Running a logistics business is far from easy. From juggling multiple shipments to coordinating with carriers, tracking deliveries, and keeping customers informed, you have your hands full with responsibilities.
Therefore, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a must-have to keep yourself and your organization on track to success. To run your business smoothly, you’ll need a CRM that centralizes customer data, automates communications, and streamlines operations.
If you‘re not sure what CRM is right for your company, you’ve come to the right blog because we‘re going to compare the top CRM solutions for logistics businesses. You’ll also learn how HubSpot CRM is the preferred choice for many successful logistics operations.
Plus, you’ll discover how logistics company Handled scaled from zero to 121 locations thanks to HubSpot CRM.
Table of Contents
What is a CRM for logistics?
Best CRM Software for Logistics Businesses
Benefits of CRM Software for Logistics
7 Important Features for a Logistics CRM
How to Choose a CRM for Logistics (Step-by-Step)
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet HubSpot, the Top CRM Choice for Logistics Companies
What is a CRM for logistics?
A CRM for logistics is a specialized platform that manages relationships with customers, carriers, suppliers, and partners while tracking shipments, handling quotes, and automating communications throughout the supply chain.
The right CRM doesn’t just manage contacts; it becomes the operational backbone of your logistics ecosystem—which is why many logistics businesses choose HubSpot. HubSpot CRM unifies data and seamlessly manages the relationships between companies, customers, suppliers, and partners.
Best CRMs for Logistics Businesses at a Glance
Best CRM Software for Logistics Businesses
Scouring the internet for the best logistics CRM software can be tedious, and time is money in the marketing world. So, here’s a quick breakdown of the top CRM software for logistics businesses.
1. HubSpot CRM
Best For: HubSpot is best for small to medium-sized logistics companies seeking a comprehensive, user-friendly CRM with excellent value.
HubSpot CRM offers a free, user-friendly platform boasting a mobile app with a range of features beneficial to logistics companies, allowing for operational efficiency. The platform stands out for its intuitive interface and powerful automation capabilities, which are specifically valuable for logistics operations.
For instance, HubSpot CRM played a pivotal role in the way Handled, a home improvement company, grew rapidly from a startup to an enterprise company—expanding into 121 new locations in 37 states in just 18 months.
Handled‘s founder, Seth Waite, credits Handled’s success and growth to the CRM’s workflows, programmable automation, and all-in-one system.
“HubSpot is the hub for our entire business,” he says. “It allowed us to move incredibly fast. We couldn’t move as quickly as we did as a company without the ability to pull everything together into one simple, smooth place. It’s phenomenal.”
Key HubSpot Features:
Contact Management – HubSpot CRM can store and organize customer, carrier, and supplier information with automated data enrichment that pulls company details from public sources.
Shipment Communication Automation – HubSpot’s email automation creates automated email sequences for delivery confirmations, status updates, and customer follow-ups based on shipment milestones.
Mobile Accessibility – HubSpot makes it seamless to access customer data, update shipment status, and communicate with clients directly from trucks or warehouse floors through the comprehensive mobile app.
HubSpot Pricing:
Free: Up to 1,000 contacts with basic CRM features
Starter: $15/user/month (Marketing Hub with CRM integration)
Professional: $800/month for 5 users with advanced automation
2. Salesforce Sales Cloud
Best For: Large logistics enterprises requiring extensive customization and advanced features
This CRM targets enterprise users who have time to configure its many settings and navigate a steep learning curve. It is designed for organizations with dedicated IT resources and complex operational requirements.
Key Features:
Workflow Automation – Create multi-step processes for quote generation, carrier selection, and customer onboarding with conditional logic
Einstein AI Integration – Leverage predictive analytics for demand forecasting, route optimization recommendations, and lead scoring based on shipping patterns
Integration Ecosystem – Connect with transportation management systems, warehouse management software, and accounting platforms through pre-built connectors
Pricing:
Starter Suite: $25/user/month (limited features)
Pro Suite: $100/user/month
Enterprise: $165/user/month
Unlimited: $330/user/month with 24/7 support
Agentforce 1 Sales: $550/user/month
3. Pipedrive
Best For: Sales-focused logistics teams prioritizing deal management and pipeline visibility
It helps you organize driver logistics in multiple locations via one CRM transport system. The platform manages the sales process for logistics services with clear visual pipelines.
Key Features:
Visual Sales Pipeline – Track logistics contracts from initial quote through delivery completion with customizable stages
Automated Customer Updates – Send estimates, invoices, and shipment tracking information automatically based on deal progression and delivery milestones
Mobile CRM Access – Enable drivers and field staff to update delivery status, capture signatures, and record customer interactions from mobile devices
Pricing:
Essential: $14/user/month
Advanced: $39/user/month
Professional: $49/user/month
Power: $64/user/month
Enterprise: $99/user/month
4. Zoho CRM
Best For: Small to medium logistics businesses
This CRM offers a platform tailored to various stakeholders within logistics operations.
Key Features:
Workflow Automation – Automate tasks like status updates, invoice generation, and follow-up communications based on shipment events and customer actions
Multi-Channel Communication – Manage customer interactions via email, phone, social media, and live chat from a unified interface
Territory Management – Organize logistics operations by geographic regions, assign accounts to specific teams, and track performance across different service areas
Pricing:
Free: Up to 3 users with basic features
Standard: $14/user/month
Professional: $23/user/month
Enterprise: $40/user/month
Ultimate: $52/user/month
5. Freshsales
Best For: Growing logistics companies needing AI-powered insights and team collaboration tools
This CRM helps businesses in the logistics industry to streamline processes and grow revenue through data-driven insights.
Key Features:
AI-Powered Lead Scoring – Identify valuable logistics prospects using machine learning algorithms
Shipment Journey Tracking – Monitor order fulfillment from pickup through delivery with updates and bottleneck identification for improved efficiency
Team Collaboration Tools – Share account information, coordinate on complex logistics projects, and maintain communication history across sales, operations, and customer service teams
Pricing:
Free: Up to 10 users with basic CRM
Growth: $15/user/month
Pro: $49/user/month
Pro + AI Copilot: $78/user/month
Enterprise: $79/user/month
6. Method CRM
Best For: Logistics businesses using QuickBooks that need accounting integration
This CRM offers integration with QuickBooks, allowing logistics companies to sync customer data, invoicing, and financial reporting without manual data entry.
Key Features:
Native QuickBooks Sync – Synchronize customer information, invoices, payments, and logistics job costs between your CRM and accounting system
Custom Field Creation – Build data fields for freight orders, delivery routes, carrier information, and warehouse management without coding
Field Service Management – Schedule drivers, track vehicle locations, and manage delivery appointments with GPS integration and routing tools
Pricing:
Contact Management: $25/user/month
CRM Pro: $44/user/month
CRM Enterprise: $79/user/month
CRM Multi-Entity: Contact Method CRM for pricing
7. Networcx
Best For: Logistics companies requiring functionality for tenders, quotes, and complex operations
Tender Management System – Handle complex logistics RFPs, compare carrier bids, and manage contract negotiations through workflows designed for transportation
Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ) – Generate logistics quotes using rate data, fuel surcharges, and route optimization with automated pricing rules
Performance Analytics – Track logistics metrics including delivery rates, cost per mile, carrier performance, and customer satisfaction, with dashboards
Networcx Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size and feature requirements
Benefits of CRM Software for Logistics
Improved Customer Communication: Automated status updates and proactive notifications from CRMs like HubSpot keep customers informed throughout shipping, reducing support calls and increasing satisfaction.
Enhanced Operational Visibility: For example, HubSpot’s real-time dashboards provide insights into performance and customer interactions, enabling better decision-making and issue resolution.
Streamlined Quote Management: Automated pricing tools and standardized templates, like those available via HubSpot, reduce quote generation time from hours to minutes while ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Better Carrier Relationships: Centralized carrier information, HubSpot’s performance tracking tools, and communication history improve vendor management and partnership development.
Increased Sales Efficiency: For instance, HubSpot’s pipeline management and automated follow-ups help logistics sales teams focus on high-value opportunities and close deals faster.
7 Important Features for a Logistics CRM
• Shipment Tracking Integration – Real-time visibility into delivery status with automatic customer notifications and exception alerts made possible via HubSpot’s automated workflows.
• Mobile Accessibility – Full CRM functionality, like HubSpot’s CRM app, on smartphones and tablets for drivers, warehouse staff, and field personnel
• Automated Communication Workflows – Triggered emails and SMS messages based on shipment milestones, delivery confirmations, and customer actions. All possible via HubSpot’s automated workflows and email automation.
• Quote and Rate Management – HubSpot’s CRM tools can be used for generating accurate pricing, managing fuel surcharges, and comparing carrier rates
• Carrier and Vendor Management – HubSpot offers a centralized database of transportation providers with performance metrics and contact information
• Territory and Route Organization – For instance, HubSpot’s geographic management tools for assigning accounts, planning deliveries, and optimizing driver schedules
• Integration Capabilities – Seamless connections to transportation management systems, warehouse management software, and accounting platforms
How to Choose a CRM for Logistics (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Map Your Workflows. Document your current processes from initial customer contact through delivery completion. Identify pain points like manual data entry, communication gaps, and reporting challenges.
Step 2: Identify Must-Have Features. Prioritize features based on your specific logistics operations. Freight brokers need tools different from last-mile delivery companies or warehouse operators.
Step 3: Compare Ease of Use and Team Fit. Consider your team’s technical expertise and time available for training. HubSpot CRM is widely recognized as one of the most user-friendly CRMs available today, making it ideal for teams seeking quick adoption.
Step 4: Check Cost at Scale. Calculate total cost, including per-user fees, add-ons, and integration costs, as your team grows. Factor in implementation time and training expenses.
Step 5: Choose a Flexible Platform — Like HubSpot. Select a CRM that can evolve with your logistics business needs. HubSpot Sales Hub can help logistics companies better track sales pipeline and accurately forecast sales, helping manage operations and increasing chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CRM for logistics?
HubSpot CRM is the top choice for most logistics businesses due to its comprehensive free tier, user-friendly interface, and powerful automation features. It offers excellent value for companies of all sizes with specific tools beneficial for logistics operations.
What features should I look for in a CRM for logistics?
Essential features include shipment tracking capabilities, mobile access for drivers and field staff, automated customer communications (available via HubSpot’s Smart CRM and workflows), quote management tools, carrier/vendor databases, and integration with transportation management systems.
Is HubSpot good for logistics?
Yes, HubSpot excels for logistics companies. HubSpot provides a cost-effective solution with essential features to manage customer relationships and offers specialized tools for shipment tracking, automated communications, and mobile access that directly address logistics industry needs.
How much does a CRM for logistics cost?
CRM pricing varies widely, from free options like HubSpot’s basic plan to enterprise solutions costing $300+ per user monthly. Most logistics companies succeed with mid-tier plans ranging from $15-$50 per user per month, providing essential features without excessive complexity.
Can logistics CRMs integrate with existing software?
Yes, modern logistics CRMs offer extensive integration capabilities. HubSpot provides over 500 integrations, Salesforce offers 3,000+ connectors, and most platforms can connect with transportation management systems, accounting software, and warehouse management tools through APIs or pre-built integrations.
Meet HubSpot, the Top CRM Choice for Logistics Companies
HubSpot is the premier CRM solution for logistics businesses, combining powerful functionality, user-friendly design, and exceptional value. Here’s why industry leaders choose HubSpot:
• Comprehensive Free Tier – Start with robust CRM features at no cost, including contact management, deal tracking, and basic automation tools
• Logistics-Focused Automation – Create workflows that automatically update customers on shipment status, generate quotes, and follow up on deliveries based on your operational triggers
• Mobile-First Design – Enable your drivers, warehouse staff, and field teams to access customer data, update delivery status, and capture critical information from any location
HubSpot enabled logistics company Handled scale from zero to 121 locations across 37 states in just 18 months by providing a unified CRM platform that automated their sales, marketing, and customer service processes.
Ready to see how HubSpot can work for your logistics business? Get started with HubSpot today and transform your customer relationship management with the industry’s most trusted platform.