13 Of The Best Last Mile Delivery Software Options in 2024
We analyze 13 of the best last mile delivery software solutions available to help you decide what works for your business.
Operating a modern delivery business or service isn’t easy.
If you’re reading this blog, there’s a good chance you’re already running a last mile service, or you are in the process of researching how to do it. Either way, you’re probably already aware of some of the challenges involved: managing a fleet of vehicles, rising costs of fuel and maintenance, and the time involved in managing and planning routes for drivers.
Having the right technology in place goes a long way to overcoming these challenges though. The right last mile delivery software will reduce your fuel bills by optimizing your routes, make it easier faster by automating route planning, and provide an enhanced delivery experience to your customers through features like parcel tracking and communications prior to their delivery.
In this blog, we’ll give you the lowdown on what exactly you get with common last mile software, what you can expect it to cost, and how to choose the right software from the wide range of options on the market.
What is Last Mile Delivery Software
13 of the Best Last Mile Delivery Software Solutions
What is Last Mile Delivery Software?
Last mile delivery software refers to technology solutions that make the last mile (the last stage in the supply chain) as efficient and effective as possible. These solutions typically include features like route optimization and automated route planning at their core, but often have tools to improve operational tasks and customer satisfaction too. Some of the key features of last mile delivery software include:
- Route optimization: Algorithms that calculate the most efficient delivery routes based on factors like traffic conditions, delivery windows, and package priorities.
- Real-time delivery tracking: Solutions to enable customers to track the status and exact location of their deliveries in real time through custom tracking links or customer portals.
- Proof of delivery: A mobile-based solution for capturing photos, eSignatures or other forms of confirmation to verify deliveries and provide proof in case of disputes.
- Delivery Notifications: The use of automated SMS and email communications to provide customers with prior notification of the day, time and any other specifics about their delivery
- Communications: Solutions for facilitating communications between delivery drivers, dispatchers, and customers, often through SMS, email, or in-app notifications.
- Integrations: The ability to integrate and share critical data and information information with existing technology solutions a business might use like inventory management, order processing, and customer relationship management (CRM) software to streamline the entire logistics process.
- Analytics and reporting: The ability to analyze and review delivery performance, identifying areas for improvement, and generating reports on key delivery metrics such as on-time delivery reports, delivery costs, and miles covered by drivers.
SmartRoutes Last Mile Delivery Software
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What algorithm is used for last mile delivery?
As we’ve mentioned above, route optimization is one of the core features of almost every last mile software. In fact, it’s often the following realization that planning routes manually is taking too long and the routes are not as efficient as they should be and with drivers overlapping that prompt business owners, fleet managers, and logistics planners to seek out a solution.
Often, when I speak to people in the early stages of researching solutions, this is their only objective.
The algorithm used for last mile delivery is known as the ‘Vehicle Routing Problem’ algorithm.
Suitable, right?
In fact, the VRP is based on a much older mathematical problem known as the ‘Traveling Salesman Problem’. The basic premise of this problem is if a door-to-door salesman has to make 100 visits in a particular day, it’s impossible to know exactly which order to make those visits by trying to plan and calculate the route manually.
However, with the advances in modern technology, computers are able to make billions of calculations in mere seconds, and tell us which route is going to be the fastest. In the last mile industry, this has become known as the VRP algorithm.
So now that we have a better understanding of what software can do for last mile operations, let's take a look at some of the main solutions available and which one will work for your needs
13 of the Best Last Mile Delivery Software Solutions
1. SmartRoutes
Best for: all sizes and types of businesses that require comprehensive suite of last mile delivery features
We’ve been building out what we think is one of the most comprehensive last mile delivery systems available on the market today. In fact, we’ve been pioneers in the adaptation of route optimization and automated route planning through a tonne of integrations with common CRM, ERP, eCommerce solutions and more and were one of the first to offer our cloud-based option to businesses.
Included in our suite are common features like route planning and optimization, proof of delivery, and last mile delivery tracking and communication.
On top of that, we also have some really great features like a third-party portal option for customers you are making deliveries on behalf of, and a Delivery Experience suite that has been proven to reduce customer queries and disputes by over 90%, and a mobile app that drivers love!
Whether you’re a small or medium business using Shopify or WooCommerce, or an enterprise using a solution like SAP or Microsoft Dynamics, our solution integrates fully to automate hours of tasks that you probably haven’t even thought were possible to automate in the last mile.
We also offer a competitive pricing model that ensures a strong return on investment regardless of whether you have 1 vehicle of 1,000 vehicles in your fleet.
You can check out our solutions with a 7-day free trial to get a feel for it before it.
We definitely recommended reaching out to one of our team too to calibrate it perfectly for your needs before you start so you can make the most out of the week!
2. RouteXL
Best for: Small or new businesses looking for a free last mile software for optimizing routes
If you’ve only just realized that you have a last mile problem and you just need to find a way of creating and optimizing your delivery route a little faster without having to shell out your hard earned cash.
RouteXL is a bare-bones route planner that allows users to optimize routes with up to 20 stops for free. Should you wish to go over that number, they have a very reasonable daily subscription that will allow you to add unlimited stops for just $5.
For businesses that might only do deliveries once per week, this flexibility will definitely be a welcome. We don’t know of any other solution provider giving your free route optimization, so kudos to the team at RouteXL.
3. Circuit
Best for: Those looking for a seamless experience with a mobile app for deliveries
Circuit have found favor with large parts of the courier and last mile industry due to the easy and dependable nature of their mobile apps. Their tagline of saving drivers ‘an hour per day’ definitely lives up to its promise, and it’s unlikely that you're going to find any fault with it on the road.
You can think of it as a turbo-charged Google Maps for Deliveries.
While Circuit also offers a desktop-based web application in their ‘Circuit for Teams’, it does seem little light on customizable and adaptable features that most delivery businesses will encounter along the way. That said, if you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use solution, it definitely fits the definition.
Price-wise, it is a little more expensive, with their teams offering prices starting at $100 for 500 stops per month, and $200 per month for 1,000.
You probably won’t be long maxing out those numbers with a fleet of vehicles, but you are getting a very reliable solution for the money.
4. RoadWarrior
Best for: Small delivery businesses and owner-drivers that want to buy American software
RoadWarrior is another of the more established players on this list and have built up a strong reputation amongst couriers and small independent delivery businesses in the US.
Aimed at ‘professional drivers’, this is another that has invested a lot in making their mobile app as user-friendly and reliable as possible for those grinding it out behind the wheel day-to-day. In fact, much of their success in the early years was attributed to drivers with delivery giants like Amazon and UPS preferring the app to their own- in-house solutions.
If that isn’t a stamp of authority, we don’t know what is!
Their main audience is still the professional drivers of the U.S, and maybe the biggest indicator of this is their solutions ability to upload FedEx and OnTrac manifests being part of the main proposition.
If you're a small business or individual driver that wants to buy a US route planner, this may be the one for you.
5. Onfleet
Best for: Mid-to-large size fleet operators looking for US support
If you are to compare Onfleet to RoadWarrior for example, it does seem to be a much more mature product with more niche features that will be of value to larger fleet operators.
Combining both mobile drivers apps and a desktop-based management system, it incorporates advanced features like barcode scanning. A lot of how users enjoy using a solution is down to personal preference, but I have tested it out and found that their routing suite on the desktop application is a little bit hard to read. For example, it appears that routes only show pins on the maps as opposed to the route to be followed by the vehicle.
That said, they’re another software provider that has been around for quite a while, and the wealth of features is a testament to that.
It does come with a pretty hefty price tag beginning at $500 per month, but again, this is a solution that is aimed at user beyond the mom-and-pop store doing deliveries. They do offer a 14-day free trial too to see how much value is in it for you, but you will need to give them a call to get set up.
6. Routific
Best for: Small-to-medium sized businesses looking for an effective way of optimizing routes
Routific knows their audience, they know what they need, and they deliver a solution that works really well.
Their solution may look a little light on features, notably missing things like label printing, in app driver-customer communications, and barcode scanning. But when it comes to optimizing routes efficiently and having a user interface that's easy to use, they really excel.
Again, Routific has been around for a good number of years now, and the fact that they have kept their last mile system pretty light indicates that it’s working well for their target customers ‘small to medium-sized last-mile delivery businesses’.
Their monthly subscription pricing model starts at a reasonable $49 per vehicle, per month, rising to $59 when proof of delivery and tracking are enabled. There are other add-ons and additional costs too which can bring it into more expensive territory, but there should be enough value in those features too should you wish to opt for them.
7. OptimoRoute
Best for: Small-to-medium sized delivery businesses with a more advanced need for customization
If you were to do a side-by-side comparison of OptimoRoute and Routific, you might come to the conclusion that OptimoRoute is kind of the older brother of the pair.
Like Routific, route optimization is at the core of what it does, and it offers a few more advanced features: depot loading management, and vehicle capacity parameters. Although these features are definitely useful to more advanced delivery outfits, they do come at the cost of a smooth user experience. The desktop interface can look a little cluttered at times and can be difficult to make out important information about routes. It also has a slightly more dated look and feel than that of SmartRoutes or Routific, for example.
However, it’s worthy of its place on this list as we know it works, and works well. It’s a no-frills route planner that does what it says on the tin.
The pricing begins at $35 per vehicle per month with a cap of 700 orders. Alternatively, it's $44 per month for a maximum of 1,000 orders. Unfortunately, beyond that pricing isn't quite as transparent so you're going to need to get in touch directly and start negotiating.
8. Paragon Routing
Best for: Large enterprises looking for an experienced last mile software provider
If you’re to do your own research on Paragon, you're probably going to find a bit of a love/hate relationship amongst reviewers. But when you’ve been in the business of route scheduling for over 3 decades, you’re bound to have gathered feedback of all sorts.
Make no mistake, Paragon is one of the most comprehensive last mile solution providers on the market, and bonus points if you're in the US as they have a very strong presence in the market.
In their own words, they’re proven, personal, advanced, and focused and that’s what sets them apart. It’s hard to argue against them with their longstanding presence in the market.
As with many ‘legacy’ software solutions, however, some reviews do point to some inflexibility in adapting their solution to meet specific needs. This often happens with large scale products that may not be built on modern software architectures that facilitate quick changes.
That said, if you’ve got a complicated last mile enterprise problem, they do have the experts to discuss the options with you.
As is often the case with enterprise level software, their pricing model is not listed on their website and is likely to be based on a myriad of factors.
9. Route4Me
Best for: Smaller businesses that need to watch their bottom line
Route4Me is another solid option if you’re looking for something with a bit more flexibility without the enterprise-level piece tag. That said, it is somewhat plug-and-play with extra features costing a bit more and it can quickly start to add up.
Route Optimization is at the core of what the solution does, but it’s likely that you’re going to want to avail of some of the more niche features like curbside pickup, left/right turn preferences, or using time windows for stops. Otherwise, there are more user-friendly solutions on this list like the ones above.
As we said, it’s not overly expensive, starting at $319 per month, but that is only for one driver. If you’re going to need to optimize routes for multiple drivers at once, you will be stepping up to their $479 per month option. With further costs incurred for additional features on top of this, it doesn't quite bring it into enterprise pricing, but it is going to be a significant investment that you’ll want to get right.
10. Onro
Best for: those looking for value and willing to take a risk on lesser-known solution provider
We thought it was only fair to give a shoutout to one of the newer entrants to the delivery software space, and Onro looks to be doing some interesting things with a solution that has a modern feel. They’re definitely a disruptor in the space and offer a host of features that you only get with some of the more expensive options on this list.
Their Business package offers all of the basics like route planning, optimization, and scheduling. But it also includes things like proof of delivery, e-wallets, and tracking as standard as well.
There is also an enterprise package that offers driver app sign-up, an invoicing suite, and white labeling for a more professional, branded image for your business.
The business package starts at $239 per month, but it is capped at 1500 deliveries which might not get you far if you’re doing low parcel volume, high drop volume delivery. To up this limit, you’ll need to get in touch directly about their Enterprise offering.
11. DispatchTrack
Best for: Enterprise level fleet managers looking for a full suite telematics suite with integrated last mile technology
DispatchTrack is a pretty well established provider of full suite logistics and transport software. Unlike other options on this list, it’s a full Telematics and Fleet Management Software that includes things like hardware integrations, advanced data analytics, a comprehensive at-a-glance dashboard, and automated compliance reports.
This is typical of more common telematics solutions that fleet managers might be familiar with.
They have also added last mile solutions like routing, order tracking, customer communications, and proof of delivery to their offering.
Although they’re last mile-specific features might not be as extensive as others on this list, it might work for larger fleet operators that want to consolidate their telematics and final mile delivery systems into one for practicality and cost reduction.
We can't give you any insight into pricing as they don’t mention it on their website. If you’re considering a switch from your current telematics solution and on the lookout for last mile features, they’re worth reaching out to.
12. TrackPod
Best for: Businesses looking specifically for proof-of-delivery capabilities
TrackPod started life as a proof of delivery solution for delivery businesses and later integrated other last mile features into their product as it evolved over time.
Given their early focus on POD, it’s no surprise that their solution flourishes in that sphere and they’ve got a pretty solid reputation. Their mobile app allows drivers to capture photo, signature, and bill of lading on an easy-to-use app.
It also goes further than others on the list in this regard though.
Their delivery confirmation capabilities includes geotag capture & timestamps, package scanning, and offline capabilities.
Delivering expensive products that you simply can’t have disputes over?
This one might be for you!
They’ve got some really great, flexible pricing options as well starting at as little as $29 per month, so we’re sure you’ll find something that suits your needs.
13. Scurri
Best for: Retailer and eCommerce merchants that don’t have their own fleet
If you want reassurance about how good Scurri is, just take a look at some of the brands they boast as customers; Butternut Boxx, Gousto, and Vision Direct - three of the UK’s largest online retailers.
Scurri allows businesses to access hundreds of last mile carriers at the click of a button so that orders can be fulfilled as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
For any business offering home delivery, this is going to be a game-changer for your brand's reputation and customer retention.
The reality is that running your own fleet requires a large investment and a bit of know-how to make it work successfully. And when you're trying to run a business simultaneously it just isn't always feasible.
In terms of pricing, you’re going to need to get in touch directly as there is quite a bit of flexibility in what you get from the platform. They’re real good guys in the last mile space though, so you’ll at least learn something new from your interaction with their team.
How Deliver-It Are Using SmartRoutes To Manage Their Last Mile Courier Business
Deliver-It is your typical last mile delivery business; they have a large group of customers, completing large multi-stop routes with a large fleet of vehicles every day.
When they came to Smartroues, they needs a robust route planning and optimization solution that could be automated based on the delivery requests they received from their customers every evening for next-day delivery.
Using a custom API, we were able to integrate a number of systems to automate the process, vehicle providing features like driver apps, route navigation, proof of delivery, and barcode scanning as well.
In addition, we were able to help them automate the sending of invoices to customers to save a full day of admin work at the end of every week. The results speak for themselves:
- 20-40% in overall costs
- 33% reduction in cost per delivery
- 24,000 less mile traveled by drivers in the first year of use
Ready to Revolutionize your Last Mile Delivery Operations?
Get started with SmartRoutes today and experience the power of cutting-edge technology to streamline your delivery process, boost efficiency, and delight your customers.
With our comprehensive suite of features, seamless integrations, and unparalleled support, SmartRoutes is your ultimate partner in navigating the complexities of modern delivery logistics.
Don't wait any longer - start your 7-day free trial now and discover how SmartRoutes can transform your business!
Frequently asked questions
1. What is a last mile delivery system?
The terms last mile delivery system and last mile delivery software are used interchangeably. In fact, last mile solutions go by a range of names like delivery management software or routing software. The most important thing is that a given solution has the required features to solve the challenges your business faces.
2. How long does it take to implement last mile delivery software?
Most modern last mile delivery solutions are cloud-based and can be set up and working within a single working day. For more complex delivery and routing needs, you may need assistance to configure the solution for things like vehicle capacities, driver hours and break times, or integrations with existing technology solutions that play a part in your delivery operations like Warehouse Management Systems, ECommerce Systems, or Order Management Systems.
3. How much does last mile delivery software reduce the cost of the last mile?
Last mile software is proven to reduce the distance traveled by vehicles by 33%, which means a significant reduction in both fuel bills and driver wages. Automated route planning is also estimated to save up to 20 hours per week for fleets of up just 10 vehicles. In addition, features like proof of delivery and customer notifications can reduce the time spent handling queries by up to 90%, meaning a big cost reduction in admin overheads.
4. What is the biggest challenge with last mile deliveries?
- Reducing carbon emissions
- Suboptimal routing
- Product returns
- Fluctuating consumer demand
- Geographic constraints
- Missed deliveries and delays
- Competition with big last mile players like FedEx and UPS
- Running costs
5. Is last mile delivery growing?
The global last mile delivery market is projected to experience an 8.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2028. Similarly, the global terminal delivery market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% during the same forecast period.
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Caroline Hassett
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