Magaya alternative
Magaya runs forwarding. Keelway runs the broker inbox.
Last updated
Magaya is the freight-forwarder software standard for many SMB forwarder-broker hybrids. Their domestic broker module exists, but inbox-side AI for the 40 carrier replies on every truckload isn't the wedge they ship. Keelway is. We complement Magaya for hybrids who run both forwarding and a domestic broker book.
The forwarder-broker hybrid stack
For shops that run both forwarding and a domestic broker book, the typical path is:
- Magaya — forwarder side of business (international shipments, customs, warehouse, accounting).
- Keelway — domestic broker side (Gmail-native carrier reply triage on posted truckload loads).
The two operate on different parts of the business, write back to each other for shared records, and don't step on each other's workflows.
Side by side
| Feature | Magaya | Keelway |
|---|---|---|
| Primary product | Freight forwarder + multimodal supply chain software | AI carrier-email triage for domestic brokerage |
| Domestic broker module | Yes — secondary feature | Not a TMS — sits on top of any TMS |
| International forwarding (HBL/MBL, customs) | Strong — flagship | Out of scope |
| Pricing model | Custom-quoted by module | $799/mo flat (everything included) |
| Inbound carrier reply triage | Light | Core product |
| Per-reply rate extraction | No | Yes — every reply |
| Per-reply FMCSA trust score | No | Yes — refreshed at scoring time |
| Where brokers work | Magaya web app + back-office | Gmail |
| Customs / multimodal | Strong | Out of scope |
| Implementation timeline | Weeks to months | Under 2 weeks |
| Best for | Forwarder-broker hybrids and pure forwarders | Brokers drowning in domestic carrier email replies |
| Run alongside | Yes — Keelway integrates for the broker side | Yes — Magaya keeps forwarder workflows |
When Magaya alone is enough
- Forwarding is the majority of your business; the domestic broker side is small and stable.
- You don't want a second tool in the stack.
When Magaya + Keelway is the stack
- Domestic broker volume is meaningful and inbound carrier email triage eats real broker time.
- You want FMCSA trust scoring and rate extraction on every domestic load reply.
- Magaya stays your forwarder + accounting spine; Keelway just adds the broker-inbox layer.
Frequently asked questions
What is Magaya and what's its primary focus?+
Magaya is a freight-forwarder-first software platform with strong international shipment, customs, warehouse, and accounting features. They've been a category leader in forwarder software for decades. Magaya also has a domestic broker module, but it's secondary to the forwarding side of the product.
Why look for a Magaya alternative?+
The most common pattern: brokerages that originally went with Magaya for forwarder workflows realize their domestic broker book has grown enough that the broker module's limitations show up. The inbox triage problem (40 carrier replies on every domestic load) is one of those limitations — Magaya wasn't built around it. Brokers shopping a Magaya alternative often want either a domestic-broker-first TMS or an AI inbox layer.
Is Keelway a Magaya replacement?+
No. Keelway is not freight-forwarder software and not a TMS. We're an AI carrier-email triage layer for domestic broker workflows. If you run Magaya for forwarding and have a domestic broker book on the side, Keelway adds the inbox-side AI that Magaya's broker module doesn't deeply provide.
Can I run Keelway and Magaya together?+
Yes — and that's a real configuration for forwarder-broker hybrids. Magaya stays the system of record for forwarder shipments and your broker module records; Keelway sits in your Gmail and handles inbound domestic carrier reply triage on posted truckload loads. Booked carriers and trust scores write back to Magaya records.
How does pricing compare?+
Magaya pricing is custom-quoted by module and customer size. Keelway is $799/mo flat, every feature included, 30-day free trial. The two aren't directly comparable — Magaya prices the whole forwarder + broker platform; Keelway prices the inbox AI for domestic brokerage operations.
What if I'm a pure forwarder, not a broker?+
Then Keelway has nothing for you. We're built around US domestic broker workflows — DAT/Truckstop posting, FMCSA carrier vetting, Gmail-native carrier reply triage. International forwarder workflows (HBL/MBL, customs, multi-modal) aren't our scope. Magaya remains the right answer for that side.
When is Magaya still the right call alongside everything else?+
If forwarder operations are your majority business and the domestic broker side is small, Magaya's broker module is good enough and Keelway adds little. We're built for shops where the domestic broker book is meaningful enough that 30+ carrier replies hit Gmail on every posted load.
Forwarder-broker hybrid?
