Freight tracking software has evolved from "nice to have" to operational necessity. Your customers expect real-time visibility. Your operations team needs exception alerts before problems cascade. Your sales team wants to promise—and deliver—transparency.
But tracking solutions vary dramatically in capability, coverage, and cost. Some offer basic milestone updates. Others provide predictive ETAs, multi-modal visibility, and AI-powered exception management.
The challenge isn't finding tracking software—it's finding the right tracking software for your operation. A solution that covers your carriers, integrates with your systems, and delivers value beyond simple "where's my cargo" answers.
This comparison evaluates the leading freight tracking platforms across key dimensions:
Whether you're a freight forwarder seeking integrated visibility or a shipper wanting supply chain transparency, this guide helps you evaluate options and make informed decisions.
"Switching to GoFreight was a game-changer... I save at least 50% of my time." — Jason Hsu, Owner, Whale US
Need deeper feature analysis? See Shipment Tracking Software Features.
Dedicated tracking platforms that aggregate data across carriers and modes.
Pros:
Cons:
Tracking built into freight management or transportation management systems.
Pros:
Cons:
Learn the basics: What is TMS?
Direct tracking through individual carrier websites/portals.
Pros:
Cons:
| Type | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone | Multi-modal shippers, complex supply chains | System proliferation |
| Integrated FMS | Freight forwarders, operational efficiency | Depth varies by platform |
| Carrier portals | Low volume, single carrier | Doesn't scale |
Best For: Freight forwarders seeking operational efficiency
Tracking Type: Integrated FMS tracking
Rating: 4.8/5 (G2)
Overview:
GoFreight provides tracking as part of a complete freight management platform. Rather than standalone visibility, tracking is connected to shipments, documentation, and customer communication.
Key Strengths:
Considerations:
Best Fit:
✓ Freight forwarders wanting integrated operations + visibility
✓ Companies seeking single-system efficiency
✓ Ocean and air freight operations
"GoFreight is my first choice because it's a perfect package." — Rebecca Zhang, CEO, TG Cargo Inc.
Compare to enterprise options: GoFreight vs CargoWise
Best For: Enterprise shippers, complex supply chains
Tracking Type: Standalone visibility platform
Rating: 4.4/5 (G2)
Overview:
project44 is a leading visibility platform serving shippers and logistics providers. Strong multi-modal coverage and predictive capabilities.
Key Strengths:
Considerations:
Best Fit:
✓ Enterprise shippers with complex supply chains
✓ Companies with technical resources for integration
✓ Multi-modal visibility requirements
Best For: Large shippers, carrier networks
Tracking Type: Standalone visibility platform
Rating: 4.3/5 (G2)
Overview:
FourKites provides end-to-end visibility for shippers and logistics providers. Strong in North American trucking with growing international capabilities.
Key Strengths:
Considerations:
Best Fit:
✓ Large shippers managing carrier networks
✓ Operations with significant domestic trucking
✓ Companies prioritizing carrier collaboration
Best For: Brokers and shippers managing truckload carriers
Tracking Type: Trucking-focused visibility
Rating: 4.1/5 (G2)
Overview:
Descartes MacroPoint specializes in truckload visibility, connecting brokers and shippers with carrier tracking.
Key Strengths:
Considerations:
Best Fit:
✓ Freight brokers managing truckload
✓ Shippers with significant domestic trucking
✓ Operations needing driver-level visibility
Learn about Descartes ecosystem: Descartes Alternatives
| Platform | Best For | Modes Covered | Pricing Model | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoFreight | Freight forwarders | Ocean, Air, Ground | Volume-based (FMS included) | 4.8/5 |
| project44 | Enterprise shippers | Multi-modal | Enterprise subscription | 4.4/5 |
| FourKites | Large shippers | Multi-modal | Enterprise subscription | 4.3/5 |
| MacroPoint | Brokers, trucking | Trucking | Per-load + subscription | 4.1/5 |
The foundation of any tracking solution: which carriers are supported?
Questions to Ask:
Reality Check:
No platform covers 100% of carriers. Understand gaps and how exceptions are handled.
How accurate and timely is tracking data?
Key Metrics:
Beyond current status to anticipated outcomes.
Predictive Features:
Knowing status is baseline. Acting on exceptions creates value.
Exception Capabilities:
Visibility isn't just internal—customers and partners need access.
Sharing Options:
Turning tracking data into operational intelligence.
Analytics Capabilities:
Volume-Based/Subscription:
Fee based on shipment volume or container count
Per-Load/Shipment:
Fee per tracked shipment
Enterprise License:
Negotiated annual fee
| Company Type | Expected Investment |
|---|---|
| Small forwarder (tracking via FMS) | Included in FMS (volume-based pricing) |
| Mid-size shipper (visibility platform) | $1,000-5,000/month |
| Enterprise shipper | $10,000-50,000+/month |
Beyond subscription/license:
Compare FMS pricing: Best Freight Management Software
Recommendation: Integrated FMS tracking (GoFreight)
Why: Forwarders need tracking connected to operational workflows—shipments, documentation, customer communication. Standalone visibility creates data silos.
"With GoFreight, we turned financial complexity into clarity." — Jane Xu, Straight Forwarding Inc.
Recommendation: Standalone visibility platform (project44, FourKites)
Why: Shippers managing multiple carriers/forwarders need aggregated visibility across their supply chain. Integration with existing TMS/ERP is essential.
Recommendation: Trucking-focused visibility (MacroPoint)
Why: Brokers need carrier-level tracking for customer communication and operations. Trucking-specific solutions provide deeper coverage.
1. What's your primary role?
2. What modes matter most?
3. What's your scale?
4. What integration matters?
What is freight tracking software?
Freight tracking software provides visibility into shipment location and status. Solutions range from carrier portal access to enterprise platforms aggregating data across hundreds of carriers with predictive analytics.
How much does freight tracking software cost?
Costs vary dramatically: Integrated FMS tracking is often included in platform subscriptions (volume-based pricing tied to shipments or containers). Standalone visibility platforms range from $1,000/month for mid-market to $50,000+/month for enterprise, typically priced per shipment tracked.
What's the difference between tracking and visibility platforms?
Basic tracking shows current status. Visibility platforms add predictive ETAs, exception management, analytics, and customer sharing. Enterprise platforms like project44 and FourKites focus on the latter.
Do I need standalone tracking if I have a TMS?
Depends on your TMS capabilities. Modern FMS platforms like GoFreight include robust tracking. Older or basic TMS may require supplemental visibility tools.
What is predictive ETA?
Predictive ETA uses machine learning to forecast arrival times based on current shipment data, historical patterns, and external factors (port congestion, weather). More accurate than carrier-provided ETAs.
The best freight tracking software depends on your role, scale, and existing systems.
For freight forwarders, integrated tracking within a complete FMS platform (like GoFreight) delivers the most value—visibility connected to operations, documentation, and customer communication in one system.
For enterprise shippers managing complex supply chains, dedicated visibility platforms (project44, FourKites) provide the depth and coverage needed.
The key question isn't "which platform has the most features" but "which approach fits how we operate?"
"We used to handle 100 shipments a month, and suddenly, we were managing 200." — Joan Chou, VP, Headwin Global Logistics
Visibility enables scale. The right tracking foundation supports growth without proportionally growing operational overhead.
Ready to see integrated tracking in action? Request a GoFreight Demo →