Best Free Truck Load Planning Software 2026
Not all "free" plans are equal — some are time-limited trials, some strip out the features that matter, and some are free forever. We compared the top options so you know exactly what you get before signing up.
Last updated: April 2026
Our Pick
Hansatic — here's why
Hansatic's free plan is genuinely free — no time limit, no credit card, no watermark. It includes 16 semi-trailer types, live axle load calculation (kingpin + bogie), auto layout, multi-stop LIFO sequencing, PDF export, and shareable driver links. No other free option comes close on truck-specific features.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hansatic ★ | Cargo-Planner | Excel | EasyCargo | CargoWiz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genuinely Free Plan (No Trial) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Dedicated Truck / Trailer Support | ✓ | ~ | ✗ | ~ | ~ |
| Live Axle Load Calculation | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ |
| Semi-Trailer Type Coverage | ✓ | ~ | ✗ | ~ | ~ |
| Auto Layout | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ | ✗ |
| PDF Loading Instructions | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser-Based (No Install) | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Shareable Driver Link | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ | ✗ |
✓ = Yes · ✗ = No · ~ = Partial · ★ = Our pick
Tools at a Glance
Hansatic
Our PickFree plan — no time limit · Paid from $19/mo
Browser-based truck load planner with a fully featured free plan — no time limit, no credit card. Covers 16 semi-trailer types, calculates kingpin and rear bogie axle loads live, applies LIFO zone sequencing automatically, and generates a shareable PDF loading plan.
Best for: Any team that needs professional truck load planning without a software budget.
Cargo-Planner
Free plan available · Paid from €19/mo
Web-based load planning tool with a free tier. Supports some trailer types and PDF export but lacks live axle load calculation and automatic LIFO sequencing for multi-stop routes.
Best for: Teams that need a free basic trailer layout tool and don't require axle load compliance.
Excel
Free (Microsoft 365 required for full features)
Spreadsheets can be used for manual load calculations at no extra cost if you already have Microsoft 365. There's no visual layout, no axle load engine, and no LIFO automation — everything is done by hand.
Best for: Teams with very simple loads and an existing spreadsheet workflow who aren't ready to switch tools.
EasyCargo
Limited free trial · Paid plans after trial
Web-based load planner with a limited free trial. The trial restricts the number of loads and containers, and there is no permanent free plan after the trial ends.
Best for: Teams evaluating EasyCargo for container loading who want to test truck layout during the trial.
CargoWiz
Paid only · No free plan
Desktop truck and container loading software. There is no free plan — only a paid licence. Requires installation on Windows.
Best for: Teams with an existing CargoWiz licence who need truck loading alongside container planning.
Your next load, perfectly planned.
Start free. No credit card. No install.