Softwr

Maritime · head to head

CargoSmart vs Clarksons

CargoSmart logo

CargoSmart

Maritime

Global shipment visibility and intelligence

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Clarksons logo

Clarksons

Maritime

World's leading shipbroker and data provider

From
$3000/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CargoSmart has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: CargoSmart no pricing published on website; Clarksons no pricing published on website
  • They diverge on capability: CargoSmart covers Real-time tracking, Clarksons covers Market intelligence.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CargoSmart and Clarksons actually diverge.

Attributes where CargoSmart and Clarksons differ
AttributeCargoSmartClarksons
Starting priceFree$3000/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, ApiWeb, Api
Founded20001852

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maritime).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in CargoSmart

  • Real-time tracking
  • ETA predictions
  • Exception management
  • Carbon tracking
  • SAP TM
  • Oracle
  • Shipping lines
  • TMS

Only in Clarksons

  • Market intelligence
  • Fleet database
  • Freight rates
  • Research reports
  • API
  • Excel add-in
  • Data exports

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Api support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

CargoSmart

  • Logistics and cargo managementnot Clarksons
  • Shipping and supply chain coordinationnot Clarksons
  • Freight forwarding servicesnot Clarksons

Clarksons

  • Maritime brokerage and shipping servicesnot CargoSmart
  • Ship finance and leasingnot CargoSmart
  • Shipping market researchnot CargoSmart
  • Port services and operationsnot CargoSmart

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

CargoSmart

  • No pricing published on website
  • Pricing model not disclosed
  • Requires direct contact with sales
  • No free trial or freemium tier mentioned

Clarksons

  • No pricing published on website
  • Pricing model not disclosed
  • Enterprise maritime services requiring custom quotes
  • Multiple business lines (broking, finance, research, ports, tech) with different pricing
  • Direct sales contact required

Pricing, plan by plan

CargoSmart

Free
  • Professional$299/month
    • Unlimited tracking
    • ETA predictions
    • Analytics

Clarksons

$3000/month
  • Shipping Intelligence Network$5000/month
    • Market data
    • Fleet database
    • Research reports

Which should you pick?

Choose CargoSmart if

  • You need real-time tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
  • You also want eta predictions.
CargoSmart review

Choose Clarksons if

  • You need market intelligence.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want fleet database.
Clarksons review

Questions people ask

Is CargoSmart or Clarksons better?
Neither clearly leads. CargoSmart starts at Free and Clarksons at $3000/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CargoSmart or Clarksons?
CargoSmart has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for CargoSmart and $3000/month for Clarksons.
Does CargoSmart or Clarksons run on more platforms?
CargoSmart runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api. Clarksons runs on Web, Api.
Can I use CargoSmart for free?
Yes. CargoSmart has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Clarksons starts at $3000/month.
What is CargoSmart best used for?
CargoSmart is most often used for logistics and cargo management, shipping and supply chain coordination, freight forwarding services. Of those, logistics and cargo management and shipping and supply chain coordination are not what Clarksons is typically brought in for.
What can CargoSmart do that Clarksons cannot?
CargoSmart covers Real-time tracking, ETA predictions, Exception management, Carbon tracking. Clarksons covers Market intelligence, Fleet database, Freight rates, Research reports. Both handle Web support, Api support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

CargoSmart: How much does CargoSmart cost?

CargoSmart does not publish pricing on its website. Pricing is customized based on specific requirements and must be obtained by contacting their sales team directly.

Source
Clarksons: How much does Clarksons charge for its services?

Clarksons does not publish pricing on its website. The company operates as a marine and shipping services provider with five business lines. Pricing is customized by service line and must be obtained by contacting Clarksons directly.

Source
CargoSmart: Does CargoSmart offer a free trial?

CargoSmart's website does not mention a free trial or freemium tier. Pricing and trial availability must be discussed with their sales team.

Source
Clarksons: Which Clarksons division should I contact for pricing?

Clarksons has five business divisions: Broking, Financial Services, Research, Port Services, and Technology. Contact their specific department for pricing relevant to your needs.

Source
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