Logistics Routing Software: How to Cut Costs and Improve Deliveries
Cut costs and improve deliveries with logistics routing software. Optimize routes, streamline operations, and enhance customer experience.
Running a delivery operation—whether as a core business or part of your service offering—comes with its fair share of challenges. Balancing driver schedules, meeting customer expectations, and keeping costs under control requires efficient planning.
Over the years, we've worked closely with logistics teams and gathered valuable insights into the common hurdles they face. In this blog, we’ll share these insights and explain how logistics routing software can help streamline operations.
Let’s get started!
What is Logistics Routing Software?
Common Logistics Challenges and How to Solve Them
5 Best Logistics Routing Software
What is Logistics Routing Software?
Logistics routing software is a solution designed to optimize and automate the planning of delivery routes. By leveraging advanced algorithms and real-time data, these platforms calculate the most efficient routes, taking into account driver availability, delivery time windows, and vehicle capacity.
With logistics routing software, businesses can reduce fuel costs by minimizing unnecessary mileage, improve delivery speed and accuracy, enhance customer satisfaction through real-time tracking and communication, and lower operational expenses by reducing manual planning time.
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Common Logistics Challenges and How to Solve Them
1. High Costs and Time Spent on Logistics
The problem: The last mile of delivery is often the most expensive and time-consuming part of the process. Inefficient routes lead to excessive fuel consumption, increased vehicle wear and tear, and higher labour costs.
The solution: Logistics routing software reduces operational costs by optimizing routes, cutting down unnecessary mileage, and ensuring deliveries are completed in the most efficient way possible. This leads to lower fuel expenses, reduced vehicle maintenance, and better cost per delivery.
2. Lack of Control Over Brand Image
The problem: When outsourcing deliveries, maintaining a consistent level of service can be difficult. A poor delivery experience can reflect badly on your brand, even if a third-party provider is responsible.
The solution: Many third-party logistics providers (3PLs) now use routing software to improve delivery efficiency and enhance customer communication. Features such as real-time tracking, automated notifications, and electronic proof of delivery help ensure a seamless experience for customers.
3. Limited Oversight of Deliveries
The problem: Once a vehicle leaves the warehouse, it can be difficult to track its progress. Relying on driver updates or waiting until the end of the day for feedback can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for improvement.
The solution: Live route tracking provides real-time visibility into delivery progress. Businesses can monitor potential delays, reroute drivers as needed, and send instant updates to keep operations running smoothly.
4. Lack of Reporting and Data Insights
The problem: Without data-driven insights, identifying inefficiencies and making informed improvements is challenging. Businesses often rely on guesswork to optimize delivery operations.
The solution: Logistics routing software provides detailed reports on route adherence, unplanned stops, and delivery delays. These insights help businesses refine their processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance future planning.
5. Difficulty Scaling Operations
The problem: As businesses grow, managing logistics manually becomes increasingly difficult. Expanding fleets and higher order volumes can quickly overwhelm traditional planning methods.
The solution: Routing software is built to scale. It allows businesses to easily add more drivers, vehicles, and delivery zones without increasing administrative workload. Many platforms also integrate with EPOS and ERP systems, further automating operations and improving efficiency.
5 Best Logistics Routing Software
With so many options available, finding the right routing software can be overwhelming. To help narrow your search, here are five top solutions worth considering:
1. SmartRoutes – Optimized Routing for Seamless Deliveries
SmartRoutes is a leading logistics routing software designed to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce costs.
It offers advanced route optimization to ensure the fastest and most cost-effective delivery routes. Real-time tracking allows businesses to monitor driver locations and delivery status, while automated customer notifications improve the customer experience by providing real-time updates.
SmartRoutes also includes proof of delivery (POD) features such as electronic signatures and photo confirmations, ensuring secure deliveries. Seamless integrations with EPOS, ERP, and CRM systems further automate operations, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes.
2. Onfleet – Streamlined Last-Mile Delivery
Onfleet is a well-known solution for last-mile delivery management.
Its user-friendly interface and powerful features help businesses optimize routes and enhance customer communication. Real-time driver tracking provides visibility into delivery progress, while automated notifications keep customers informed about their orders.
Onfleet’s intelligent dispatching assigns routes based on driver availability and location, improving overall efficiency.
3. Routific – Affordable and Easy-to-Use Routing
Routific is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses looking for an intuitive and cost-effective solution.
The platform calculates the most efficient delivery routes, reducing fuel usage and delivery times. Drivers can access their optimized routes through a mobile app, which provides step-by-step navigation and reporting features.
Routific also offers automated customer notifications, giving recipients real-time updates about their deliveries. With built-in analytics, businesses can track delivery performance and identify areas for improvement, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective operation.
4. WorkWave Route Manager – Advanced Logistics for Large Fleets
WorkWave Route Manager is designed for businesses managing large-scale logistics operations.
The platform enables dynamic route adjustments in response to traffic conditions or last-minute delivery changes, ensuring efficient and flexible logistics planning. GPS tracking provides live oversight of fleet movements, allowing businesses to monitor deliveries in real time.
Seamless integration with order management systems streamlines workflows, while detailed performance reports help businesses assess driver efficiency and identify areas for optimization. With its advanced features, WorkWave Route Manager is a powerful solution for enterprises handling complex logistics operations.
5. OptimoRoute – Scalable Routing for Growing Businesses
OptimoRoute helps businesses efficiently plan and manage delivery routes at scale.
The software enables users to schedule deliveries for multiple days in advance, reducing the stress of last-minute planning. Live tracking ensures businesses can monitor vehicle movements and make adjustments as needed, improving overall efficiency. Drivers receive real-time updates and optimized routes directly on their mobile devices, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.
OptimoRoute offers API integrations, allowing businesses to connect it with existing systems such as ERP and order management platforms, further enhancing automation and operational efficiency.
Why Investing in Logistics Routing Software is Essential
Efficient logistics operations are key to reducing costs and improving service quality. Investing in the right routing software can transform delivery management by cutting fuel and labour expenses, enhancing customer experience through real-time updates and tracking, and providing better operational oversight with live tracking and data-driven insights.
It also allows businesses to scale efficiently without logistical bottlenecks.
If you're looking to improve your delivery efficiency, SmartRoutes is a great place to start. Try it for free today and see how optimized logistics can benefit your business.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is logistics routing software, and how does it work?
Logistics routing software is a tool that helps businesses optimize delivery routes using advanced algorithms. It considers factors such as vehicle capacity, driver availability, and delivery time windows to create the most efficient routes, reducing costs and improving delivery performance.
2. How can logistics routing software reduce delivery costs?
By optimizing routes, logistics routing software minimizes unnecessary mileage, lowers fuel consumption, and reduces vehicle wear and tear. It also improves delivery efficiency, leading to lower labor costs and better overall resource management.
3. What features should I look for in logistics routing software?
Key features to consider include route optimization, real-time tracking, automated customer notifications, proof of delivery, and integration with existing business systems like ERP and CRM platforms. Scalability and ease of use are also important factors.
4. How do I choose the best logistics routing software for my business?
Consider your business size, delivery volume, and specific needs. Look for software that offers the right balance of functionality, scalability, and integration capabilities. Many providers offer free trials, so testing different options can help you determine the best fit.
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Michael Santry
Caroline Hassett
