Customers expect their orders to be fast, cheap, and with real-time updates. Meanwhile, delivery delays, routing issues, and rising costs are eating into your bottom line.
Big players like Amazon have raised the bar, and now, every business has to keep up. That’s right. Last-mile delivery is a headache. If you run a business that ships products, you already know the struggle.
That’s where last-mile delivery software steps in. The right last mile delivery software can streamline your entire delivery process. It optimizes routes, cuts costs, and keeps both customers and drivers in the loop. In this article, we’ll break down the best last mile delivery management software options. So you can find the perfect fit for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Last mile delivery is one of the most complex and costly parts of the shipping process, and optimizing it is crucial for staying competitive.
- The right last mile delivery software can dramatically improve operational efficiency by offering features like real-time tracking, route optimization, and customer communication tools.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for final mile delivery service, but you can choose from free tools for solo drivers or enterprise-grade platforms.
What Is Last-Mile Delivery Service?
Last-mile delivery service is the last leg of shipping a product from a business to the customer. Typically, a product undergoes the following process:
- Customer orders product
- The product is boxed and shipped from the originating facility
- Product travels from the originating facility to the local facility near the customer’s address
- The product travels from the local facility to the customer’s address
It is this last step that is the “last mile” of the delivery operation. Today, with modern technology, customers and businesses are often looped into the delivery process via a tracking system with a tracking number.
Also, at the final stage, very often the delivery service will take a photo of the delivered item. This will prove it arrived safely at the correct address.
8 Best Last Mile Delivery Management Software Options
Now, which is the best last mile delivery management software for you?
Let’s look:
1. Cigo Tracker
Best feature: Optimization software helps you plan the most efficient routes, reduce costs, and ensure timely deliveries.
We know listing ourselves as #1 is biased. But we’re doing this because we truly believe we offer the best-in-class, best-value software that’s miles ahead of the other software.
Cigo emphasizes a delivery app for drivers where digital platforms for couriers are now at the heart of contemporary ease and economic possibility.
Cigo aims to redefine the framework of service distribution. This provides a fluid connection between the growing culture of immediacy and a flexible workforce ready to serve this demand.
With Cigo, you can empower delivery drivers, provide operational transparency and strategic insights, and enrich driver and customer satisfaction.
2. SmartRoutes
Best feature: automated route optimization that allows users to generate the best delivery routes for multiple drivers.
SmartRoutes has designed what they call one of the most comprehensive last-mile delivery systems available. They emphasize route optimization, planning, and integrations with common CRMs. The company also features a third-party portal option, a Delivery Experience suite to reduce queries and disputes, and a mobile app.
3. RoadWarrior
Best feature: American-made software for small businesses and owner-drivers.
RoadWarrior is a last-mile delivery software that focuses on small businesses. The company emphasizes its United States routes and has built a strong reputation with delivery drivers as providing better services than even Amazon or UPS.
The app is known for being extremely user-friendly, and RoadWarrior allows users to upload FedEx and OnTrack manifests.
4. Circuit
Best feature: The turbo-charged Google Maps for delivery drivers promises to save drivers “an hour per day.”
While Circuit is simpler and more expensive than its competitors, it does offer an easy-to-use, lighter mobile app that may be ideal for delivery drivers and third-party logistics companies looking to streamline the last-mile delivery process.
One of the interesting features is RoadWarrior Flex, which allows dispatchers to manage their fleet’s routes, track locations, and assign drivers.
5. RouteXL
Best feature: It’s free!
For businesses and drivers just entering the last-mile delivery service software game, RouteXL is one of the softwares you might want to check out. Drivers can add up to 20 stops to the app for free and go unlimited for just $5. You won’t get a lot of bells and whistles at that price, but RouteXL may be perfect for businesses and delivery services that make infrequent or low-level deliveries.
6. Routific
Best feature: Helps with last-minute deliveries.
Like many of its competitors, Routific offers a route optimization algorithm, real-time driver tracking, and a mobile app for drivers. It also has an adaptive feature that allows you to plug in last-minute deliveries and quick adjustments to routes.
The company doesn’t offer customization options, barcode scanning, or label printing. But if you have tons of deliveries in a single day and lots of last-minute changes, Routific may be the one for you.
7. OptimoRoute
Best feature: Ability to plan out multiple complex routes for multiple drivers.
For businesses looking for more customization options, OptimoRoute promises to scale with your company and your deliveries as it grows. In addition to its ability to optimize many complex deliveries for many drivers, the app also allows for depot loading management and vehicle capacity parameters.
8. Onfleet
Best feature: Offers a smooth interface at both the mobile and desktop levels.
Onfleet is one of the few last-mile delivery service software options that exists to serve large organizations.
The company offers a mobile app for drivers as well as a desktop-based management system. Users can take advantage of barcode scanning, driver analytics, automatic driver assignment, and even live chat. It’s a pricier app than most, but it is aimed at large businesses, so the price point makes sense.
Challenges with Last-Mile Delivery Service
Of course, there are challenges with this process, or you wouldn’t be here. And the challenges almost always come from that last mile of the delivery.
First of all, getting products out quickly and free to customers is costly to the business and requires a high level of tracking and analytics.
The primary challenge with last-mile delivery service is that it is expensive and hard to manage.
Most businesses end up eating the cost of fast and efficient delivery. They find ways to incorporate those costs into the products themselves. They also look for ways to cut costs in other areas.
Other common challenges include:
- Unpredictable traffic and weather conditions: These can throw off delivery schedules and make it hard to commit to specific delivery windows.
- High customer expectations: Your clients now expect real-time tracking, fast delivery, and constant communication. This puts pressure on small teams to perform like Amazon.
- Failed deliveries: When customers aren’t home or delivery addresses are incorrect, it costs time and money to attempt delivery again.
- Limited delivery windows: Tight windows for business or residential deliveries demand precise coordination and routing.
- Driver shortage or turnover: Many delivery businesses struggle with finding and keeping reliable drivers.
- Lack of visibility and control: Without software, you’ll find it difficult to monitor routes and adjust deliveries on the fly. It’s also tough to provide accurate updates to customers.
These problems add up, and they cause inefficiency, extra costs, and unhappy customers.
That’s why businesses are turning to last-mile delivery service software to solve their problems.
Understanding Last-Mile Delivery Service Software
Last mile logistics software offers a delivery algorithm, or a Vehicle Routing Problem (VPR) algorithm. This calculates the best and fastest routes from the local facility to the customer’s address. This algorithm saves delivery time and money.
Businesses can add this software to their existing CRMs and trust in delivery optimization. You’ll get route planning services that are fast and efficient, saving you delivery costs over time.
Key Features of Last-Mile Delivery Service Software
Many final mile delivery service software options also offer features with that algorithm. They include:
Route optimization
Optimized routing follows the VPR algorithm that will provide each delivery driver with the best, most up-to-date delivery routes based on current road and weather conditions.
Tracking in real time
Customers and businesses will get a tracking number to follow the product from the warehouse to the customer’s door. With delivery tracking, you’ll get constant updates along the way via email or text.
Delivery proof
Delivery drivers can take a photo of the delivered item and send it via email to the customer and the business. So you can avoid failed delivery issues.
Messaging systems
Drivers, dispatch management, and customers can communicate via SMS, email, or notifications in the app.
Integrations
Businesses can integrate this software with their existing business tools. This includes their CRM, so the tracking and monitoring are seamless.
Analytics
Finally, most last-mile delivery software will provide reports that analyze and measure progress, efficiency, and cost savings. Some will also offer recommendations for ways to improve.
Benefits of Last-Mile Delivery Service Software
In the end, the benefits of integrating this software with your existing CRM are many. You can expect to see:
Cost savings
Because you won’t be spending hours or days planning out an efficient route or losing time taking longer or incorrect routes, you’ll save time and money.
Fast, efficient shipping
Tracking systems with accurate algorithms will ensure your products are delivered on time, and to the right place, with pictures to prove it.
Improved customer satisfaction
Because you’re offering these services, and delivering on promises, your customers will be thrilled and likely buy more products more frequently from you. They may even tell their friends.
Better control of inventory management
Real-time tracking also allows you to monitor your inventory accurately, so you’ll always know what you have in warehouses, what’s been purchased, and what’s running low.
Software Implementation and Cost Considerations
Each of these last-mile delivery tracking software options optimizes delivery routes, aims to make life and work easier for drivers, and promises to save businesses time and money. Never mind the fact that you’ll be making your customers happier.
Now, when it comes to implementing the software, do you only need mobile services? Or do you want to have a dynamic control center from a desktop?
Do you have a single driver delivering your products, or are you managing a fleet?
Do you need a ton of features, or are you okay with bare-bones?
The features and implementation can vary widely. Costs can range from free to $500 a month and higher, so it’s worth exploring each option, navigating the websites, and even talking to sales.
The Best Last-Mile Software
Of course, at Cigo Tracker, we will argue that ours is the best last mile delivery management software. It’s ideal for your business, large or small. This is because we truly believe our software is miles ahead of our competitors.
We offer the best-in-class route and mile logistics optimization, fleet management, and delivery tracking. Not to mention our customer engagement tools.
Grab your 14-day free trial today and see what we can do for your deliveries!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the right last mile delivery software for my business?
Start by evaluating your delivery volume, number of drivers, and whether you need mobile-only or desktop-based control. Next, make sure you consider what kinds of features you might need: real-time tracking, customer communication tools, route optimization, and CRM integrations. Of course, you also have to think of your budget, so look for platforms that cater to small businesses on a budget or robust solutions for enterprise fleets.
Can last mile delivery software integrate with my existing systems?
Yes! Most modern delivery management platforms offer integrations with popular CRMs, eCommerce platforms, and warehouse management systems. Make sure to look for software that supports APIs or plug-and-play integrations to avoid disrupting your current workflows.
Is last mile delivery software suitable for small businesses or solo drivers?
Absolutely. Cigo Tracker is designed for small business and independent drivers. And we can scale as you grow. We offer affordable plans with essential features like simple route optimization and tracking. And you won’t have to deal with the complexity of enterprise-grade tools.
What kind of support or onboarding should I expect from these platforms?
The kind of support you get will depend on your provider. Enterprise-grade platforms often include onboarding assistance, training, and dedicated support reps. Others may offer online documentation, chat support, or community forums. Take the time to reach out to a sales rep to understand the level of onboarding offered.
