BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Car DMS or truck DMS: compare a real deal.
A software label is not enough to decide. An independent unit-sales dealer has different needs from a network with a parts counter, workshop and rental operation. Ask for a demonstration of your records, documents and tax exceptions rather than an integration-logo list.
Cases to demonstrate
Bring a typical unit, a trailer, a trade-in and an out-of-province sale if relevant. Ask which fields actually identify the unit, who collects the taxes, what the customer receives and how partial payments change the balance. A car form accepting a VIN does not by itself prove those workflows.
| What to check | In TruckDMS today |
|---|---|
| Truck and trailer record | VIN, stock, engine, transmission, axles, weights and description as applicable. |
| Invoice and contract | Contextual tax calculation; generated Québec contract, uploaded elsewhere. |
| Accounting | Reports and export files, not a full accounting general ledger. |
| Parts and workshop | Invoice items and unit expenses, not full workshop management. |
Different scopes in the market
The internal September 26, 2026 study covered unit-sales DMS products and broader systems. Official pages rechecked October 13, 2026 describe Karmak Fusion for parts, service, accounting and sales, and DealerTeam for truck dealerships. This is neither hands-on testing of those products nor a comparison of their effectiveness.
TruckDMS focuses on commercial inventory, the website, leads and sale documents. If you need integrated workshop operations, barcode-managed parts stock, manufacturer integrations or a complete general ledger, evaluate another solution or a combination of tools. Do not buy assuming those functions are included.
Compare cost and exit
Ask about currency, per-user or per-dealership billing, extra modules, assistance and exit terms. During a trial, export a small record set and have your bookkeeper check it. A posted price does not tell you whether your migration workflow or integration is included.
Choose for your inventory
Essential starts at $129 CAD a month for 40 units and 3 users. Pro, at $249 CAD, includes unlimited units and users and a custom domain. US dealerships pay $99 USD or $189 USD respectively. Taxes extra. The 14-day trial needs no card.
Frequently asked questions
Is TruckDMS better than every car DMS?
We do not make that claim. Fit depends on your operation and the features you need. A demo lets you check your own sale scenarios.
Can I keep my accounting software?
Yes. Accounting exports provide files in the supported formats. They do not promise direct synchronization with every accounting product.
Sources consulted
- Karmak Fusion: scope described by the vendor · checked
- DealerTeam: truck dealership solution · checked