Bobtail vs Outgo: which is better for a new business? (2026)
Choose Bobtail if: Owner-operators wanting capped rates and a 90-day trial
Skip it if: You want non-recourse protection or support outside weekday business hours.
Visit BobtailChoose Outgo if: DAT One users wanting published rates, no annual contract
Skip it if: You need fuel advances, a fuel discount card, or confirmed Spanish support.
Visit OutgoQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Bobtail (8 vs 6.9) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Tie (Negotiable vs 3% (<$18k/mo)) |
| Better public ratings | Bobtail (4.7 vs 4.3 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Bobtail (Spanish support vs Not confirmed) |
Side by side
| Best for | Owner-operators wanting capped rates and a 90-day trial | DAT One users wanting published rates, no annual contract |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You want non-recourse protection or support outside weekday business hours. | You need fuel advances, a fuel discount card, or confirmed Spanish support. |
| Free plan or trial | 90 days | No |
| Spanish | Spanish support | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone 410-204-2084, email, in-app; M-F 9-5 ET | Phone (201) 730-6980, email; M-F 9am-8pm ET |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.8/5 (App Store, 468) | 4.3/5 (App Store, 37) |
| Rate | Negotiable, max 3.24% | 3% (<$18k/mo), 2.5% ($18k–$80k), 1% card spend |
| Advance | Invoice minus flat fee; no reserves | 100% minus fee; no reserves |
| Recourse | Recourse only (per Bobtail blog) | Non-recourse (broker bankruptcy) |
| Contract | 90-day trial, then long-term contract | No annual contract; 15-day cancellation notice |
| Minimums | No monthly minimums | No minimum fees |
| Funding speed | Same day if sent by 11am ET, M-F | Within 4 hours if qualified; else up to 2 business days |
| Fuel advance | Not published | Not published |
| Broker credit checks | Yes, on every broker; check in app | Free broker credit checks |
| Fuel card | Bobtail Mastercard fleet card; no setup or monthly fees | No; Visa debit card instead |
| New authorities | Not published | Needs MC or DOT number; authority age not stated |
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Bobtail
- Rate capped at 3.24%, no hidden fees or monthly minimums
- Cancel anytime in the first 90 days without penalty
- Help offered in English, Spanish and Punjabi
- Choose which brokers to factor and bill the rest yourself
- No non-recourse contract; relies on broker bond and shipper claims
- Long-term contract starts after the trial; length not published
- Support hours only Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm ET
Outgo
- Published rates: 3% under $18k/month, 2.5% up to $80k
- No annual contract; cancel with 15 days' notice
- Non-recourse, no reserves and no minimum fees
- Factorable loads are flagged inside the DAT One load board
- 1% rate applies only to Outgo Card spending or Day-30 waits
- Factoring limit depends on business size, age and history
- 4-hour funding needs prior broker history and a 3pm ET cutoff
Also worth a look
Questions
Is Bobtail or Outgo cheaper?
Their published starting prices can't be compared directly (Negotiable vs 3% (<$18k/mo)). Ask both for a quote.
Which has better reviews?
Bobtail, with 4.7/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Bobtail: Spanish support. Outgo: Not confirmed.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.