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The freight and logistics industry is rapidly adopting digital platforms to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. If you're trying to choose between Transfix, Uber Freight, Convoy, and Loadsmart for your freight operations, you've come to the right place. We used QBack to analyze G2 reviews, Reddit discussions, and current pricing across all four platforms to give you a clear picture of which one might work best for your business.
This comparison covers everything from instant pricing and TMS capabilities to what real customers are saying. Whether you're a shipper looking for capacity, a broker seeking automation tools, or a carrier wanting faster payouts, we break down the strengths, weaknesses, and true costs of each platform so you can make an informed decision.
Overview of Each Platform
Transfix
What it is: Transfix is a freight technology company that offers an AI-powered Transportation Management System (TMS) and a suite of pricing and product tools. These solutions assist brokers, 3PLs, shippers, and carriers with rate prediction, instant quoting, booking, live tracking, RFP workflows, and analytics to automate operations, improve win rates, and increase margins.
Target customers: Freight brokers, 3PLs, shippers, and carriers, with a particular focus on brokers and 3PLs seeking advanced pricing, automation, and TMS capabilities.
Key differentiators: AI-powered custom rate prediction claiming 97-98% accuracy tailored to a company's data, and a strong privacy promise ensuring client data is not aggregated or shared. Integrated RFP workflow, Smart Uploads, a modular SaaS suite, and a recent strategic pivot to a standalone SaaS provider after divesting brokerage operations to NFI.
Uber Freight
What it is: Uber Freight is an enterprise logistics technology platform that facilitates freight booking (FTL & LTL), offers Transportation Management System (TMS) capabilities, provides managed transportation services, and operates as a freight brokerage. It offers real-time quoting and leverages a large network of carriers.
Target customers: Shippers (ranging from mid-sized to large enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies) and carriers (including owner-operators and small fleets).
Key differentiators: Algorithmic and real-time pricing model, instant freight quotes, a vast carrier network, API integrations, and an end-to-end technology stack that incorporates TMS, AI-driven insights, and the Exchange platform.
Convoy
What it is: The Convoy Platform is a digital freight marketplace that leverages machine learning and automation to connect shippers with carriers for full truckload shipments (dry van, reefer, flatbed). It provides carriers with a free mobile app to find and bid on loads, along with QuickPay options, while offering shippers access to real-time pricing and capacity through API/TMS integrations.
Target customers: Shippers, including enterprises and brokers, who seek automated rate quoting and capacity solutions. Carriers and carrier fleets looking for app-based load discovery and faster payment options.
Key differentiators: Automation and machine learning-driven matching system, integration of QuickPay payout options into every load, robust API/TMS integrations for real-time pricing, and a user-friendly one-touch app-based booking experience.
Loadsmart
What it is: Loadsmart provides combined logistics services and software: instant freight pricing and digital brokerage for FTL/LTL/PTL/drayage plus ShipperGuide (a modern TMS) and Opendock (dock scheduling). The platform offers instant, API-accessible pricing/booking, shipment visibility and analytics (including FreightIntel AI), and managed transportation (4PL) services.
Target customers: Mid-market shippers and 3PLs seeking TMS and procurement automation; shippers who need instant pricing/booking and freight procurement; warehouses and facility operators that require dock scheduling (Opendock); carriers and owner-operators that want access to digital loads.
Key differentiators: Instant/real-time bookable rates and API integrations; combination of software (TMS, dock scheduling, analytics) plus managed services/4PL offerings; FreightIntel AI and data-driven benchmarking built into product suite; 100% tender acceptance guarantee on instant rates and SOC 2 Type II compliance.
G2 Ratings and Reviews Comparison
| Platform | G2 Rating | Review Count | Top Pros | Top Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfix | 5/5 | 11 | Simplicity and efficiency, Ease of use, Load management, Robust reporting, Shipment tracking | Carrier issues (information lag), Data inaccuracy, Lagging issues with tracking updates, Manual intervention needed |
| Uber Freight | 4.1/5 | 15 | Ease-of-use, Instant quoting, Extensive carrier network, Enhanced visibility, Faster payment processing | Poor carrier relations, Low/fluctuating rates, Difficulties obtaining live support, Frequent load cancellations, Slow response times |
| Convoy | Not rated | 0 (G2) | Fast payouts (QuickPay), Convenience of in-app booking and bidding | Frequent load cancellations, Low rates/capped bidding, Poor human support, Difficulty with compensation/claims, App reliability issues |
| Loadsmart | 4.5/5 | 98 | Instant/automated quoting & booking, Improved visibility and tracking, Ease-of-use/modern UI, Dedicated support/account managers, Strong carrier network | Customer service responsiveness varies, Instant prices differ from final prices, Instant capacity unreliable in volatile markets, Need for wider carrier adoption, Feature gaps |
What Users Are Saying
Transfix receives high praise for simplicity, efficiency, and ease of use, particularly for load management and reporting. However, some users report carrier issues, information lag, data inaccuracy, and lagging tracking updates. Reddit sentiment reveals skepticism regarding the sustainability of tech-first freight startups and a general distrust in tech-focused brokerage models among veteran drivers and brokers.
"Have done 20 plus loads with them and I like how they offer a rate to you before posting." — Reddit user 47junk
"Everybody launches all these tools and shit to make money but nothing ever actually gets better or fixed lol" — Reddit user starcarsuperstar2
Uber Freight is praised by shippers for ease-of-use, instant quoting, extensive carrier network, and faster payment processing. However, sentiment among carriers and brokers is mixed to negative, with common complaints including poor carrier relations, low or fluctuating rates, difficulties obtaining live support, frequent load cancellations, and over-reliance on algorithmic pricing leading to coverage issues.
"As far as carriers go, we consider Uber the worst. ... They put no effort into relationships with carriers, and they are always paying a fortune to get their loads covered on lanes that are even the slightest bit challenging." — Reddit user Ten-4RubberDucky
Convoy has no G2 reviews but receives mixed feedback on app stores and Reddit. Carriers appreciate the QuickPay feature and convenience of in-app booking. However, common complaints include last-minute load cancellations, difficulties with denied detention or lumper claims, limited human support, perceived low rates, and app reliability issues.
"I stopped working with convoy simply because getting any kind of compensation from them would take hours..." — Reddit user
Loadsmart receives strong praise for instant quoting and booking, improved visibility and tracking, ease-of-use, and dedicated support. However, some users report that instant online rates and capacity can be "hit-or-miss" in volatile markets, with prices sometimes changing after booking. Customer service responsiveness can vary.
"Sometimes the prices on the site don't match what I get from the rep, which is frustrating. It feels like they might be adjusting to demand, but it's definitely made me rethink relying on them for everything." — Reddit user stealthagents
Pricing Comparison
| Platform | Pricing Model | Entry Point | Key Features | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfix | Quote-based (SaaS suite) | Custom pricing Est. $49K-$245K/month savings for 1K-5K loads | AutoBid, AutoAccept, AutoSched, AutoCover, rate prediction, RFP Workflow, Smart Uploads, routing guide, analytics | No explicit public hidden fees; pricing requires direct vendor contact |
| Uber Freight | Per-load, dynamic algorithmic pricing | Pay-as-you-go Instant quotes valid for 15 minutes | FTL/LTL instant quotes, contracted rates (FTL up to 90 days, LTL up to 30 days), TMS, API integrations | Accessorials (layover, detention, deadhead) mentioned with rates disclosure link |
| Convoy | Per-load, marketplace pricing | Pay-as-you-go QuickPay: 1-3.5% fees | Load booking, automated matching, tracking, API/TMS integrations, QuickPay (1-3.5% for faster payment) | QuickPay fees: 1% (2-day discounted) to 3.5% (same-day non-discounted), min $10-$15 |
| Loadsmart | Per-load + SaaS (ShipperGuide TMS, Opendock) | Custom pricing (TMS) Pay-as-you-go (brokerage) | FTL/LTL/PTL/Drayage instant pricing, ShipperGuide TMS, Opendock dock scheduling, FreightIntel AI, 4PL managed services, 100% tender acceptance guarantee | Accessorials, special handling, surcharges not included in instant quotes |
Pricing Insights
- Transfix does not publish public tiered pricing. Pricing appears to be quote-based for its SaaS suite, with estimated monthly savings ranges based on load volume (e.g., 1,000-5,000 loads -> $49K-$245K).
- Uber Freight uses a dynamic, per-load pricing model with instant quotes valid for 15 minutes. No fixed subscription fees; pricing is algorithmic and market-based.
- Convoy charges per-load with marketplace pricing. QuickPay options for carriers add 1-3.5% fees for faster payment (2-day or same-day).
- Loadsmart offers custom pricing for ShipperGuide TMS and Opendock, with pay-as-you-go instant pricing for freight brokerage. Instant rates do not include accessorials or surcharges.
Cost considerations:
- Transfix: Best for brokers/3PLs seeking AI-powered rate prediction and TMS automation; pricing scales with load volume.
- Uber Freight: Best for shippers needing instant quotes and large carrier network; costs vary per-load with algorithmic pricing.
- Convoy: Best for carriers seeking faster payouts via QuickPay; per-load pricing with fees for payment acceleration.
- Loadsmart: Best for mid-market shippers seeking TMS + instant pricing; custom pricing for software, pay-as-you-go for brokerage.
Positioning Map: Shipper vs Carrier Focus
The positioning map below illustrates where each platform falls on two key dimensions: Shipper Focus (TMS, instant pricing, visibility) and Carrier Focus (load discovery, faster payouts, driver experience).
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Key Takeaways:
- Transfix is most focused on brokers/3PLs with a SaaS-first TMS and AI-powered rate prediction, emphasizing data privacy and automation.
- Uber Freight and Loadsmart are shipper-focused, offering instant pricing, large carrier networks, and API integrations, with Loadsmart adding TMS (ShipperGuide) and dock scheduling (Opendock).
- Convoy is more carrier-focused, with a mobile app for load discovery, in-app bidding, and QuickPay for faster payouts.
Reddit Sentiment and User Feedback
Transfix
Positive:
- Some carriers and brokers appreciate Transfix for its upfront rate offerings before posting, ease of booking, and certain operational benefits.
Negative:
- Skepticism regarding the sustainability of tech-first freight startups, complaints that new tools don't effectively solve real-world problems, and a general distrust in tech-focused brokerage models among veteran drivers and brokers.
Notable quotes:
"There are a million of these 'uber-freight-startup-load-compilers' out there and most will flash and crash." — Reddit user
Reddit discussions:
Uber Freight
Positive:
- Shippers and enterprise users often highlight the platform's ease-of-use, instant quoting capabilities, extensive carrier network, enhanced visibility, and faster payment processing.
Negative:
- Sentiment among carriers and brokers is mixed to negative, with common complaints including poor carrier relations, low or fluctuating rates, difficulties in obtaining live support, frequent load cancellations, slow response times, and over-reliance on algorithmic pricing leading to coverage issues.
Notable quotes:
"Uber Freight is getting crushed...Disruption works because there are soft usually near monopolist incumbents who haven't invested any time or energy into tightening up their operations practically ever. Logistics is not like that." — Reddit post
Reddit discussions:
Convoy
Positive:
- Carriers appreciate the QuickPay feature and the convenience of in-app booking and bidding. Some drivers find the app-based bidding and faster payouts preferable to competitors.
Negative:
- Common complaints include last-minute load cancellations, difficulties with denied detention or lumper claims, limited human support, perceived low rates, aggressive repricing, and occasional app reliability issues.
Notable quotes:
"When you can't get a human on the phone for issues... this will happen." — Reddit user
Reddit discussions:
Loadsmart
Positive:
- Fast instant quotes and booking are repeatedly praised—users appreciate immediate pricing and the ability to lock or compare rates quickly.
- Good capacity and lower prices (in many cases users reported savings vs. direct carriers or traditional brokers).
- Strong automation and visibility features (tracking, dashboard, easier scheduling) are appreciated by shippers.
Negative:
- Customer service and human support can be inconsistent; some users report overseas call centers or limited direct driver contact.
- Instant online rates and capacity can be "hit-or-miss" in volatile markets—a few users reported booking online then being told price/capacity changed by their rep.
- Some skepticism about sustainability of ultra-low pricing (commenters note VC-subsidized pricing or temporary promotional pricing in the past).
Notable quotes:
"I use Loadsmart every month... Their pricing was lower than even direct carriers and capacity was amazing at very short notice till a few months back... However... the price and instant capacity on the website is of no real use. You have to confirm with your rep after booking and the price is much higher (if they even have capacity)." — Reddit user stonedslacker
Reddit discussions:
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Transfix | Uber Freight | Convoy | Loadsmart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Rate Prediction | ✅ Yes (97-98% accuracy) | ✅ Yes (Algorithmic) | ✅ Yes (ML-driven) | ✅ Yes (FreightIntel AI) |
| Instant Pricing/Quoting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (15-min validity) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (100% tender acceptance) |
| TMS Capabilities | ✅ Yes (Transfix TMS) | ✅ Yes (Enterprise TMS) | ⚠️ Limited (API/TMS integrations) | ✅ Yes (ShipperGuide TMS) |
| RFP Workflow | ✅ Yes (Integrated) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited |
| Dock Scheduling | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Opendock) |
| Carrier Network | ⚠️ Limited (post-divestiture) | ✅ Yes (Vast network) | ✅ Yes (Large network) | ✅ Yes (Trusted/vetted) |
| QuickPay/Faster Payouts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (QuickPay 1-3.5%) | ✅ Yes |
| Mobile App for Carriers | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (One-touch booking) | ✅ Yes |
| API Integrations | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Robust) | ✅ Yes (Robust) | ✅ Yes (API-accessible) |
| Real-Time Tracking | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Data Privacy Promise | ✅ Yes (Client data not aggregated) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ SOC 2 Type II |
| 4PL/Managed Services | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Managed transportation) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (4PL offerings) |
Use Case Recommendations
Choose Transfix if:
- You're a freight broker or 3PL seeking AI-powered rate prediction and TMS automation.
- You value data privacy and want a SaaS-first approach with custom rate prediction tailored to your data.
- You need RFP workflow automation and Smart Uploads for contract freight management.
- You're focused on improving win rates and margins with accurate, private rate predictions.
- Best for: Brokers, 3PLs, mid-to-large freight operations seeking TMS automation and AI-powered pricing.
Choose Uber Freight if:
- You're a shipper (mid-sized to Fortune 500) needing instant quotes and a vast carrier network.
- You want algorithmic pricing, real-time quoting, and API integrations for your existing systems.
- You need managed transportation services and enterprise TMS capabilities.
- You're willing to trade carrier relations for instant capacity and pricing.
- Best for: Enterprise shippers, managed transportation, high-volume freight operations.
Choose Convoy if:
- You're a carrier or fleet seeking app-based load discovery and faster payouts via QuickPay.
- You value in-app bidding and a user-friendly mobile experience.
- You need automation and machine learning-driven matching for load discovery.
- You're willing to accept per-load pricing with faster payment options.
- Best for: Carriers, owner-operators, small fleets, app-based load discovery.
Choose Loadsmart if:
- You're a mid-market shipper or 3PL needing instant pricing, TMS, and dock scheduling.
- You want a combination of software (ShipperGuide TMS, Opendock) and managed services (4PL).
- You value FreightIntel AI, data-driven benchmarking, and 100% tender acceptance guarantees.
- You need dock scheduling (Opendock) for warehouse operations.
- Best for: Mid-market shippers, 3PLs, warehouses, instant pricing + TMS + dock scheduling.
Potential Drawbacks and Limitations
Transfix
- Limited carrier network: Post-divestiture of brokerage operations to NFI, Transfix's carrier network may be less extensive than competitors.
- SaaS focus: Best for brokers/3PLs; less suitable for shippers or carriers seeking brokerage services.
- Pricing opacity: No public pricing tiers; requires direct vendor contact for quotes.
Uber Freight
- Poor carrier relations: Carriers report low rates, limited human support, and frequent load cancellations.
- Algorithmic pricing challenges: Over-reliance on algorithms can lead to coverage issues on challenging lanes.
- Mixed reviews: While shippers appreciate the platform, carriers and brokers report frustration with pricing and support.
Convoy
- Load cancellations: Frequent complaints about last-minute load cancellations and denied claims.
- Limited human support: Carriers report difficulty reaching live support for issues.
- Rate concerns: Perceived low rates and capped bidding frustrate carriers.
- App reliability: Occasional app reliability issues reported by users.
Loadsmart
- Price variability: Instant online rates sometimes differ from final rep-confirmed prices, especially in volatile markets.
- Customer service: Support responsiveness can vary; some users report overseas call centers.
- Accessorials: Instant quotes do not include accessorials, special handling, or surcharges, leading to unexpected costs.
Final Verdict
All four platforms offer unique value propositions in the freight tech space, but they target different audiences and use cases:
- Transfix is best for brokers and 3PLs seeking AI-powered rate prediction, TMS automation, and data privacy. Its SaaS-first approach and custom rate prediction (97-98% accuracy) make it ideal for freight operations focused on improving win rates and margins.
- Uber Freight is ideal for enterprise shippers needing instant quotes, a vast carrier network, and managed transportation services. Its algorithmic pricing and TMS capabilities make it a strong choice for high-volume freight operations, though carrier relations are a weakness.
- Convoy is the top choice for carriers seeking app-based load discovery and faster payouts via QuickPay. Its machine learning-driven matching system and one-touch booking experience appeal to owner-operators and small fleets, though load cancellations and support issues are concerns.
- Loadsmart offers the most comprehensive solution for mid-market shippers and 3PLs, combining instant pricing, ShipperGuide TMS, Opendock dock scheduling, and managed services (4PL). Its FreightIntel AI and 100% tender acceptance guarantee are strong differentiators.
Your choice should depend on your role (shipper, broker, or carrier), primary needs (TMS automation, instant pricing, or load discovery), and tolerance for pricing variability:
- Brokers/3PLs seeking TMS & AI-powered pricing: Transfix
- Enterprise shippers needing instant capacity & managed services: Uber Freight
- Carriers seeking app-based load discovery & faster payouts: Convoy
- Mid-market shippers/3PLs needing TMS + instant pricing + dock scheduling: Loadsmart
For teams looking to streamline feedback and collaboration across any of these platforms, QBack offers a unified solution for managing logistics workflows and project feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which platform is best for small carriers or owner-operators?
A: Convoy is the most carrier-friendly, with app-based load discovery, in-app bidding, and QuickPay for faster payouts (1-3.5% fees).
Q: Which platform offers the most transparent pricing?
A: Uber Freight and Loadsmart both offer instant, transparent quotes, though Loadsmart's quotes do not include accessorials. Transfix does not publish public pricing.
Q: Do any platforms offer TMS capabilities?
A: Yes. Transfix offers Transfix TMS, Uber Freight offers enterprise TMS, and Loadsmart offers ShipperGuide TMS. Convoy offers API/TMS integrations but not a standalone TMS.
Q: Which platform is best for RFP workflow automation?
A: Transfix is the clear leader for RFP workflow automation with integrated RFP Workflow and Smart Uploads.
Q: Which platform offers dock scheduling?
A: Loadsmart is the only platform offering dock scheduling via Opendock, which allows carrier self-serve appointment booking and tracking.
Q: Are there any platforms with guaranteed tender acceptance?
A: Loadsmart offers a 100% tender acceptance guarantee on instant rates.
Sources & Links
Competitor Websites and Pricing Pages
Transfix:
Uber Freight:
Convoy:
Loadsmart:
Reddit Discussions
- r/FreightBrokers - Transfix Sucks TBH
- r/Truckers - Thoughts on Transfix
- r/FreightBrokers - Anyone Use Uber Freight Often?
- r/FreightBrokers - Uber Freight is Failing So Hard It Made Bloomberg
- r/FreightBrokers - Convoy: The Anti-Broker
- r/logistics - What is Your Experience with Loadsmart?
- r/FreightBrokers - About the New Age AI and Tech Based Freight
Additional Resources
Ready to optimize your freight operations? Explore QBack for seamless collaboration and feedback management across all your logistics workflows.