NorthStar vs Switchboard
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ with what reviewers say about each.
NorthStar
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NorthStar app will provide CN Internal drivers (CNTL) the means to receive move instructions and stay connected with day to day dispatch operations. CN NorthStar is a mobile application that will streamline day to day interactions with CN Internal drivers (CNTL) by allowing all carriers working to see their plans for the day, completed moves, and live messaging capability with the dispatch team. This application allows drivers to verify move instructions in advance, thus saving time and increasing productivity. The app will allow drivers to review a work day summary at the end of their move actions. The application will not only provide options to complete trips to the terminal but also help at customer visits. Please find some features of the application below: 1. Using a fully automated gating experience for intermodal terminals 2. Allowing equipment condition checks and terminal equipment location. 3. The driver can communicate for any issues with dispatcher through messaging 4. Driver can able to see assigned stop list where driver can arrive and complete activities (Pick up or Drop) 5. App is using location services to track driver location while performing any task by driver for assigned stop 6. Driver can use the camera to take pictures of damage containers that they will use to report to dispatchers
Switchboard
This electronic logging software helps drivers comply with ELD mandates. It offers automatic log recording, DVIR preparation, and driving timers. 24/7 customer support is available to assist with ELD issues.
- Hours of Service Compliance
- Automatic electric log recording
- Prepare DVIRs
- Driving timers
- 24/7 Customer Support
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Stay ELD mandate compliant with Switchboard's Electronic Logging software available for drivers and their smartphones and tablets. Switchboard's easy-to-use solution provides the following features: - Hours of Service Compliance - Automatic electric log recording - Prepare DVIRs (Digital Vehicle Inspection Records) - Driving timers We have your back with the best in class 24/7 customer support, so you can focus on your operations without worrying about any ELD issues.
Screenshots
Verdict
NorthStar and Switchboard are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters โ price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them โ neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
NorthStar ships an update every 3 weeks, Switchboard fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | NorthStar | Switchboard |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | โ | 0.0% of reviews |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly โ better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | โ | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod โ better |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.0 โ better |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 42 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Canadian National Railway Company | Switchboard Inc. |
In-app purchases
NorthStar
No in-app purchases
Switchboard
No in-app purchases







