Should I just use fr8r instead of a custom build?

For most owner-operators and small fleets, yes — fr8r is purpose-built for your size of operation. For unique workflows or larger fleets, a custom build on top of your existing ELD + accounting is the better fit. We'll be honest in the audit about which path makes sense.

Do you understand ELDs and the FMCSA stuff?

Yes. We've integrated with Samsara and Geotab data feeds. We don't pretend to be your compliance officer, but we know enough about HOS, IFTA, and IRP to build the reporting around them correctly.

Can you replace my dispatcher?

No, and we wouldn't try. A dispatcher in a small fleet is a relationship person — they know your drivers, your brokers, your shippers. We build tools that make them faster at the parts they shouldn't have to think about.

What about factoring and broker payments?

We integrate with most factoring partners and broker portals. Faster invoicing, cleaner aging reports. We don't try to replace the factoring relationship itself.

AI for Trucking & Freight

AI & automation for trucking & freight operators.

Small fleets and owner-operators run on margin — every percentage point matters. We see two failure modes constantly: time loss (manually tracking IFTA, IRP, fuel, settlements) and revenue loss (missed load opportunities because the dispatcher can't keep five conversations and a load board open at once). Our work in this space is always operational — make the truck more profitable per mile, not 'transform your supply chain.'

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Who this is for

The trucking & freight operators we work with

Owner-operators running 1-5 trucks
Small fleet operators ($1-10M, 5-30 trucks)
Operators who pull their own loads on DAT + brokered work
Carriers tired of paying for TMS subscriptions they barely use

Where you're losing money

The four highest-cost workflows in trucking & freight

IFTA filing is a manual quarterly fire drill

Cost: 8-20 hours per quarter of admin time, plus errors that become state findings

Driver settlements run weeks behind because reconciliation is manual

Cost: Drivers leave for fleets that pay weekly with clear math

Dispatcher can't watch the load board, answer driver calls, and quote brokers at the same time

Cost: Missed loads, lower rate-per-mile, more dead-head

Existing TMS costs $200-500/mo per seat for features the operator doesn't use

Cost: $2-15K/year for SaaS that doesn't fit a small fleet's workflow

What we'd build for you

Three surgical tools that ship in weeks, not months

Build 1

IFTA + fuel-card automation

Pull fuel-card transactions and ELD mileage automatically, produce a quarterly IFTA-ready report with state-by-state breakdown. Filing-ready in minutes instead of days.

Time: 2-3 weeks
Price: $1,500-$4,000

Build 2

Driver settlement engine

Loads + deductions + reimbursements → weekly driver statements, ready for payroll. Drivers see their own settlements in a portal. No more 'why is my check short' fights.

Time: 3-5 weeks
Price: $3,500-$8,000

Build 3

Lightweight TMS replacement

Custom-built load board + dispatch flow that fits your operation specifically. Replace the $500/mo SaaS with a tool your dispatcher actually uses end-to-end.

Time: 8-12 weeks
Price: $15,000+ (or pay-as-you-go via our fr8r product)

Case study

fr8r (our own product)

We built a full TMS from the ground up, productized it, and now serve small carriers. SEO + IFTA calculator + dispatch + customer portal in one bundle.

Outcome

Live at fr8rtms.com. Operators can use the IFTA calculator free, then upgrade to the full TMS when they're ready. Sub-$200/mo for the level a small fleet actually needs.

Stack we typically build around

We integrate — we don't replace

DAT or Truckstop load boards
Samsara, Geotab, or KeepTruckin/Motive (ELDs)
QuickBooks Online (or freight-specific accounting)
Excel for IFTA, settlements, and driver pay (still the most common)
Generic TMS or no TMS at all

Frequently asked

Common questions from trucking & freight owners

Should I just use fr8r instead of a custom build?: For most owner-operators and small fleets, yes — fr8r is purpose-built for your size of operation. For unique workflows or larger fleets, a custom build on top of your existing ELD + accounting is the better fit. We'll be honest in the audit about which path makes sense.
Do you understand ELDs and the FMCSA stuff?: Yes. We've integrated with Samsara and Geotab data feeds. We don't pretend to be your compliance officer, but we know enough about HOS, IFTA, and IRP to build the reporting around them correctly.
Can you replace my dispatcher?: No, and we wouldn't try. A dispatcher in a small fleet is a relationship person — they know your drivers, your brokers, your shippers. We build tools that make them faster at the parts they shouldn't have to think about.
What about factoring and broker payments?: We integrate with most factoring partners and broker portals. Faster invoicing, cleaner aging reports. We don't try to replace the factoring relationship itself.

Three ways to start

Whatever fits your situation — pick one.

Quickest

Drop a note about what's slowing your business down. We respond same-day to genuine inquiries.

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