Best Dispatch Software for Construction Projects: A No-BS Guide

More and more construction fleet tools now include dispatch and scheduling features. But when you’re actually looking for a dispatch solution built for construction, most “comparisons” you run into turn out to be vendor blogs or generic feature lists that barely touch dispatch at all.

You might think this article is the same, and that’s fair. We’re Fleet Chaser, a fleet management platform for construction and service teams, and dispatch is one of our core features. We’re on the list here too, so we can’t pretend to be neutral.

But we also want to be upfront about our bias. In this comparison, we’ll use the same criteria for every platform, point out where our competitors might be the better fit, and yes, be honest about our own limitations, too.

TL;DR: Quick overview by best use case

Fleet Chaser: Best for small to mid-sized fleets that need crew + equipment dispatch in one platform with no hardware setup and no long-term contracts. Free 30-day trial.

Tenna: Best for mid-size contractors with 25–200+ heavy assets who want project-based dispatch plus deep maintenance integration.

HCSS Dispatcher: Best for established heavy civil firms already using HCSS tools, with a familiar digital magnet board workflow.

Clue: Best for data-driven contractors wanting AI-powered equipment optimization and predictive maintenance

Assignar: Best for mid-sized contractors who need workforce scheduling tied to compliance tracking and can afford enterprise-level pricing.

B2W Schedule: Best for heavy civil contractors coordinating dozens of crews and trucks across 10–50 job sites with real-time conflict alerts.

Dispatch360: Best for concrete and aggregate suppliers, combining delivery dispatch, e-ticketing, and customer portals.

Workyard: Best for smaller teams seeking an affordable workforce scheduling and GPS time-tracking tool, not full fleet dispatch. Free 14-day trial.

How we picked the platforms

Inefficiency adds up fast in construction. Labor alone can account for 50–60% of total project costs, including wages, benefits, training, and overhead. Even small scheduling gaps here can trigger cascading delays that cut directly into your bottom line.

Meanwhile, heavy equipment often sits idle 30–38% of the time – a silent expense on your balance sheet that can add thousands in depreciation, rental costs, and wasted fuel.

That’s why the platforms we cover were built around construction dispatch, not adapted from generic vehicle routing software. They’re designed for real-world workflows like staging equipment and juggling crews across multiple sites, all in real time.

We did exclude telematics-first providers like Samsara, Motive, and Geotab. Fleet industry giants, these tools are fantastic at hardware-based tracking and compliance, but their dispatch features are more oriented towards simple routes – think “Truck A to Spot B.”

Samsara's developer documentation confirms they position themselves as a data provider that works alongside dedicated fleet management systems rather than replacing them.

Construction dispatch has to go deeper. Think of sending a crane, two skid steers, and three operators to a new site, while making sure none are down for maintenance. That’s a level of coordination only construction-native platforms can deliver.

8 dispatch platforms for construction (key features and limitations)

We picked platforms that serve construction companies or have major construction user bases with customer feedback from the past 2-3 years.

Let's dive in, starting with our own platform – upfront about what we do well and where we fall short.

Fleet Chaser

Best fit for small to mid-sized construction teams who want dispatch software that works immediately without hardware installations.

Pricing: 30-day free trial, with immediate access to dispatch and job scheduling, task management, time tracking, team chat, and payroll automation. Then it’s $25/vehicle/month. GPS tracking ($175/vehicle) and dash cams ($425/vehicle) on demand.
Setup: Software-first approach – start dispatching jobs today, add GPS tracking when you need to with a dedicated account manager.
Key dispatch features:
- One board for job assignments, crew coordination, and equipment tracking
- Mobile app for crews to receive assignments and update job status in real-time
- Built-in team chat organized by jobs and projects
- GPS integration shows crew locations and travel times with custom geofences
- Automatic time logging when crews start and complete jobs

Explore Fleet Chaser’s dispatch features →

What customers love: Teams appreciate the simplicity, noting Fleet Chaser is "simpler than texting" for field workers. Our customer service receives consistent praise as "truly top-notch" with dedicated account managers who understand construction operations. The software-first approach eliminates the "3-month hardware installation" typical of competitors.

Limitations: Built for regional construction fleets (80-100 vehicles), we may lack enterprise features needed for larger operations. Less established than enterprise solutions like Tenna for complex ops. While software starts free, GPS ($175/vehicle) and cameras ($425/vehicle) costs can accumulate for bigger fleets.

Features that matter most to construction teams:

Replaces 5+ separate apps (time tracking, dispatch, chat, maintenance, compliance, GPS) saving $2,000-4,000 monthly
Real-time job assignment with built-in team communication organized by jobs and projects
GPS-verified time tracking with geofences for accurate customer billing, payroll, and compliance

Tenna

Best fit for mid-to-large construction contractors (25-200+ assets) who need dispatch coordination between crews and equipment for multi-day projects.

Pricing: Starts around $100/month per asset for basic equipment management features (tracking, utilization, analytics, etc). Dispatch functionality requires the premium Resource Management add-on with costs not publicly disclosed.
Setup: Demo available upon request. Requires professional installation and hardware setup with no self-service option.
Key dispatch features:
- Digital dispatch board replaces traditional magnet boards with live equipment data
- Coordinates equipment and crew assignments for project-based dispatching
- SMS dispatch notifications for drivers, operators, and workers without the app
- Resource request system for moving equipment and materials between job sites
- Maintenance integration prevents dispatching broken equipment to jobs

What customers love: Tenna's customer service and construction industry expertise. Field teams appreciate the platform's navigation and fleet visibility. Construction professionals value that Tenna understands industry workflows, noting that unlike transportation-oriented competitors, “they know what a wheel loader is, they know what a dozer is and the difference between all that.”

Limitations: Implementation challenges dominate complaints. Some users call "upfront implementation cost ridiculously absurd" and criticize nickel-and-diming for installation. Large fleets require significant setup complexity. Users feel "some add-ons that they charge for should be included in the original modules." The dispatch module is specifically noted as "very expensive."

Features that matter most to construction teams:

Project-based resource management for multi-day job coordination
Real-time equipment location with maintenance status integration
Cross-site equipment sharing system reduces unnecessary rentals

HCSS Dispatcher

Best fit for established heavy civil contractors already using HCSS ecosystem products.

Pricing: One-time license starting at $6,700 plus additional licenses for each concurrent user. HCSS recommends one license per frequent user (dispatchers, schedulers) plus 1-2 shared licenses for occasional users.
Setup: Demo upon request. On-site implementation and training with a dedicated implementation specialist.
Key dispatch features:
- Digital magnet board with point-and-click scheduling for crews, equipment, materials, and rentals
- Up to 200 locations per magnet board with unlimited number of boards
- Create customizable boards based on superintendent, region, group, or location
- Rental tracking for equipment and small tools with automatic cost calculations and overdue alerts
- Map view with geographical display of all jobs, yards, and locations with GPS integration
- Integration with HCSS’ HeavyJob, HeavyBid, and Equipment360 for seamless workflow

What customers love: The straightforward interface. Many note how HCSS Dispatcher is "incredibly easy to navigate" and "everything is laid out logically." Construction professionals appreciate that it eliminates whiteboards while improving current processes. The customer support receives consistent praise, with users noting "great product and better support".

Limitations: Works best within the HCSS ecosystem rather than standalone. Users note "the program is not very flexible. It's concrete in the way it was written". Performance issues surface with complaints that "it can be quite slow at times". No mobile version available for field teams. Integration limitations exist, as it "does not fully integrate with E360 for mileage data through telematics".

Features that matter most to construction teams:

Traditional magnet board workflow digitized for familiar dispatcher experience
Deep integration with HCSS project management and accounting systems
Rental equipment optimization to reduce unnecessary costs

Clue

Best fit for larger construction firms managing heavy equipment and rental fleets and needing AI-powered utilization analysis.

Pricing: Custom pricing only – no public rates available. Demo available upon request.
Setup: Compatible with 50+ existing telematics providers to avoid hardware replacement. Dedicated support during implementation.
Key dispatch features:
- Drag-and-drop dispatching to assign equipment and manage transport allocation
- Real-time equipment tracking and scheduling, with visibility into asset locations, availability, and transport cycles
- Instant requests and adjustments to issue urgent equipment orders or reallocate assets
- Transparent cost tracking to monitor dispatch-related expenses and prevent unnecessary rentals
- Mobile iOS and Android app for field staff to request equipment, view schedules, and manage returns

What customers love: The intuitive interface. Teams note that "within 20 minutes you can fully explain to any individual regardless of their technological background how to effectively use the tool." The replay functionality is highly valued for seeing "what this truck did in the day, where it went around, all that captured in a quick video."

Limitations: Higher investment costs beyond software subscriptions, with users noting this "could be a concern for smaller companies" planning budgets. API integration involves manual processes for some equipment types, creating time-consuming setup. Software glitches occur periodically despite responsive support. Training videos may be too fast-paced for some users who prefer more detailed guidance during initial setup.

Features that matter most to construction teams:

AI-powered utilization analysis that identifies underused equipment and rental waste
Predictive maintenance alerts preventing costly breakdowns and project delays
Single-pane visibility and cost tracking for operational oversight and budget control across dispatch, utilization, and maintenance

Assignar

Best fit for mid-sized construction contractors who prioritize workforce compliance tracking and can invest in a feature-rich platform.

A light click-through demo of Assignar

Pricing: Annual subscription model with one-time onboarding fee. Pricing calculated based on the number of active users (fieldworkers and dashboard users) and selected feature modules. One user reported $27,500 annual cost.
Setup: Demo available upon request. Offers feature modules including Scheduling & Assigning, Crew & Equipment Management, Time Tracking & Field Data, and Reporting & Analytics rather than rigid package tiers.
Key dispatch features:
- Drag-and-drop scheduling interface to assign crews and equipment to multiple projects
- Field Worker app to receive shift assignments, confirm availability, and check in/out
- Schedule and track heavy equipment across job sites with availability management
- Send job notifications and reminders via email and SMS without phone calls
- Dispatch considers worker certifications and equipment compliance status automatically

What customers love: Users praise the real-time communication capabilities: "Being able to text anyone or even groups, has been absolutely huge for us." Assignar receives positive feedback for providing operational visibility, with contractors noting how it helps coordinate field teams. Users appreciate that the system prevents dispatching workers without valid certifications.

Limitations: Users report occasional technical issues including "constant complaints from employees daily" about timesheet glitches and mobile app problems. The $27,500 annual cost mentioned suggests this isn't budget-friendly for smaller contractors needing basic dispatch functionality.

Features that matter most to construction teams:

Digital compliance management to track worker certifications, equipment inspections, and safety documents with automated expiry alerts
Accurate project costing and billing, with labor hours linked directly to specific jobs
Field-to-office data flow, with custom forms and timesheets completed on mobile devices automatically syncing to back-office systems

B2W Schedule

Ideal for heavy civil contractors coordinating dozens of crews, trucks, and equipment across 10–50 active job sites.

B2W Schedule is one of the five modules in the B2W ONE suite (Estimate, Schedule, Track, Maintain, Inform). It can be purchased separately.

Pricing: Starts around $2,500 for each B2W module according to third-party listings, though B2W hasn’t published official rates. Final costs require a custom quote.
Setup: Works best when integrated with other B2W applications like Estimate and Track for full operational integration. Cloud-based and accessible on desktop, iPad, and Android devices.
Key dispatch features:
- Drag-and-drop crew and equipment scheduling across multiple job sites with real-time conflict alerts
- Push/pull functionality to reschedule jobs when weather or delays occur
- Mobile app notifications for assignment changes via email or text message
- Map view to verify asset locations and coordinate equipment moves between projects
- Integration with ERP systems like Viewpoint Vista for automated crew assignment exports

What customers love: Heavy civil contractors say B2W Schedule cuts through “scheduling chaos” by giving them real-time visibility into crews, equipment, and resources. They highlight its drag-and-drop ease, push/pull rescheduling, and minute-by-minute updates as major time savers that make large, multi-site operations more manageable.

Limitations: Users note performance lag and clunky handling when moving multiple assignments, along with limited reporting flexibility. The platform also leans heavily toward office-based scheduling. Field tools exist, but aren’t as strong, making it less seamless for crews on site.

Features that matter most to construction teams:

Enterprise-scale coordination of labor, equipment, and trucking across dozens of concurrent projects
Real-time conflict alerts and instant scheduling changes via drag-and-drop and SMS/email push help avoid downtime
Role-based dashboards for office, shop, and field teams

Dispatch360

Best fit for concrete and aggregate suppliers who need specialized dispatch software for material deliveries with integrated customer billing.

Pricing: Subscription-based SaaS with tiered pricing by fleet size and users. Specific rates not publicly disclosed, custom quotes only.
Setup: Fully cloud-based with no hardware required. Web and mobile apps come standard, and it integrates with accounting, payroll, telematics, and major batching systems (Marcotte, Erie Strayer, CommandBatch, Jonel, BatchTron).
Key dispatch features:
- Automated order entry and scheduling with Bāsys payment integration for invoices and credit cards
- Real-time GPS tracking with live delivery updates and ETAs, shareable with customers
- Customer portal for placing orders, tracking loads, and viewing invoices or tickets, with dispatcher control over visibility
- Electronic ticketing with timestamped load tickets and quality control details
- Configurable vehicle inspections required before trucks are dispatched

What customers love: Vendor case studies point to fewer delays and smoother coordination on multi-delivery days. One concrete company with 100+ years in business put it simply: “We’ve used a handful of other fleet tracking and dispatch tools over the years. skEYEwatch is the best. The statusing and tracking is always on point.”

Limitations: Dispatch360 is built for concrete and aggregate haulers, so it’s less suited to general construction dispatch. Independent reviews are rare, making it hard to gauge user experience beyond vendor stories. Pricing isn’t public, and as a cloud-based system, its performance in low-signal areas is something contractors should test in a trial.

Features that matter most to construction teams:

One board for crews, vehicles, and orders with live GPS to coordinate multi-site work
SMS updates and a self-service portal cut phone calls and reduce downtime on site
E-ticketing, status updates, and payments take admin work out of high-velocity construction deliveries

8. Workyard

Best fit for teams needing an affordable workforce management tool with built-in scheduling rather than dedicated dispatch functionality.

Workyard mobile app, where dispatchers can send schedules and job details directly to field workers

Pricing: 14-day free trial. Workforce Management plan for $16/user/month, while the Starter Time Tracking plan is $8/user/month. Both plans come with a $50/month company base fee. A discounted quote available for 50+ employees.
Setup: Mobile-first platform with drag-and-drop scheduling interface. Field-tested with over 50K+ construction workers. Integrates with payroll, accounting, and ERP software. No hardware installation required, uses smartphones for GPS tracking.
Key dispatch features:
- Drag-and-drop scheduling calendar to assign crew members to projects and locations with instant mobile updates
- Automated task assignment based on worker location, availability, and project requirements
- Real-time GPS tracking that updates employee location every five minutes with geofencing for job site arrival alerts
- Cost code tracking that lets workers switch between different project tasks throughout their shifts via mobile app
- Live activity feed showing all project entries, exits, notes, and task completion across active job sites

What customers love: Users consistently praise time savings: "Weekly time spent on payroll and job allocation went from four hours weekly to less than one hour." Cost control gets strong feedback with one contractor noting "Workyard will save me $2,500 in inflated payroll costs from 1 guy alone." Customer support receives high marks for responsiveness and helpfulness.

Limitations: Limited to workforce management rather than comprehensive dispatch coordination. Users lack an internal messaging system. Scheduling and project management tools are "fairly basic" and lack "advanced features like task dependencies, prioritization, and customizable views, which limits its utility for managing complex construction projects." Safety concerns exist as "the app lets employees clock in while they are driving which is unsafe".

Features that matter most to construction teams:

GPS-verified time tracking with geofencing eliminates payroll disputes and provides accurate job costing data
Mobile-first design allows field workers to easily switch between cost codes and projects throughout their shifts
Automated compliance tracking for overtime and break rules helps avoid wage and hour violations

Found a construction dispatch platform that feels right?

Every tool here solves the same challenge in its own way – from Tenna’s hardware-heavy asset management, to B2W’s enterprise scheduling power, to Dispatch360’s focus on concrete and materials delivery.

As for Fleet Chaser, we’re the best fit if you’re a small to mid-sized regional construction fleet (up to about 100 vehicles) that wants to jump in quickly for free, manage crews and equipment in one place, and skip long contracts or complicated setup. If you’re running a big civil operation, already tied into HCSS or B2W, or focused on material hauling, another platform might be a better match.

This guide isn’t about picking winners and losers. It’s about giving you a clear picture of the trade-offs so you can find the software that really works for your projects and your people – even if that’s not us. One thing we are sure of? You’ll land on the platform that’s right for you!

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