect grade, whereas ADP Run received the lowest score (3 out of 5) due to its opaque pricing and insufficient trucking-specific features.
10% of the overall score
We looked for HR tools like new hire reporting, online onboarding, compensation management, training, performance management, and self-service portals. Of the four providers on our list, only TruckLogics didn’t get a perfect score here since it doesn’t have a lot of HR functionalities, even with the Add-On for PayWow.
10% of the overall score
Aside from having access to standard payroll reports, we looked at whether or not you can customize them. The platforms that met all the requirements in these criteria are Payroll in QuickBooks, ADP Run, and Gusto.
10% of the overall score
We looked for features that make the software Simple to understand and apply, such as having an intuitive and modern-looking interface. We also checked the integration options available, file export capabilities, and the type of customer support offered. Gusto and Payroll in QuickBooks are the highest scorers (4 and up) here.
5% of the overall score
We considered online user reviews from third-party sites (like G2 and Capterra) based on a 5-star scale, wherein any option with an average of 4+ stars is ideal. Also, software with 1,000 or more reviews on third-party sites is preferred. Gusto earned a perfect score here, followed by ADP Run. Both Payroll in QuickBooks and TruckLogics lost some points mainly because they had fewer than 1,000 reviews online.
*Percentages based on total score
Conclusion
There are a lot of moving components for trucking businesses to keep track of, and we’re not just talking about the vehicles. Your office staff can get your drivers paid on time and properly using the finest trucker payroll software, particularly one that is part of a TMS or can interact with one.
Although it’s not TMS software, we chose Gusto as the best payroll software for trucking companies. It has an excellent range of payroll and HR Benefits, including benefits. In addition, you can set it to pay according to mileage or load rather than by hour or salary. It has a cheaper plan for contractors, too. Sign up for Gusto today.
Gusto is a great place to visit.
You Might Also Enjoy…
The “trucking software compatible with quickbooks” is a question that has been asked before. The 4 best payroll software for trucking companies in 2022 are
QuickBooks, Paychex, Intuit QuickBooks Self-Employed and Xero.
Related Tags
- trucking payroll services
- best quickbooks for trucking company
- how to do payroll for truck drivers
- small trucking company software
- truck driver payroll template
