Truck load tracking, explained
Load tracking means sharing a truck's location while it hauls a load, so the broker and shipper can see pickup, progress, and delivery in real time. It protects the carrier — proving the work was done, getting them paid faster, and defending against claims.
Why tracking matters
Trucking moves most of the freight across the United States and Canada, and brokers won't risk a load they can't see. When a driver tracks a load it protects the truck and the carrier in three concrete ways:
- Get paid correctly and faster — tracking timestamps prove on-time pickup and delivery, which speeds up payment and supports detention pay.
- Avoid late-delivery claims — continuous location history is the carrier's best defense against an unfair “you were late” claim.
- Avoid service/damage disputes — a clear record of the trip backs up the carrier if a claim comes up.
Tracking is not“being watched.” It only runs during the load and is shared only with the carrier — it's there to protect the driver and carrier and make sure everyone gets paid.
The main ways to track a load
There are two:
📲 Driver app
The driver tracks from their phone with the Trucker Tools or MacroPoint app. Used when the truck isn't on a connected ELD.
Driver help →🔌 ELD / telematics connection
The carrier connects a Samsara, Motive, or other ELD so loads track automatically by truck number — no driver app needed.
Dispatcher help →When tracking isn't working
For driver apps, the top fixes (in order) are: turn off any VPN, set location to Always / Allow all the time, tap Start, and update the app. See the Trucker Tools and MacroPoint fix-it guides. For ELD connections, it's usually a missing or mismatched truck/trailer number — see missing assets and error statuses.
FAQ
Why do brokers require load tracking?⌄
Brokers and shippers need to see where a load is. Tracking proves on-time pickup and delivery, lets the carrier get paid faster, and defends against late-delivery and damage claims.
Does tracking watch the driver all the time?⌄
No. Tracking only runs during an assigned load, and the location is shared only with the carrier. It exists to protect the driver and carrier and make sure they get paid.
What are the ways to track a load?⌄
Two main ways: a driver app (Trucker Tools or MacroPoint for Truckers) on the driver's phone, or connecting the truck's ELD/telematics (Samsara, Motive, and others) so it tracks automatically by truck number.
Why isn't my load tracking?⌄
For driver apps it's usually a VPN that's on or location not set to Always / Allow all the time. For ELD connections it's usually a missing or mismatched truck/trailer (asset) number.