Docket vs Starlight Software
Head-to-head comparison of pricing, features, integrations, and use-case fit.
Docket
Dumpster-rental and waste-hauling software for roll-off and trash-route businesses
- Starting price
- Custom quote
- Aggregate rating
- —
- Best team size
- 1-50
- Free trial
- No
Starlight Software
Roll-off and commercial waste & recycling management software
- Starting price
- Custom quote
- Aggregate rating
- —
- Best team size
- 5-200
- Free trial
- No
Quick verdict
Docket: Roll-off dumpster rental and commercial/residential trash-route haulers that want asset tracking, dispatch, billing, and customer payments in one platform.
Starlight Software: Roll-off and commercial waste/recycling operators that want a comprehensive, dedicated waste-management platform and are willing to invest at the premium end.
Decision matrix — which one is right for you?
Pick Docket if…
- → Your situation matches Docket's target profile: Roll-off dumpster rental and commercial/residential trash-route haulers that want asset tracking, dispatch, billing, and customer payments in one platform
Pick Starlight Software if…
- → Your situation matches Starlight Software's target profile: Roll-off and commercial waste/recycling operators that want a comprehensive, dedicated waste-management platform and are willing to invest at the premium end
Pricing side-by-side
| Tier | Docket | Starlight Software |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Custom quote — Custom | Custom quote — Custom |
Both Docket and Starlight Software use custom-quoted pricing — typical for enterprise-tier FSM platforms. Expect 30-60 minute discovery calls from each before getting a number, with pricing in the $250-$800 per user per month range for either. Request quotes from both for apples-to-apples comparison at your specific team size and feature requirements.
Pros & cons
Docket
- + Native QuickBooks integration (bidirectional sync)
- + Broad feature coverage (8 core features)
- − No public pricing (per-truck, demo)
- − Now part of ServiceCore, which also serves dumpster businesses, so the long-term split between the two products is worth confirming before committing
- − No public pricing — sales call required for a quote
Starlight Software
- + Native QuickBooks integration (bidirectional sync)
- + Broad feature coverage (8 core features)
- − Among the more expensive options in the category, and some users report uneven feature depth or development pace despite a responsive support team
- − No public pricing
- − No public pricing — sales call required for a quote
Implementation timeline comparison
Docket
3-6 months for full deployment with dedicated implementation manager
Starlight Software
3-6 months for full deployment with dedicated implementation manager
Enterprise-tier platforms ($250+/user/mo) typically require 3-6 months with dedicated admin time, custom pricebook setup, and phased rollout to field techs. Mid-tier platforms reach operational status in 4-8 weeks with optional paid onboarding. Entry-tier platforms are designed for self-service onboarding in 1-3 weeks. Always plan for 2-4 weeks of parallel operation with your existing system before cutting over.
Feature comparison
Only in Docket
- + payment processing
- + driver tracking
- + customer portal
- + website builder
Both have
- ✓ scheduling
- ✓ dispatching
- ✓ asset tracking
- ✓ automated billing
Only in Starlight Software
- + route planning
- + customer management
- + reporting
- + mobile app
Integrations
Only in Docket
— None unique —
Both integrate with
- ✓ quickbooks
Only in Starlight Software
— None unique —
Which fits better in each trade
| Trade | Docket fit | Starlight Software fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waste & Junk Removal | 9 / 10 | 8 / 10 | Docket |
Vertical-fit scores combine feature coverage, customer base concentration, and the tool's own positioning for the trade. See methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Docket or Starlight Software?
Neither is universally better — they target different buyers. Docket is best for Roll-off dumpster rental and commercial/residential trash-route haulers that want asset tracking, dispatch, billing, and customer payments in one platform. Starlight Software is best for Roll-off and commercial waste/recycling operators that want a comprehensive, dedicated waste-management platform and are willing to invest at the premium end. See the decision matrix above for situation-specific guidance, or jump to the per-vertical winner table if you're in a specific trade.
Is Docket cheaper than Starlight Software?
Both Docket and Starlight Software use custom pricing or have similar entry costs — request quotes from both to compare apples-to-apples for your specific team size.
Can Docket and Starlight Software integrate with QuickBooks?
Docket integrates with QuickBooks natively. Starlight Software integrates with QuickBooks natively. Both work with QuickBooks Online; confirm QuickBooks Desktop support before signing if your accountant uses Desktop.
Do Docket or Starlight Software offer a free trial?
Docket: no free trial advertised; demo on request. Starlight Software: no free trial advertised; demo on request.
How long does Docket vs Starlight Software take to implement?
Docket: 3-6 months for full deployment with dedicated implementation manager. Starlight Software: 3-6 months for full deployment with dedicated implementation manager. Implementation length scales with pricing tier — enterprise platforms ($250+/user/mo) require 3-6 months with dedicated admin time; mid-tier platforms typically reach operational status in 4-8 weeks with optional paid onboarding.
Can I migrate from Docket to Starlight Software (or vice versa)?
Yes, but expect data normalization work. Customer records and active jobs typically import cleanly via CSV. Historical job data, recurring service agreements, and custom pricebooks rarely transfer perfectly — most shops leave historical data in the source system as archival reference rather than migrating it. Budget 2-4 weeks of parallel operation between the two systems during the cutover.
Docket vs Starlight Software: which has better customer support?
Both Docket and Starlight Software offer email support across all tiers, with phone and live chat typically reserved for higher tiers. Response time SLAs vary by tier — entry-tier customers usually get 24-48 hour email response; enterprise customers get dedicated account managers with same-day response. Read recent G2 reviews specifically for support-quality signals before committing.
Which is better for solo contractors vs growing teams?
For solo contractors and 2-3 person teams, the lower-priced option (either) typically wins on cost without sacrificing core features. For growing teams (5-15 employees), evaluate based on which platform's upper tiers include the features you'll need at your 12-18 month projected scale rather than buying for today's team size. For established 15+ employee operations, the depth of enterprise features (reporting, multi-location, marketing attribution) matters more than entry-tier price.
Need a deeper look?
See our full reviews with detailed pricing tiers, integration depth, and weaknesses.