Ascend TMS vs Diesel TMS
See how Diesel TMS compares on pricing, features, and value.
Overview
Ascend TMS (by InMotion Global) markets itself as "The Free TMS" and is one of the most well-known names in the freight brokerage software space. Based in Tampa, Florida, they consistently rank high on review sites and claim to be the "world's most popular TMS." Their platform serves freight brokers, 3PLs, carriers, and shippers.
While Ascend TMS does offer a free tier, their paid plans quickly become expensive on a per-user basis—and their actual "free" tier is extremely limited compared to what Diesel TMS offers at no cost.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Ascend TMS | Diesel TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Limited free version (very basic features) | $0/month — full features with ads |
| 5 Users | $345/month (Basic @ $69/user) or $595/month (Premium @ $119/user) | $200/month (Pro @ $40/user) |
| 10 Users | $690/month (Basic) or $1,190/month (Premium) or $1,490/month (Pro) | $400/month (Pro @ $40/user) |
| 20 Users | $1,380/month (Basic) or $2,380/month (Premium) or $2,980/month (Pro) | $800/month (Pro @ $40/user) |
Note: Ascend TMS also requires separate paid subscriptions for DAT and Truckstop.com load board access, which adds to the total cost.
Key Differences
Pricing Model
- Ascend TMS: Per-user pricing at $69-$149/user/month depending on tier. Features are gated behind higher tiers (EDI, KPIs, CRM features require Pro at $149/user).
- Diesel TMS: Flat $40/user/month (Pro) with ALL features included, or $0.25/user/hour (Flex) for pay-as-you-go. No feature gates between paid tiers.
The "Free" Difference
- Ascend TMS: Their free version is heavily limited. Key features like advanced reporting, EDI, and CRM tools are locked behind paid plans. It’s essentially a trial to push you toward $69+/user/month plans.
- Diesel TMS: The free tier includes ALL features—unlimited loads, carriers, users, QuickBooks integration, accounting, driver app, API access, and more. The only trade-off is displaying ads.
Hidden Costs
- Ascend TMS: Requires separate DAT/Truckstop.com subscriptions for load board access. EDI setup and transaction fees apply. These hidden costs can add hundreds per month.
- Diesel TMS: Load board integrations (123Loadboard) included. No EDI transaction fees. No hidden costs. What you see is what you pay.
Carrier & Driver Operations
- Ascend TMS: Supports brokerage and some carrier operations but charges per driver/truck in some configurations.
- Diesel TMS: Full carrier operations with driver app, fleet management, truck/trailer maintenance, inspections, and IFTA—all included at no extra cost.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Ascend TMS | Diesel TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Featured Free Tier | ❌ (limited) | ✅ |
| Unlimited Loads/Shipments | ✅ | ✅ |
| Load Board Integration (included) | ❌ (extra cost) | ✅ |
| QuickBooks Integration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Built-in Double-Entry Accounting | ❌ | ✅ |
| Driver Mobile App | ❌ | ✅ |
| Fleet/Maintenance Management | ❌ | ✅ |
| E-Signatures | ✅ (Pro only) | ✅ (all plans) |
| EDI | ✅ (Pro only + fees) | ✅ (included) |
| Customer Portal | ✅ | ✅ |
| Carrier Portal | ✅ | ✅ |
| API Access | Limited | ✅ |
The Bottom Line
Ascend TMS is a well-established platform with strong reviews, but their per-user pricing quickly adds up—especially when you need features like EDI, KPIs, or CRM tools that require the $149/user Pro plan. For a 10-person team, you’re looking at $690-$1,490/month before load board subscriptions.
Diesel TMS offers 42% to 73% lower per-user costs with zero feature gates between plans. Every feature is available on every plan, the free tier is genuinely full-featured, and there are no hidden costs for load board access or EDI. For a startup looking to minimize overhead while maximizing capability, Diesel TMS is the smarter investment.
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