Why not just use a free spreadsheet to track my trucking business?

A spreadsheet is free and familiar, but it's entirely manual — no automatic IFTA math, no invoice generation, no deadline reminders, and it's easy to lose a receipt or miss a deduction along the way.

How much do owner-operators typically lose by using spreadsheets instead of dedicated software?

It varies widely, but a common pattern is real money left on the table — spreadsheet users often miss deductions from incomplete or disorganized records, usually receipts that got lost or expenses that never got logged in the first place.

Can a spreadsheet calculate my IFTA taxes?

Not automatically — you'd manually total your miles and gallons per state and do the math yourself each quarter. TruxSheet's AI-assisted interview proposes the per-state split for you to confirm, then generates a filing-ready worksheet in minutes.

Can I send invoices from a spreadsheet?

Not directly — you'd need a separate invoice template or software. TruxSheet generates a professional PDF invoice from any load in one tap and emails it straight to your broker.

When does it make sense to move on from spreadsheets?

Once manual entry, invoice creation, or IFTA math starts eating real time each week — or you're worried about missed deductions or lost receipts — that's usually the point a dedicated tracker like TruxSheet pays for itself.

TruxSheet

Guides

Comparison

Still using Excel? Here's what you're missing.

Free doesn't mean simple. See what a dedicated owner-operator app adds — for less than you'd think.

TruxSheet

$49.95/month

Automatic IFTA prep and invoicing
Receipt photos and deadline reminders
Built for your phone, not a laptop

Spreadsheets

Free

Free and familiar
Manual IFTA math, no invoice generation
Missed deductions are common with incomplete manual records

Feature comparison

Feature	TruxSheet	Spreadsheets
Load & expense tracking		Manual
Broker invoicing
IFTA mileage worksheet		Manual
AI-assisted IFTA interview
Compliance deadline reminders
Cost-per-mile / breakeven tracking
Receipt photo storage
Monthly price	$49.95 flat	Free

"Manual" means possible by hand, with no automation. Confirm your own numbers before filing or invoicing.

Who should use which

Stick with spreadsheets if...

You run very few loads, want zero monthly cost, and are confident in your own manual bookkeeping and IFTA math.

Choose TruxSheet if...

You want invoicing, automatic IFTA prep, receipt tracking, and deadline reminders handled for you — so nothing slips through the cracks.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to stop reconstructing your records by hand?

Automatic IFTA prep, invoicing, and reminders — one flat $49.95/mo.