McLeod Software
McLeod Software is a privately held, founder-led provider of transportation management system (TMS) software for North American trucking carriers, freight brokers, 3PLs, private fleets, and LTL carriers, serving 1,200+ companies from Birmingham, Alabama with a 570-person team and 140+ certified integration partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersBirmingham, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What McLeod Software does
McLeod Software is a privately held, founder-led provider of transportation management system (TMS) software headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Founded in 1984 by Tom McLeod, the company serves more than 1,200 trucking carriers, freight brokers, 3PLs, private fleets, and LTL carriers primarily across North America. Its platform is structured around three core products — LoadMaster Enterprise for truckload carriers, PowerBroker for freight brokers and 3PLs, and LoadMaster LTL for less-than-truckload operators — supplemented by modular add-ons including DocumentPower for document imaging, the MPact analytics suite (Benchmark, Profitability, Bid), Driver Sidekick for mobile driver workflows, and dedicated portals for customers, drivers, carriers, and factoring companies. The technology stack combines native EDI management, an open Digital Freight Matching API, and certified integrations with over 140 partners spanning telematics, freight matching, autonomous trucking, smart trailer IoT, communications, payments, and compliance.
The company's recent product direction emphasizes AI-driven automation and next-generation freight technology. Version 25.2 (December 2025) introduced a re-engineered browser-based UI with automated email load-tender importing and predictive rate quoting, while Version 26.1 (February 2026) added MPact.RespondAI for AI-assisted communication and quoting and MPact.Benchmark for peer-relative performance comparison. McLeod has also executed an industry-first API integration with Aurora Innovation enabling booking of autonomous (Aurora Driver) truck capacity inside the TMS, and a smart trailer integration with Phillips Connect including CargoVision computer vision for volumetric cargo measurement. These moves position McLeod as infrastructure for both human-driven and autonomous freight operations.
McLeod generates revenue through annual subscription licensing of its TMS platform on a quote-based, enterprise pricing model with pricing tied to customer size, users, and module selection. Go-to-market is predominantly direct enterprise field sales, augmented by an annual User Conference (UC26 scheduled for September 2026 in Nashville), an active content and podcast program (Coded & Loaded), industry event presence, and a large certified partner ecosystem that drives co-sell and integration-led demand. The company is bootstrapped and self-funded, reinvests approximately 30% of revenue into R&D, and employs 570+ team members with no disclosed external funding, M&A, or institutional investor.
McLeod Software firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- McLeod Software
- Legal name
- McLeod Software Corporation
- Website
- https://mcleodsoftware.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- McLeod Software is a privately held, founder-led provider of transportation management system (TMS) software for North American trucking carriers, freight brokers, 3PLs, private fleets, and LTL carriers, serving 1,200+ companies from Birmingham, Alabama with a 570-person team and 140+ certified integration partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
McLeod Software industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Trucking Transportation Management Software
- NAICS
- Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Transportation Equipment (3790)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Carrier TMS (Trucking Dispatch & Back-Office) (TLAEAAAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Brokerage/3PL TMS (Freight Brokerage Operations) (TLAEAAAB), Freight Rating, Tariff & Contract Management (TMS Add-on) (TLAEAAAH), Contract & Tariff Management (Carrier Contracts, Accessorials, Lane/Zone Rates) (TLAEAIAB)
Keywords
Where McLeod Software is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Birmingham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
McLeod Software business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- TMS Software Subscriptions: Annual subscription licensing of LoadMaster, PowerBroker, and DocumentPower TMS platforms to carriers, brokers, and 3PLs. Revenue generated through software licenses with regular version upgrades and maintenance.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise TMS licensing for carriers and brokers |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
McLeod Software product offering
Product offeringCore offering
McLeod Software develops and licenses a transportation management system (TMS) platform for the trucking industry. Core products include LoadMaster Enterprise for truckload carriers, PowerBroker for freight brokers and 3PLs, and LoadMaster LTL for less-than-truckload carriers, delivered as annual subscription licenses with integrated dispatch, accounting, compliance, driver management, analytics, and a mobile driver application.
Product overview
McLeod Software offers a comprehensive transportation management system platform with multiple core products and modular add-ons. The primary offerings include LoadMaster Enterprise for truckload carriers, PowerBroker for freight brokers and 3PLs, and LoadMaster LTL for LTL carriers, all supported by shared modules like DocumentPower for document management and EDI Engine for electronic data interchange. The platform integrates AI capabilities through MPact.RespondAI for automated communications and MPact analytics suite for benchmarking and profitability analysis. Recent versions (25.2 and 26.1) introduced completely re-engineered web interfaces and expanded AI integration. The ecosystem includes Driver Sidekick mobile app for drivers, customer/carrier/factoring portals for external stakeholders, and specialized modules for freight matching, trip management, and driver choice. Integration partnerships enable connectivity with autonomous trucks (Aurora Driver), smart trailers (Phillips Connect), real-time tracking (Highway, FourKites, project44), and over 140 certified partner solutions spanning telematics, communications, financial services, and compliance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LoadMaster: Core transportation management system for truckload carriers
- PowerBroker
- DocumentPower
- MPact
- Driver Sidekick
- LoadMaster LTL
- MPact.RespondAI
- MPact.Benchmark
- MPact.Bid
- MPact.Profitability
Products and services
- LoadMaster Enterprise Primary transportation management system for truckload carriers providing dispatching, load execution, carrier management, driver management, safety and compliance, accounting, and business intelligence in a unified platform.
- PowerBroker Transportation management system for freight brokers, 3PLs, and logistics services providers enabling freight matching, carrier selection, order management, and brokerage operations with integrated visibility, TopMatch, and digital freight matching.
- LoadMaster LTL Transportation management system for asset-based LTL carriers with tools for peddle move routing, dock management, weight and inspection, cross-docking, and LTL-specific rating calculations.
- DocumentPower Document management and imaging solution for transportation providing mobile capture, document automation, indexing, and billing support.
- MPact Analytics Platform Analytics and business intelligence suite aggregating data from participating McLeod customers to deliver pricing, market, lane, and benchmarking insights for informed freight pricing decisions.
- Driver Sidekick Mobile application for drivers providing dashboard with assignment details, settlement information, document scanning, messaging, and home time requests.
- Private Fleet Solution Enhanced TMS solution for company-owned private fleets with features tailored to fleet-specific operations and management needs.
Quantifiable outcome
- Communication response times reduced by more than 50% with RespondAI consolidating fragmented emails, mobile messages, and inquiries
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use McLeod Software
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
McLeod Software technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration115 records
AI capability12 records
Feature14 records
McLeod Software partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Phillips ConnectcoreIntegration bringing real-time smart trailer insights including tire, lights, brake health, location, and AI-powered cargo intelligence (CargoVision) directly into McLeod TMS workflows. Enables fleets to identify ready trailers, those needing repositioning, and those with available freight space. Available across North America with MNS1 as early adopter.
- Aurora InnovationflagshipIndustry-first API integration enabling McLeod TMS customers to book and manage Aurora Driver-powered autonomous truck capacity directly within existing workflows. Supports load tendering, real-time location tracking, and automated status updates. Delivered ahead of schedule due to high customer demand with Russell Transport as early adopter.
- HighwaycoreLoad Lock+ real-time tracking integration with McLeod TMS providing ELD-powered load tracking, enhanced security features, and fraud prevention capabilities. Partnership expanded to include Digital Freight Matching (DFM) and integration into McLeod PowerBroker via Highway's Trusted Freight Exchange (TFX).
- Aurora InnovationflagshipStrategic partnership announcement to create industry's first TMS with direct access to autonomous trucking capabilities. Russell Transport became first carrier to leverage integration. Demonstrated at McLeod User Conference as catalyst for broader autonomous truck adoption.
- HighwaycoreExpanded certified partnership to include Digital Freight Matching (DFM) and integration into McLeod PowerBroker. Introduces Highway's Trusted Freight Exchange (TFX) for secure digital freight platform enabling verified carrier relationships.
- HighwaycoreNew carrier onboarding and monitoring integration reducing time to onboard new carriers and monitor existing carriers while cutting fraud through carrier identity verification. Auto-adds new carriers to PowerBroker when profiles completed on Highway's website.
- SamsaracoreEnhanced workflow integration with LoadMaster Enterprise including dispatch and HOS enhancements. Added capability to send shipping document IDs and trailer IDs from LoadMaster to Samsara driver's HOS log.
- Project44coreExpanded native integration to include truckload visibility for enhanced shipment tracking within McLeod TMS.
- SMC3coreExpanded partnership for optimized LTL management with enhanced integration capabilities.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
McLeod Software competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Manhattan Active Transportation Management: Broad incumbent offering transportation management as part of its larger supply chain commerce suite. Competes with McLeod at the enterprise end where shippers prefer bundled WMS/TMS solutions.
- Oracle Transportation Management (OTM): Broad incumbent ERP/ supply chain vendor with a flagship TMS product. Represents an indirect but significant competitive threat as customers consolidate to Oracle's broader application stack.
- SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM): Broad incumbent ERP vendor offering TMS within its supply chain portfolio. Competes for global shipper accounts where McLeod's North American trucking focus is a perceived gap.
Emerging players
- Samsara: Telematics and fleet operations platform that increasingly layers workflow and operational software on top of its hardware. Overlaps with McLeod on HOS, dispatch, and driver app functionality, and is also a McLeod integration partner.
- project44: Supply chain visibility platform serving shippers, brokers, and carriers. Overlaps with McLeod's visibility and tracking modules and is integrated into PowerBroker, representing both a partner and an emerging adjacent competitor.
Direct peers
- MercuryGate International: Direct peer in transportation management system software for shippers, brokers, and 3PLs. Overlaps directly with McLeod's PowerBroker brokerage TMS and shipment execution capabilities.
- Trimble Transportation: Direct competitor in trucking TMS, dispatch, and back-office software. Serves similar truckload carrier and broker segments and overlaps on telematics integrations, making it McLeod's closest large-scale peer.
- Omnitracs (Solera Holdings): Direct peer providing TMS, fleet management, and compliance solutions to trucking carriers and brokers. Competes head-to-head with McLeod's LoadMaster in the truckload carrier segment.
- E2open (formerly BluJay, Descartes TMS): Direct peer in TMS and supply chain execution software, with strong brokerage and 3PL capabilities following the BluJay merger. Competes in the same mid-market and enterprise freight broker TMS category as McLeod.
Others
- DAT Freight & Analytics: Truckload freight rate intelligence and load board provider integrated into McLeod's TMS. Adjacent ecosystem participant whose data feeds McLeod's market analytics and whose Convoy platform is a digital freight matching partner.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
McLeod Software social profiles
Digital presenceMcLeod Software financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
McLeod Software leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
McLeod Software funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
McLeod Software M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about McLeod Software
What does McLeod Software do?
McLeod Software develops and licenses a transportation management system (TMS) platform for the trucking industry. Core products include LoadMaster Enterprise for truckload carriers, PowerBroker for freight brokers and 3PLs, and LoadMaster LTL for less-than-truckload carriers, delivered as annual subscription licenses with integrated dispatch, accounting, compliance, driver management, analytics, and a mobile driver application.
Is McLeod Software a public or private company?
McLeod Software is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was McLeod Software founded?
McLeod Software was founded in 1984. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is McLeod Software based?
McLeod Software is headquartered in Birmingham, United States, in the North America region.
How does McLeod Software make money?
One revenue line is on record: TMS Software Subscriptions.
Who are McLeod Software's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Manhattan Active Transportation Management, Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) and SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM). Emerging players are Samsara and project44. Direct peers are MercuryGate International, Trimble Transportation, Omnitracs (Solera Holdings) and E2open (formerly BluJay, Descartes TMS). DAT Freight & Analytics is listed as an others.
Does McLeod Software have an API?
Yes. McLeod Software provides API-based integrations enabling third-party platforms to connect with its TMS. The Aurora Driver integration is delivered via API, enabling carriers to tender autonomous loads, track real-time location, and receive automated status updates directly within McLeod TMS workflows. A published Digital Freight Matching API allows third-party capacity solutions to retrieve qualified carriers, book carriers on loads, and make counteroffers, enabling faster integration without collaborative design processes. The Symphony Mobile Communications Service API allows control settings to activate listeners on Order, Movement, and Stop tables with outbound dispatch data sent to drivers.
What industry is McLeod Software in?
McLeod Software's product category is Trucking Transportation Management Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAEAAAC, Carrier TMS (Trucking Dispatch & Back-Office), with a secondary code of TLAEAAAB, Brokerage/3PL TMS (Freight Brokerage Operations). Its NAICS code is 488510 and its SIC code is 3790.