Best software tools for O/O

What kind of software tools are out there that help owner/operators? What are you using, why does it help, what's missing? Interested in knowing what real people are using.

 

Sorry for not being more specific... I am really looking into the best way to track loads, miles, expenses, fuel costs/analysis, daily reporting, keeping paperwork organized to match the info on the computer and whatnot.

Looks like many are using Excel.... do you make your own excel files? Do you find you have to make changes and figure out new calculations if things change? Is it best to use a laptop or tablet for excel or both?

I've also been looking into TheTruckersReport, RigExpenseTracker, EasyTruckingSoftware. I had not seen Big Road, so I'll check that out too. trying to decide pros/cons of managing my own excel files or paying for some of the tools. Anyone have any advice? Which ones are good, what are they missing, if you've tried one of the paid programs and gave up. This is an important decision and I don't want to rush into something that might not work for me.
On one hand, I like the idea of excel - it's free and I can customize it just for me (although I have to admit, I'm not the best at configuring excel). But the other programs seem to have more bells and whistles, and apps for my phone... but they seems to add up to a lot of extra costs.

So confusing.

 

Wow, great thread... couple hours in and I'm on page 40 of 143. Great stuff. Thanks!

 

Just finished..... 142 pages of posts in 5 hours. Whew!