The Best Package Delivery Apps
Package delivery apps are essential for modern delivery teams and provide lots of functionality to save money and improve the delivery experience. Here is our guide to the best package delivery apps.
If we take a look back 10 years ago, delivery drivers were often given a small number of packages they could cruise around the city! Delivery drivers can now start the day with over 100 packages in their vehicles! Many customers now demand same-day or next-day delivery and want to know where their package is at all times on the journey.
At this time, drivers would have had a paper list of addresses and a map whereas now they have package delivery apps.
Using delivery apps has massively improved delivery success rates, lowered customer complaints and sped up routes to a point where the all-important next-day delivery can be achieved.
In this article, we look at how these apps are essential for modern delivery operations and we take a look at a few of the best delivery apps in the last mile delivery space:
What are Package Delivery Apps?
What are the Benefits of Package Delivery Apps?
5 of the Best Package Delivery Apps
What are Package Delivery Apps?
Package delivery apps sound like simple tools for getting drivers from A to Z as fast as possible but the reality of delivery operations is that they are complex. There are multiple factors that need to be taken into account to deliver correctly and therefore package delivery apps should encompass the following features:
- Route planning: Automated route planning connects with your ordering system and allows you to import spreadsheets of addresses for automatic crunching and organizing by the software. It allows you to factor in things like driver skill sets, driver territories, vehicle restrictions, workload balancing and shift times effortlessly.
- Route optimization: Route optimization in itself is simple enough. An algorithm gets you around certain stops as quickly as possible. The devil, of course, is in the detail. Do we want to prioritize left-hand turns, can we manually reorder certain stops, can we return to the depot during the route? There are multiple factors that can’t be handled by the likes of Google Maps even if they did allow you to optimize more than 10 stops this is when you need to consider courier apps.
- Capable of adapting to real-world: Anyone who has worked in delivery operations knows that the best-laid plans can be destroyed by the real-world. Customers change their delivery location, traffic issues arise, new stops get added while you are out on the route. Your package delivery app needs to be able to adapt to these changing conditions. You need to be able to re-optimize the route at the click of a button and that changed route to be updated on the driver app. You need to be able to update dispatch notes telling a driver to leave the package with a neighbor instead, or the driver might need to capture e-signature proof of delivery instead of photo proof. SmartRoutes sends push notifications directly to the driver app with real-time route updates.
- A clean mobile interface: Drivers need a super-simple app interface to do their job. The app needs to tell them what to do next and allow them to gather information quickly and simply when out on the delivery route. Intuitive next steps and accurate data capture will be the difference between drivers using the app and drivers pushing back on it.
- Customer communications: The mobile app is a tool for drivers but it is also a live beacon telling dispatch and customers exactly where the package is. These SMS notifications update customers with an up-to-date estimated time of delivery. Customers can be sent an automated SMS that is geo-fenced to when a driver is within 30 minutes of the delivery location. the SMS also contains a live tracking link which customers can click on and then access a live map of the delivery vehicle so they can see where it is, where they are in a queue of deliveries and when exactly it will arrive.
What are the Benefits of Package Delivery Apps?
- Maintain sequence of parcel deliveries: Some businesses need the route to be calculated in a certain sequence, for example, if you want to deliver in certain time windows that were booked by the client. In this instance, early deliveries can be just as bad as late therefore a sequence can be added.
- Re-optimize for same-day delivery commitments: Re-optimize routes based on changed circumstances or slot in last-minute orders to fulfill a same-day delivery commitment. Re-optimization can be done by either the driver on the mobile app or by the dispatch team on the delivery management software dashboard.
- Driver updates: Drivers can receive updates from dispatch with the dispatch notes feature. This will update in real-time and keep them up to date of the information they need to get the package delivered correctly. Drivers can update their driver notes on the app too in order to help with future deliveries, for example, notes on access codes for a property or where best to leave a package if the recipient isn’t home and so on.
- Manage zones: Delivery teams can easily assign zones to drivers using a package delivery app. Zones assigned to a driver mean that any stops outside of this area cannot be assigned to the driver. This helps delivery teams divide up geographies, ensure a fair workload and ensure drivers or adjacent depots don’t overlap in their deliveries. This can also allow delivery vehicles to be packed more efficiently from the depot.
- Stagger pickup times: Using a package delivery app means you can stagger when drivers pick up their loads and avoid congestion at the depot and streamline things. Pickers get orders ready and have drivers ready to load in order. Staggered pickups and drop-offs avoid unnecessary delays.
- Coordinate complex orders: Order management including multiple packages per stop can be itemized and docketed using the package delivery system. Order slips can be printed and attached to each order so the driver knows exactly what to leave. Order management is essential for most businesses and will avoid missed items and the need to return to customers.
- See Delivery on time stats: Delivery on-time reports highlight the overall efficiency of a delivery team or individual driver. They show the number of stops that were delivered within the time window set and are a key indicator of delivery performance that can be tracked.
SmartRoutes Route Planning Software
Streamline your entire delivery process, all from one platform
5 of the Best Package Delivery Apps
1. SmartRoutes
Overview: SmartRoutes stands out as a comprehensive package delivery app designed to optimize delivery operations efficiently.
Key Features:
- Automated Route Planning: SmartRoutes automates route creation based on various factors like driver capabilities, vehicle types, and delivery priorities.
- Real-Time Updates: Provides live package tracking and updates, ensuring drivers and customers have accurate information throughout the delivery process.
- Customer Notifications: Sends automated notifications to customers, keeping them informed about their delivery status and estimated arrival times.
- Delivery Performance Tracking: Monitors delivery performance metrics such as on-time deliveries and efficiency improvements over time.
Pricing: Starts at $29 per month, making it affordable for businesses of all sizes to implement advanced route planning and tracking capabilities.
Why Choose It?: Its robust feature set and user-friendly interface make SmartRoutes an ideal choice for businesses looking to streamline their delivery operations, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve operational efficiencies.
2. Circuit app
Overview: Circuit is renowned among couriers for its effective route planning capabilities tailored for both individual drivers and larger teams.
Key Features:
- Basic and Advanced Route Planning: Offers basic route planning features for individual drivers and advanced functionalities like Proof of Delivery (POD) and fleet tracking for teams.
- Scalability: Scales well from individual users to larger teams, providing flexibility as businesses grow.
- Cost-Effective Options: Individual package delivery driver app price starts at $20 per month, with Circuit for Teams available from $100 per month, catering to various budget and operational needs.
Pricing: Circuit provides cost-effective pricing tiers that cater to different business sizes and requirements, ensuring scalability without compromising functionality.
Why Choose It?: It’s a popular choice due to its scalable solutions and comprehensive features that enhance efficiency and tracking capabilities across diverse delivery operations.
3. Locus
Overview: Locus Dispatcher utilizes machine learning to optimize logistics and distribution operations with minimal human intervention.
Key Features:
- Advanced Route Planning: Uses deep machine learning algorithms for precise route optimization, adapting dynamically to changing variables.
- Automation: Automates complex logistics tasks, reducing manual effort and increasing operational efficiency.
- Scalability and Consistency: Provides consistent transport planning across large-scale operations, ideal for enterprises with extensive delivery networks.
Pricing: Starting at $10,000 per year, Locus offers a high-end solution tailored for large enterprises requiring sophisticated logistics management and scalability.
Why Choose It?: Ideal for enterprises needing a highly automated and scalable solution that integrates advanced technology to optimize delivery processes and ensure consistency.
4. OptimoRoute
Overview: OptimoRoute is a comprehensive solution designed to meet the needs of couriers and small businesses alike.
Key Features:
- Automated Route Planning: Efficiently plans routes based on multiple variables, optimizing for time and cost effectiveness.
- Real-Time Updates: Provides live updates and alerts to drivers and dispatchers, ensuring they can adapt to changing conditions promptly.
- Extensive Reporting Tools: Offers detailed reports on delivery performance and operational metrics, aiding in continuous improvement.
Pricing: Starts at $39 per month, making it accessible for small to medium-sized businesses seeking robust route planning and management capabilities.
Why Choose It?: Its global usage and feature-rich platform make OptimoRoute a reliable choice for businesses looking to streamline their delivery operations and enhance customer satisfaction through efficient route planning and management.
5. Zeo Route Planner
Overview: Zeo Route Planner caters to a diverse audience, including drivers, logistics managers, and small businesses seeking efficient route optimization solutions.
Key Features:
- Route Optimization: Utilizes advanced algorithms to optimize routes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Real-Time Tracking: Provides real-time tracking capabilities, allowing stakeholders to monitor delivery progress accurately.
- Customer Notifications: Sends automated notifications to customers, keeping them informed about their delivery status and estimated arrival times.
Pricing: Starts at €34.99 per month, offering a balance of functionality and affordability for various user types.
Why Choose It?: Zeo Route Planner is preferred for its user-friendly interface and robust features that cater to the needs of drivers and logistics managers alike, ensuring streamlined operations and improved delivery performance.
Look No Further for the Best Package Delivery Apps
Choosing the right package delivery app can make a significant difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your delivery operations. Whether you're a small business looking to streamline routes or a large enterprise managing complex logistics, the five apps highlighted here offer robust solutions tailored to your needs.
To experience firsthand how these apps can revolutionize your delivery processes, take advantage of our 7 day free trial. This trial period allows you to explore the features and assess their impact on your delivery operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key features to look for in package delivery apps?
Key features to consider when evaluating package delivery apps include:
- Automated Route Planning: Apps should offer automated route planning capabilities that optimize delivery routes based on factors like driver availability, vehicle capacity, traffic conditions, and delivery deadlines.
- Real-Time Tracking: The ability to track deliveries in real-time is crucial. This feature allows dispatchers and customers to monitor the exact location of packages, estimate arrival times accurately, and provide updates throughout the delivery process.
- Customer Notifications: Apps should send automated notifications to customers regarding their delivery status. These notifications can include estimated time of arrival, delivery confirmation, and options for rescheduling or rerouting if necessary.
- Analytics and Reporting: Advanced apps often include analytics and reporting tools that track delivery performance metrics such as on-time deliveries, average delivery times, and driver efficiency. These insights help identify areas for improvement and optimize operations.
2. How can package delivery apps for drivers improve delivery efficiency?
Package delivery apps enhance delivery efficiency through several mechanisms:
- Optimized Route Planning: By automating route planning, apps minimize travel distances and time, reducing fuel costs and improving overall delivery speed.
- Real-Time Updates: Real-time tracking and updates enable dispatchers to monitor delivery progress and proactively manage any delays or changes. This ensures that drivers stay on schedule and customers are informed promptly.
- Improved Communication: Seamless communication between drivers, dispatchers, and customers via the app reduces misunderstandings, enhances customer satisfaction, and ensures smooth operations.
3. Can package delivery apps integrate with existing ordering or inventory systems?
Yes, package delivery software is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing ordering or inventory systems. Integration capabilities allow these apps to:
- Receive Delivery Orders: Apps can receive delivery orders directly from the ordering system, eliminating the need for manual entry and reducing errors.
- Sync Delivery Status: Integration enables real-time synchronization of delivery status updates between the app and the ordering system, ensuring both systems have accurate and up-to-date information.
- Streamline Operations: By automating data exchange between systems, integration streamlines operations, reduces administrative overhead, and improves overall efficiency.
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Brendan Tobin
Caroline Hassett
