Inbound Connect vs SimpleDock

Inbound Connect is a SaaS vehicle booking system for logistics facilities managing truck arrivals. It shows operators which vehicles are expected, when they are due, and what they are carrying, helping facilities plan capacity and assign arrival slots. Carriers can book time slots in advance, while facilities configure workflows, rules, and notifications for settings such as warehouses, ports, intermodal terminals, and air freight hubs. The platform supports electronic document exchange and automated visitor identification, with records of site check-ins and check-outs. Facilities can set automatic charges for peak periods, missed bookings, or late pickups. Integrations include a flexible API, pre-built connectors, and existing links with warehouse and facility management systems; specific integration questions go through support. Mobile-native apps are described for facility staff, forklift operators, and roaming operators. Premium adds mobile booking management for drivers and dispatch teams, AI booking creation from uploaded paperwork, driver and vehicle management, live vessel schedule updates, webhooks, Azure Entra ID single sign-on, and a live capacity dashboard. The company says implementation can go live in days and its team guides setup. Pricing is on request, though opening an account is free; this does not establish that bookings or facility services cost nothing.

SimpleDock schedules dock appointments for warehouses, distribution centers, and 3PLs. Carriers and drivers book through a shareable link without an account, app installation, or login. Facilities can set operating hours, door capacity, slots per hour, appointment duration, buffer times, and minimum notice. The software supports approval workflows, driver check-in, dwell-time tracking, custom booking questions, and email and SMS notifications. TV Mode displays a live dock schedule on a smart TV or browser without requiring a login or app. Listed integrations and event destinations include Google Calendar, Outlook, Slack, Zapier, and signed webhooks. The REST API can read availability and create or manage appointments; API keys are available on Pro plans. Free costs nothing and covers one location and up to three team members. Pro costs $49 a month per location for one to nine locations, with lower listed rates for larger counts. Pro includes unlimited locations and team members, analytics, custom appointment fields, and selected integrations.