QuickBooks Desktop Migration for Freight Brokers: What to Know and How to Make the Switch

Sunnybrook TMS
Oct 9
3 min read

If you are a freight broker still managing your books on QuickBooks Desktop, you have likely heard that Intuit has been up to some big changes. They officially stopped selling new QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Mac Plus subscriptions as of September 2024, and phased out support for older versions. In May of 2025, the 2022 Desktop edition no longer receives updates or security support.

That means it is time to start planning your move to the cloud-based QuickBooks Online (QBO) platform.

Why the Shift to QuickBooks Online Matters

QuickBooks Desktop has served brokers well for many years. It has solid features and reliability, but it was designed for a different era. Before automation, real-time collaboration, and cloud integrations became standard, desktop software made sense. Today, it limits flexibility and scalability.

Cloud-based accounting systems like QuickBooks Online offer clear advantages for growing freight brokerages:

Access your books from anywhere with an internet connection
Automatic updates and backups
Easier integration with TMS platforms and payment systems
Better visibility for teams and partners
Scalable tools that grow with your business

If you are still relying on a server in the office, moving to the cloud can transform how you manage operations, invoices, and payments.

What the QuickBooks Desktop Sunset Means for Brokers

The discontinuation impacts most versions of QuickBooks Desktop, including Pro, Premier, Mac, and Enhanced Payroll. Continuing to use unsupported software creates real risks:

Missing security updates
Broken integrations and file errors
Payroll processing failures
Reduced compatibility with banking and reporting tools

In short, it will become harder to keep your books accurate and compliant over time.

How the Migration Works

Migrating from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online does not have to be complicated. Here is the general process:

Prepare your data – Back up your QuickBooks files and remove inactive records.
Plan your timing – Schedule the migration during low-activity periods, like evenings or weekends.
Choose your QBO plan – Options range from Simple Start to Advanced, depending on your brokerage’s size and needs.
Migrate your data – Export and import your company file to QuickBooks Online, including payroll and bank connections.

These steps can be time-consuming, especially if you manage accounting, carrier payments, and invoicing from one system.

How Sunnybrook Helps with QuickBooks Desktop Migration for Freight Brokers

At Sunnybrook, we work directly with freight brokers to make this transition as smooth as possible. If you are dreading the switch from Desktop to Online, we can help you modernize your back office without losing momentum.

Our accounting and integration experts will:

Guide you through data preparation and file migration
Set up QuickBooks Online to align with your operations and TMS workflows
Provide post-migration support to ensure a clean handoff

With Sunnybrook, you can turn the required move to QuickBooks Online into an opportunity to improve your entire accounting process.

What If QuickBooks Online Is Not a Perfect Fit?

If QuickBooks Online does not cover every function you need, there are alternatives such as QuickBooks Enterprise, Xero, Sage and others. These platforms may offer more advanced reporting or industry-specific capabilities.

Sunnybrook integrates seamlessly with several accounting systems, so even if you choose a different platform, your financial and operational data can still flow together in one place.

Final Thoughts

The QuickBooks Desktop era is ending, but this change can open the door to better efficiency, faster insights, and stronger financial visibility for your brokerage. Sunnybrook can help you navigate the transition to QuickBooks Online and make sure your accounting, billing, and carrier payments stay in sync every step of the way.

Ready to migrate from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online? Contact Sunnybrook to make the switch with confidence. Schedule a time to meet with one of our experts.

Catch you on the road,

The Sunnybrook TMS Squad