Descartes GroundCloud
Fleet tracking software
Distribution software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if Descartes GroundCloud and its alternatives fit your requirements.
$30 per month
Free Trial unavailableFree version unavailable
Small
Medium
Large
-
What is Descartes GroundCloud
Descartes GroundCloud is a last-mile delivery and field service operations platform used to plan routes, dispatch work, track drivers, and capture proof of delivery. It supports organizations running local and regional distribution with company drivers or contracted fleets. The product combines route optimization, mobile driver workflows, and customer-facing delivery notifications in one system, with integrations intended for order and shipment data feeds.
End-to-end last-mile workflows
GroundCloud covers route planning, dispatch, driver mobile execution, and proof-of-delivery capture in a single product. This reduces the need to stitch together separate routing, tracking, and POD tools. It is well-suited to delivery operations that require consistent driver workflows and standardized delivery exceptions handling.
Driver app and POD capture
The platform includes mobile functionality for stops, tasks, and status updates during route execution. It supports proof-of-delivery data collection (e.g., signatures, photos, notes) and timestamps tied to stops. These capabilities help operations teams reconcile deliveries and manage customer service inquiries with auditable delivery records.
Operational visibility and notifications
GroundCloud provides dispatch visibility into route progress and driver status during the day. It supports customer communications such as delivery notifications and ETA-style updates, which can reduce inbound "where is my order" calls. The focus on last-mile execution differentiates it from products that emphasize only vehicle telematics or only route planning.
Not a full TMS suite
GroundCloud is oriented to last-mile execution rather than end-to-end transportation management across modes and carriers. Organizations needing procurement, tendering, rating, and multi-leg planning may require additional systems. Fit depends on whether the primary need is distribution execution versus broader transportation management.
Integration effort varies by stack
Connecting order sources, ERPs, eCommerce platforms, or WMS systems typically requires configuration and sometimes custom integration work. Data mapping for stops, service times, exceptions, and customer notifications can take time to implement correctly. Teams should validate available connectors and API capabilities against their existing architecture.
Telematics depth may be limited
While the product supports tracking and operational monitoring, organizations seeking deep vehicle diagnostics and compliance-focused telematics may find gaps compared with dedicated fleet telematics platforms. Use cases such as engine fault codes, advanced driver safety analytics, or ELD-centric workflows may require separate tooling. Buyers should confirm which tracking methods (app-based vs. hardware) and compliance features are supported for their fleet.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| GroundCloud CSP | $35/month per max simultaneous drivers (for fleets <10 drivers); $30/month per max simultaneous drivers (for fleets 10+ drivers); $5/month for additional drivers for ongoing safety training | Core routing & fleet-management package: Scheduling, Dispatch & turn-by-turn navigation, Unlimited route optimization, Driver app (iOS/Android), Fleet management, DVIR, Live fleet map, No contracts; site notes "more detailed pricing info will be provided based on your fleet size and product selection." |
| GroundCloud PRO | From $250/month (listed as an addition to GroundCloud CSP) | Advanced capabilities: fleet-management dashboards, advanced scheduling suite, payroll automation, profitability optimization analytics (RouteStats™), mobile asset tracking; pricing depends on fleet size and selected modules. |
| GroundCloud VEDR | $30/month | Video Event Data Recorder (VEDR) service: AI cameras, forward- and driver-facing cameras (site states 2 cameras per vehicle), event detection, integration with delivery data, automated coaching; "No contract" noted. Hardware options are sold separately on the official shop (e.g., GroundCloud AIR-II listed on groundcloudshop). |
| CSP + VEDR Bundle | $50/month | Combined CSP + VEDR bundled price; site indicates detailed pricing will vary by fleet size/product selection and no contract required. |
Seller details
The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
1981
Public
https://www.descartes.com/
https://x.com/DescartesSG
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-descartes-systems-group/
