Last mile delivery is an essential part of the supply chain but is also one of the most challenging and costliest stages and most complex. Since many service providers are involved in this stage – the shipper, the carrier services provider, the delivery-vehicle driver, and the customer, it becomes a top-heavy process. In recent years, logistics software has emerged as a solution to resolve the inherent challenges of the traditional last mile delivery process. Logistics software can provide real-time visibility of delivery routes and traffic patterns, enabling companies to optimise their delivery routes for speed and efficiency. Additionally, logistics software can help automate the delivery process, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimising errors. Overall, logistics software can help companies streamline their last mile delivery process, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
Let us look at the country’s Top-10 last mile delivery software providers and understand how businesses can benefit from it.
What is Last-Mile Delivery?
Last mile delivery is referred to as the very last step of the delivery process. It’s when a package is moved from the transportation hub or a fulfillment center to its final destination, which is usually a retail store or a customer’s residence. It is one of the most important steps of the delivery process. That’s why your business must ensure it is quick, cost-effective, and efficient, especially if you operate in the food or retail industries.
What is Last Mile Delivery Software: How Does it Work?
Specialised software for connecting the final stages of delivery – between the last transportation bay and the customer, its working is unique to every industry in which it operates. To complete the delivery, the software prepares the route for delivery. It charts courses that efficiently account for schedules of other deliveries, traffic, and weather conditions. The software supports real-time delivery vehicle tracking during transit, providing customers with accurate delivery times. Once the package is delivered, the software automatically sends a delivery confirmation to the shipper and updates the customer. The software is designed to:
- Reduce costs
- Improve customer satisfaction
- Automated route planning
- Automated real-time tracking
- Automated delivery confirmation
- Optimise the last mile delivery process
With last mile delivery software, companies can efficiently manage the delivery process and provide a seamless customer experience.
Top-10 Last Mile Delivery Software
There are many software options available for last mile delivery. The following are the top-ranking ten software delivery packages that businesses should consider:
1. Onfleet
It is an advanced route optimisation and customisable software. It is an excellent choice for larger eCommerce businesses and logistics companies.
- Customisable delivery workflows and automated dispatching
- Real-time alerts and delivery updates via email, SMS, and mobile app notifications
- Proof of delivery with customer signature capture and photo upload options
- API and webhook integrations with popular third-party apps and services
- AI-powered delivery optimisation and predictive analytics to improve efficiency
2. Bringg
This software is highly customisable and can be tailored to fit the needs of any business, making it a popular choice among small and large companies.
- Omnichannel delivery management for both B2B and B2C deliveries
- Advanced last-mile analytics for improved visibility and operational control
- Customer communication options through various channels such as SMS, email, and chat
- Flexible and scalable platform with a wide range of customisation options
- Integration with multiple eCommerce platforms and marketplaces for seamless order management
3. Shiprocket
Shiprocket is an end-to-end solution designed to simplify domestic and international logistics and shipping requirements for eCommerce businesses. Whether you’re a small or medium online retailer, social seller, offline seller, or run a large enterprise, Shiprocket supports a range of shipping processes, including domestic shipping, fulfillment, checkout, cross-border trade, last-mile deliveries, and more. It also offers premium features for marketing and growth and financial services to support your business’s growth and expansion across borders.
Shiprocket’s affordability and integrations with popular eCommerce platforms make it the best choice among small and medium-sized businesses
- Multiple courier partners for extensive coverage and delivery speed
- Automated return management with a user-friendly return portal for customers
- Bulk order processing and invoicing for faster delivery and improved efficiency
- Advanced seller dashboard for order management, tracking, and analytics
- Affordable pricing with no hidden costs or additional fees
4. Circuit
This software is intuitive to use and priced nominally. Hence, small businesses would find Circuit, a great business partner.
- Automatic scheduling and route optimisation to save time and reduce fuel costs
- Real-time tracking and updates on delivery status and estimated arrival times
- User-friendly interface with a mobile app for drivers and delivery agents
- Seamless integration with Shopify and other popular eCommerce platforms
- No long-term contracts, pay-as-you-go pricing with no minimum order volumes
5. FarEye
Its advanced analytics and customisable workflows make it an excellent choice for larger businesses with more complex delivery needs.
- Multi-channel communication options with customers through SMS, email, and push notifications
- AI-powered predictive analytics for improved delivery efficiency and cost optimisation
- End-to-end delivery visibility with real-time tracking and monitoring
- Advanced automation capabilities for reduced manual intervention and increased accuracy
- Easy integration with existing IT systems and eCommerce platforms for streamlined operations
6. Tookan software
This is ideal for all sizes of businesses since it is priced affordably and quickly integrates with the most popular platforms.
- Multi-channel support for customer service, including email, chat, and phone.
- Automated task assignment and real-time tracking of delivery agents for efficient operations.
- Integration with popular payment gateways for easy payment processing.
- Customisable delivery workflows to accommodate different business needs.
- Ability to handle multiple delivery types, including on-demand, same-day, and scheduled deliveries.
7. LogiNext
Its advanced route optimisation and delivery management features make it an excellent option for larger businesses with complex delivery needs.
- AI-powered route optimisation to minimise delivery time and costs.
- Dynamic dispatching to adapt to changing delivery demands in real time.
- Real-time tracking and alerts to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Integration with popular eCommerce platforms and last-mile delivery partners.
- Analytics and reporting tools to track key performance metrics and optimise operations
8. Routific
It has advanced route optimisation features, making it a popular choice among larger eCommerce businesses and logistics companies.
- Smart routing algorithms to optimise delivery routes and schedules.
- Real-time tracking and alerts for improved transparency and customer service.
- Integration with popular eCommerce platforms and last-mile delivery partners.
- Customisable delivery workflows to accommodate different business needs.
- Scalable and flexible software for businesses of all sizes.
9. Deliverr
Its advanced inventory management features and affordable pricing make it popular among small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses.
- Inventory management tools to track stock levels and replenish inventory as needed.
- Affordable pricing options for businesses of all sizes.
- Integration with popular eCommerce platforms and marketplaces.
- Fast and reliable order fulfillment services to ensure timely deliveries.
- Analytics and reporting tools to track key performance metrics and optimise operations.
10. Shipox
Its advanced tracking and analytics, along with its customisable delivery workflows, make it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes looking to optimise their last-mile delivery operations.
- Advanced tracking and analytics to monitor delivery performance and optimise operations.
- Customisable delivery workflows to accommodate different business needs.
- Integration with popular eCommerce platforms and last-mile delivery partners.
- Real-time notifications and alerts for improved transparency and customer service.
- Robust security features to protect sensitive customer and business data.
This comparative analysis of the top 10 providers gives an overview of their features and limitations. You should use the above information when choosing a provider.
Factors to Choose the Last Mile Delivery Solution Provider
Factors to consider when choosing a last-mile delivery software provider are as follows:
- Scalability: Ensure that the software can handle your current volume of orders and has the potential to scale as your business grows. The last mile delivery software you choose must meet your current and future delivery needs.
- Route Optimisation: Look for software with advanced routing and scheduling features to optimise delivery routes, reduce delivery times, and save costs. It should consider factors like traffic, weather, and delivery windows in real-time and enable dynamic route adjustments.
- Integration: Consider the compatibility of the software with your existing platforms like eCommerce, transportation management software, or inventory management software.
- Real-Time Tracking: The software should provide real-time tracking and visibility of shipments to enable you to monitor delivery progress and manage any delays or exceptions. It should offer GPS-based tracking to monitor vehicle locations and delivery status in real-time and the ability to provide accurate delivery estimations to customers.
- Proof of Delivery: You should look for features like electronic signatures, photo capture, or delivery confirmation to ensure and verify the delivery has been completed.
- Delivery Area and Options: Evaluate the software’s ability to handle diverse geographical conditions and traffic patterns, in addition to the flexibility to support different delivery methods like scheduled, contactless, same-day, next-day, or even deliveries to specific locations.
- Customer Service: Look for a software provider that offers excellent customer support, including phone, email, or chat, to help you resolve any issues or questions. You can also look for features like automated notifications via emails, SMS, or app updates regarding delivery status.
- Cost: Evaluate the software’s cost and ensure that it provides value for money and a good return on investment. Ensure the pricing model is transparent with consideration for advanced features, volume, and potential add-on services.
- Security: The software should offer robust security measures to protect your data, including customer information and payment details.
- Customisation: Check if the last mile delivery software can be tweaked to meet the existing business ecosystems. Consider its availability for specific business purposes like your branding option or reporting and delivery options.
Key Features and Benefits of Last-Mile Delivery Software
Last-mile delivery software comes with a range of features, including route optimisation, real-time tracking, proof of delivery, driver management, data analytics and reporting, integration, and more.
Let’s explore the main benefits you can enjoy with these features of last mile delivery software:
- Optimised Delivery Routes: Last mile delivery software can help your business optimise delivery routes in real-time and avoid unnecessary delays. Drivers get regular updates on the best possible route they should take to ensure quick and efficient deliveries. It can also help increase the number of deliveries.
- Higher Profitability: Last mile delivery software enables you to scale deliveries per day, improve fleet productivity and efficiency and enhance customer loyalty by ensuring timely deliveries. It also significantly reduces expenses on fleet management and fuel consumption, and ensures customer retention, leading to more profits in the long run.
- Improved Productivity: Features like automated dispatching and route planning help you streamline operations, which eliminates the chances of unplanned diversions, improves productivity, and enables drivers to complete more deliveries in a day.
- Data Analysis and Insights: With last mile delivery software, you can access data that allows your business to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about delivery operations.
- Flexibility and Scalability: It enables you to accommodate special delivery instructions and customer preferences with the freedom to easily adapt to changing delivery volumes and delivery options.
- Enhanced Transparency and Visibility: Last-mile delivery software provides real-time insights into delivery status across the entire delivery network, including when an order was placed, who placed it, who will deliver the order, and when exactly the delivery will be completed. You can also get visibility into where your vehicles are, if they’re diverting from their planned routes, any time spent idling, etc., giving you more control over fleets. It can also help you minimise theft and spoilage.
- Better Customer Satisfaction: Your customers get end-to-end visibility into the status of their orders from the moment they place their orders to when they receive the order. Some apps may even allow customers to coordinate deliveries with delivery agents. All in all, faster delivery times, real-time tracking, and accurate ETAs lead to better customer experience and build brand loyalty.
Conclusion
Last mile delivery software is valuable for companies looking to streamline their delivery process and provide a seamless customer experience. The top 10 last mile delivery software offer real-time tracking, automated dispatch, route optimisation, and more by automating various aspects of the delivery process, companies can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. When choosing last mile delivery solutions, it is essential to consider features such as route optimisation, real-time tracking, delivery confirmation, and analytics and reporting. With the right last mile delivery software, companies can optimise their delivery process and provide a seamless customer experience. Speak to the professionals at Shiprocket to learn more about last mile delivery software today!
