Load Planning Software: Meaning, Benefits, and Top 6 Solutions

Is Your Supply Chain Driving Revenue or Costing You?

Poor load planning will hurt your supply chain and potentially deliver substantial hits to your net profit. While inefficiencies like underutilized capacity and missed delivery windows may seem manageable now, they add up over time. The result? Fewer satisfied customers, higher costs, and a weakened bottom line due to preventable errors.

Load planning software optimizes how you arrange, route, and deliver your goods, ensuring every inch of container space is used to save money and ensure timely deliveries. In this Zeus article, we'll explore what load planning software is, why it's essential, and the top six solutions for logistics teams.

Why Listen to Us

At Zeus, we've helped businesses across Europe, the US, and India transform their supply chains using innovative AI tools. Simply put, we understand what effective load planning looks like and are here to help you find the ideal software to reduce costs and streamline operations.

What Is Load Planning Software?

Load planning software is a logistics solution for supply chain optimization that helps shippers, carriers, and freight operators load goods into trailers more efficiently. Rather than relying on spreadsheets or guesswork, this software uses real-time data and intelligent algorithms to generate optimized loading plans in seconds, reducing delays, wasted space, and unnecessary trips.

The software supports two primary shipping modes:

• Less-than-Container/Truck Load (LCL/LTL): Multiple shipments are combined into a single container or truck load.
• Full Container/Truck Load (FCL/FTL): A single client fills the entire container or truck load.

In both cases, load planning tools ensure effective space allocation and load safety.

Why Load Planning Software Is Critical in Modern Freight Operations

Supply chain management is becoming increasingly complex, and customer expectations continue to evolve. If you're still relying on manual methods to create your load plans, you may struggle to keep up with today's market demands. Load planning software is essential if you want to stay competitive.

Here are five reasons why:

1. Lower Costs: Load planning software optimizes trailer and container space during trips, reducing the number of trips needed and the associated costs of labor, fuel, and equipment.
2. Faster Planning and Operational Efficiency: Automated tools eliminate manual calculations, allowing teams to dispatch faster and gain a clear advantage in time-sensitive situations.
3. Fewer Planning Mistakes: Errors like unbalanced loads or exceeding axle restrictions are common in manual planning. Load planning software helps teams avoid these costly mistakes by applying consistent logic and standards.
4. Improved Safety: Load planning software features ensure smart stacking and proper weight distribution of cargo, reducing the risk of cargo damage, fines, or accidents during transport.
5. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Precise planning leads to faster deliveries, fewer delays, and less damage, ultimately improving service quality and customer trust.

Our Top 6 Load Planning Software Solutions

1. Zeus

Source: Zeus

Zeus is an AI-powered logistics solution built to help manufacturers take full control of their supply chains. Founded to revolutionize logistics, we transform how businesses manage their supply chains, driving efficiency at every stage of the logistics process.

Our core product, Zeus Command, is a smart logistics control center that integrates seamlessly with ERP, TMS, and WMS systems. Its key features include automated load planning, optimized slot scheduling, real-time performance tracking, and intelligent transport provider management.

Key Features

• Digital Twin Simulation: Runs virtual models using your real data to project cost-to-serve, fleet utilization, and service improvements before implementation.
• AI-Driven Logistics Optimization: Adopts AI for freight management using advanced algorithms to automate decisions in fleet planning, inventory management, and routing.
• Modular ERP/TMS/WMS Integration: Easily connects with your existing systems to form a self-optimizing logistics network.
• Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility: Provides live insights into stock availability, delivery performance, and operational bottlenecks.
• Outcome-Based Pricing Model: You only pay for the savings Zeus delivers, making adoption risk-free.
• Automated Slot & Transport Management: Automates slot scheduling and transport assignments based on delivery deadlines, traffic, and carrier availability.

Pricing

At Zeus, we offer customized pricing based on your freight volumes, business needs, and operational goals to ensure maximum value and return on investment.

Pros

• Provides actionable supply chain insights in real-time
• Optimizes carrier space and fleet utilization
• Ensures seamless collaboration across different teams
• Exceptional customer service support and proactive updates
• Faster invoicing and revenue flow

Cons

• May require training and onboarding before full implementation

2. EasyCargo

Source: EasyCargo

EasyCargo is a top online load planning tool based in Prague. It allows users to create customizable cargo spaces, modify load plans as needed, and provide detailed reports and animations to make loading as easy as possible.

Key Features

• Unlimited Load Calculations: Generate as many load plans as you need without restrictions.
• Weight Distribution Calculation: Ensures even distribution of cargo weight across the vehicle's axles for safe transportation.
• Destination-Based Loading: Organize trucks and cargo based on delivery locations, streamlining the delivery process.
• Manual Load Plan Editor: Complete control to adjust box placement and rotation for each calculated load plan.

Pricing

EasyCargo offers new users a $9.7 trial for 24 hours. Monthly plans start at $79, or $67 for annual subscribers.

Pros

• Integrates easily with tools like Excel, SAP, and APIs
• Delivers high-quality calculations for maximum efficiency
• Includes a manual editor for flexible load adjustments
• Simple, user-friendly design for easy planning

Cons

• Lacks some essential functions, such as load palletization
• Not optimized for mobile users
• Only supports cubes and blocks; other cargo shapes aren't supported

3. CargoWiz

Source: CargoWiz

Developed by Softtruck, CargoWiz is a shipping container loading calculator for freight operations. It's a user-friendly, reasonably priced shipping logistics platform for loading pallets, crates, cartons, and other rectangular shipping products into vehicles like cars, trucks, or containers.

Key Features

• Easy Import: Import cargo data easily from Excel, Access, or other business systems for simple initial setup.
• Drag-and-Drop Load Editor: The drag-and-drop interface allows users to preview their load plans in both 2D and 3D views.
• Flexible Unit and Cargo Configuration: Supports both imperial and metric units and allows for customized container templates.
• Reporting: Provides detailed, step-by-step visual reports that can be easily exported and shared with team members.

Pricing

Pricing is based on the number of users and teams are encouraged to contact the provider for custom pricing options.

Pros

• More user-friendly than most load planning tools
• Supports load palletization and mixed container sizing
• Multi-year pricing makes it cost-effective for teams
• Quick setup with a low learning curve and fast onboarding

Cons

• Missing key features that limit load optimization
• May produce lower-quality calculations that affect reporting
• Not optimized for mobile use

4. Cube-Iq

 Source: Cube-iq

Cube-iq by MagicLogic is advanced load optimization software designed to handle complex freight operation requirements. It helps freight operators and shippers lower transportation expenses, plan cargo more precisely, and boost operational effectiveness.

Key Features

• Freight Cubing Automation: Automatically determines the best cargo loading based on weight, product dimensions, and shipping restrictions.
• Graphical User Interface: Build, adjust, and automate load plans using point-and-click and drag-and-drop tools.
• Database Engine: Features a built-in database engine that supports multi-user access without external software.
• Multiple Unit Conversion: Supports seamless switching and mixing of measurement units for accurate load planning.

Pricing

Cube-IQ doesn't publicly disclose subscription fees or tiered pricing. Organizations typically need to contact MagicLogic for a custom quote.

Pros

• Flexible setup to meet various operational needs
• Suitable for large-scale freight operations
• Mobile-friendly interface
• High-quality analysis for detailed reporting

Cons

• Lacks automated palletization for efficient load grouping
• Doesn't allow splitting cargo by sequential delivery destinations
• Less cost-effective than most truck management software

5. SeaRates

Source: SeaRates

Launched in 2005, SeaRates is a digital platform that helps teams with supply chain automation. SeaRates Load Calculator provides users with fully customizable and cost-efficient load planning software, making logistics seamless and transparent.

Key Features

• Interactive 3D Cargo Scheme: Visualized stuffing layouts help teams minimize space and maximize safety.
• Customizable Cargo Stuffing Options: Advanced settings allow precise control over load configuration and cargo space usage.
• Smart Palletizing: Calculates ideal pallet positions and sizing based on the truck's exact dimensions and quantity.
• Advanced Integration: Available as a white-label solution and API for seamless integration into CRM, ERP, or TMS systems.

Pricing

SeaRates pricing plans range from $29 to $129, making it a cost-effective solution for teams.

Pros

• Improves load utilization with 3D visual cargo planning
• Features weight optimization that reduces transportation costs
• Offers white-label options and API integration
• Provides accurate calculations to minimize cargo damage

Cons

• May experience occasional software delays
• Customer support response times can be inconsistent
• Limited scalability for complex operations

6. LoadXpert

 Source: LoadXpert

LoadXpert's Load Planning is loading software for trucks, trailers, containers, and railcars. This program suggests loading plans to users, minimizes the labor time needed to create loading plans, and saves businesses time and money in freight operations.

Key Features

• Automated Load Planning Wizard: Automatically generates optimal loading combinations based on weight, axle, and cargo limits.
• Multi-Vehicle Support: Supports multi-vehicle load planning, making it suitable for large shipping orders.
• Data Integration: Built-in import/export functions enable seamless interfacing with existing systems.
• Cargo Constraints: Ensures all load plans follow industry-standard cargo securement guidelines for safety and compliance.

Pricing

LoadXpert doesn't publicly list pricing for its Load Planning Software, but plans for its Axle Load Calculation module start at $700/year. For a detailed quote, users need to contact LoadXpert.

Pros

• Smart interface for easy use and navigation
• Advanced cargo blocking strategies that minimize dunnage waste
• Optimized load setups for more affordable freight operations
• Intelligent planning to reduce cargo damage in transit

Cons

• Limited visual planning due to focus on numeric outputs and print-based layouts
• Lacks a public API or modern integration framework
• Pricing is per module rather than comprehensive packages

Optimize Freight and Load Planning with Zeus

Logistics may be a traditional industry, but your approach to it doesn't have to be. Smart teams are turning to load planning software to optimize freight, reduce costs, and stay competitive.

Zeus leads the way in this space. As a market leader in logistics technology, we offer advanced AI capabilities, seamless cross-functional collaboration, and real-time, actionable insights. Book a demo today if you're ready to take your logistics strategy to the next level.