10 Best Last Mile Delivery Management Software for eCommerce in 2024
In today’s internet-driven world, most of us prefer to use our smart devices to manage our daily requirements. Starting from buying an expensive car to ordering essential groceries, there is a website or an application for every need. The most significant aspect of such websites is eCommerce shopping, which has become an indispensable part of the retail framework.
In this exponential growth trajectory of the eCommerce industry, last mile delivery plays an important role. Last-mile delivery is the journey of the final product or service to the customer from the final distribution hub. This is the most significant part of the overall eCommerce logistics process as the customer’s ultimate experience depends on it. In addition to this, the last mile involves substantial costs in terms of fuel, transportation, and other important aspects. The eCommerce fulfillment ecosystem is heavily dependent on on-time delivery. This is where the importance of last mile delivery management software comes in.
Several last-mile delivery management software packages are available in the market that help in providing last mile software solutions to delivery issues and are also helpful in tracking and managing the final logistics. Additionally, it boosts profitability by reducing logistics costs and other expenses.
This article will provide a brief about the last mile delivery process, its importance, and how the best last mile delivery management software can benefit your business. Stay connected.
What is Last-Mile Delivery?
The final lap, or the last mile delivery, is a significant process in the entire supply chain network. The journey of a product starts from the production house to the warehouse shelf and then gradually moves to the transport vehicle before finally reaching the end customer. There are several points where the product is housed, known as hubs. It is the final journey of the product to reach its ultimate buyer.
Last mile delivery is vital, not only from the shipment point of view but also from the customer point of view. It dramatically enhances customer delight and, in turn, helps in customer retention. It is the costliest and most time-consuming part of the overall logistics chain and could result in higher logistics costs if not managed efficiently.
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What is Last Mile Delivery Management Software and why is it Important?
Last mile delivery is the final ride of the product to reach the buyer's doorstep. But as far as delivery is concerned, it may not be as simple as it sounds. The reason behind its complications is that the delivery driver needs to handle a lot of shipments of different customers in a single go. And there are numerous stops and routes that the vehicle needs to cover.
To manage the complicated process, software solutions provide services known as last mile delivery management software to last-mile delivery companies. These are advanced and feature-loaded products that offer considerable benefits to the overall supply chain, especially to the end customers. Last mile logistics software solutions can manage large volumes of customers and their orders. With live updates of the shipment status, both the logistics team and the customer can track orders and take necessary actions to mitigate any issue.
It is imperative to deliver your product or services in the shortest possible time in this ever-changing business scenario. Due to the evolution of technology, customer expectations have changed significantly. And if you want to stay ahead of your competitors, you need to be intelligent, agile, flexible, and fast. No matter how great your products are, you will definitely lose the market if you fail to adhere to your delivery commitment. Therefore, in any business, supply chain and logistics are gaining attention and can help businesses regulate and de-clutter their eCommerce shipping processes. Read our blog on shipping aggregators to understand how they streamline your shipping and distribution process.
Last mile delivery management software can give you the live status of the delivery at ground level. Such software provides information about details like the vehicle location, delivery status, information about ETA, and more. You can do a detailed analysis to improve the process, manage any complaints, enhance customer delight by reducing the delivery time, and much more. In this market scenario, last mile logistics software is a necessity, particularly for eCommerce businesses.
What are the Key Benefits of Using Last mile Delivery Management Software?
Customer experience is the key brand differentiator over price and quality. If your product can enhance customers’ delight, you will receive orders and if your last mile logistics software can ensure your customer receives your product on time, you will receive what most eCommerce shipping companies strive for - positive customer feedback.
But how do the supply chain and logistics help brands to improve customer experience?
It's through the last mile delivery, your final touch can make or break the deal. You can see that most of the eCommerce players are now advertising the shortest delivery time as their unique selling point (USP). Same-day delivery is now standard. With this, organizations can now meet the ever-changing customer expectations.
Let's check how last mile software solutions can benefit your business:
Improves Shipment Visibility
As per Gartner, visibility is one of the most significant challenges in the last mile delivery process. Businesses need to get clear visibility of the final lap as this completes the cycle. Last mile delivery management software provides real-time information regarding the final delivery process such as providing the pre-defined optimum route, identifying any delays in deliveries, idling time of the delivery van, and other things. Last mile software solutions are excellent for predicting the final delivery time and committing accordingly. You can better control your fleet process and avoid theft, pilferage, and spoilage.
Helps in Route Optimization
There are opportunities to improve your business process in every aspect. But you need to measure the elements first. An enterprise-grade last mile delivery management software helps you understand the best possible route to reach the maximum touchpoints and avoid unwanted delays. Drivers get real-time updates regarding the best-optimized path to ensure the fastest delivery. Such software is beneficial to cover the maximum number of deliveries within a short time period and increase savings in terms of fuel consumption.
Enhances Customer Delight
last mile delivery management software helps to integrate your delivery system with end customers through informative messaging and web updates. These platforms enable customers to have end-to-end visibility, and they can track the shipment on a real-time basis. From order placement to final delivery, buyers get information at their fingertips.
Last mile software solutions even share the estimated arrival time with the customer after they place the order. These updates - delivery notifications and updates regarding any delay - boost customer engagement and enhance their delight. A great customer experience is key to a successful business.
Introduces Flexibility in Delivery
The last mile delivery management software is developed, keeping the practicality of the customers in mind. In today's busy schedule, it is expected that you may not be available at the delivery destination. The advanced software allows you to update your delivery location and time, making the overall delivery process more agile.
Boosts Productivity and Scalability
Last mile logistics software is highly advanced and responsive. With the help of the latest technologies and tracking systems, these platforms provide live updates about traffic routes to help the fleet avoid unplanned diversions and unnecessary idling. Taking the optimized route saves time and helps the driver complete the maximum number of deliveries, which increases the fleet's productivity.
Most last mile delivery management software solutions are excellent in terms of scalability. They are developed keeping future expansion in mind as eCommerce businesses have tremendous growth potential. Even in case of in-house workforce scarcity, these platforms can help you connect with third-party (3PL) delivery providers to manage situations without any hassle.
Increases Profitability
The overall goal is to increase the profit of your business. With all the features and benefits like quick delivery, route optimization and fuel-saving, managing delivery resources efficiently and the ability to enhance customer satisfaction, these platforms increase your profit margin significantly. Last mile software solutions provide a lot of data, which you can analyze to improve your logistics system.
Boosts Transparency
Supply chain and reverse logistics are highly dynamic processes that cannot operate efficiently without transparency. With the help of last mile delivery management software, supply chain managers can track every data point, starting from the date and time of order placement. They can get information as to who placed the order, what is the exact SKU, and which one is the nearest hub to deliver, among others. Such information is provided by last mile software solutions. Additionally, they can share the estimated shipping date and delivery time with the customers to make the delivery process even more transparent.
8 Factors to Consider While Choosing a Last Mile Delivery Management Software in 2024
You must be thinking about how to select the best last time software solution provider that suits your requirements. Selecting the best last-mile logistics software is a daunting task. You need to consider a number of parameters and points before you opt for a solution provider.
You can read the following list of important things you should consider before finalizing a software company:
Pricing Model
Budgeting is an essential aspect of any project. Choosing the right last-mile delivery management software for your eCommerce business needs a deep understanding of the available budget. It would be best to think about the quality, features, user-friendliness, flexibility, scalability, and aesthetics before thinking of the cost. This will be the tracking mechanism of your business that can make or break a deal. Ideally, it would help if you considered the long-term benefit and not the short-term one.
Coverage Area
The network coverage area that the last mile delivery software service provider offers is a vital aspect. As this is a network-based system, the software should cover the maximum area where your business operates. Along with this, checking the responsiveness of the network is a must. If the software faces a significant amount of downtime, it may cost a lot for your business.
Dependability
Before joining hands with a third-party last mile delivery management software provider, you should check the dependability factor, as in how much reliable it is. For a long-term venture, a trustworthy service provider is required to significantly benefit your business. Check their clientele and portfolio, and visit their website and social media to get a clear picture of their service. Going through customer reviews and ratings is a good practice.
Payment Methods
Nowadays, several payment options are available. And people use them at their convenience. Therefore, it is indispensable to check if the last mile software solution provider offers all possible options like e-wallets, bank transfers, UPI payments, cash-on-delivery, and credit points.
Suggested Read: Which is the Best Cash on Delivery Courier Service in India?
Transparency and Visibility
To provide a fantastic eCommerce shopping experience, you should prefer a last mile delivery management software that offers you thorough real-time visibility and transparency. A live update and a superior interface and notification system greatly benefit the business for thorough tracking of the entire process. Customers want to get updates on the progress on different platforms like SMS, email, and WhatsApp, and your last mile software solution should be able to provide that.
Customer Care Service
After-sales service is a crucial part of any business. But unfortunately, many companies do not bother to resolve after-sales issues. Most of the time, businesses focus on generating new prospects as that pays off immediately. But poor customer support drags down all your efforts. Excellent after-sales support is the key to enhancing customer experience and retaining existing customers. And a happy customer will be your advocate at no cost. A mere 5% increase in customer retention can help you raise your profit by 25%.
Proof of Delivery Feature
Your last mile delivery management software should provide the feature of proof of delivery (POD). The main aim of a supply chain and logistics team is to deliver the right thing at the right time to the right place. POD is a document that ensures that all the points are completed flawlessly, which helps to avoid any future ambiguity and gives you peace of mind. It can include a signature, a picture of the delivery, or a note from the receiver.
Ease of Integration
A last mile logistics software cannot perform well independently. It needs to work efficiently with other applications like Google Maps, Shopify Fulfillment, Salesforce, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Amazon Web Services, etc. An easy integration process helps you avoid restructuring the entire tech stack. Search for a platform that plays nicely with advanced tech and absorbs updates efficiently.
10 Best Last Mile Delivery Management Software [Updated List 2024]
Tookan Delivery Management Software
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Tookan is one of the most popular last mile delivery management software options available. It helps organizations to modernize their delivery systems and reduce overhead costs. It is the most accessible solution for eCommerce businesses, and companies operating with Tookan are benefitted in many ways.
Key features
Tookan dashboard helps to get all the details in one place and can be customized as per your requirement.Tookan logistics is highly efficient in managing same-day deliveries.Tookan mobile app offers many facilities to drivers and field operators. From taking proof of delivery, and reminders, to notifications, to-do lists, easy navigation, and bar code generation, everything is possible through Tookan.
Upper Route Planner
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This is one of the most advanced logistics solution providers, especially in the last mile logistics field. Upper Route Planner can handle one-day delivery efficiently. It has numerous features like route planning and optimization, a robust reporting system, real-time fleet visibility, etc.
Key features
It has a unique one-click dispatch feature. It helps the manager dispatch, multiple drivers, over multiple routers with a single click, making the process very efficient. You can download excel or CSV reports from the system for further analysis. With its planned and advanced scheduling, you can improve the time management and productivity of the logistics team.
Onro Last Mile Delivery Software
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Another leading last mile delivery management software player is Onro. It offers services to businesses of all sizes, and its unique features consistently help it to stay ahead of its competitors.
Key features
Onro is highly customizable. You can play with its design and aesthetics to match your expectations.It offers a white-level branded shipping page to its customers, i.e., your customers can see your brand logo whenever they open the application to track the shipment.Another cool feature of this software is that it offers a number of language options to make it more user-friendly.The real-time updates are highly reliable, and you can chat with the delivery agent to provide any specific instructions.
Onfleet Last Mile Delivery Software
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Onfleet is one of the leading logistics companies that offer a last mile software solution. Based out of San Francisco, this company operates in more than 90+ countries globally and provides efficient solutions to untie the knots of the final lap delivery process.
Key features
Hitech Artificial Intelligence powers the application of this company. Onfleet can provide real-time information about weather conditions, traffic congestion, and optimized delivery routes.The efficient auto-dispatch feature allows the closest delivery vehicle to pick up the material and arrange for the delivery.The live tracking of this application works amazingly fast. It relays the actual status of the shipment to the delivery team as well as to the customer.It offers a POD whenever the delivery is done.
Shipsy Last Mile Delivery Solution
It is one of the best third-party logistics platforms in the Middle East and the Americas. It is headquartered in Dubai and India. Starting in 2015 with only ten people and two customers, this platform now handles 150+ clients globally. Shipsy provides the last mile delivery management software to e-retailers and ensures your product reaches its destination within the ETA.
Key features
Its application is integrated with a real-time route optimization engine which offers a multi-stop dispatch.The entire process of delivery, right from the pick up from the hub to the final destination, is transparent and visible. With its fantastic features, this software can select the delivery vehicle and allocate delivery packages according to the size of the vehicle to utilize the maximum space.You can get the delivery reports and use those to analyze and improve your business.
GSMtasks Last-Mile Delivery Solution
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GSMtasks is a brilliant last mile delivery management software that helps you to manage the entire fleet of vehicles, drivers, and technicians. It helps in optimizing routes, checking working conditions, analyzing customer reviews, etc.
Key features
Delivery drivers can check the to-do list from the mobile app itself.It shares the ETA and duration of each delivery with the fleet managers and the drivers.It offers tremendous automation to back-end employees, saving time and resources.Customers can change the place and time of delivery, and all changes will reflect on the delivery software.
LogiNext Software
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The company provides unmatched customer experience in terms of last mile delivery management software. Loginext is currently providing services in the US, Indonesia, Singapore, and the UAE.
Key features
The dynamic rerouting feature helps the driver take the best suitable route to avoid traffic congestion, resulting in faster delivery.Along with all the digital payment options, this company provides a cash-on-delivery option. The software accommodates the facility if the customer has opted for a COD option and finally wants to pay electronically.
HyperTrack Last Mile Software Solutions
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HyperTrack uses the most advanced technology stacks to build unique last mile software solutions. Through its no-code and low-code infrastructure, HyperTrack helps develop flexible, scalable, and feature-loaded applications for the future.
Key features
Its advanced no-code and low-code development architecture help developers create amazing applications in no time.Its accuracy level is top-notch.This platform uses AI-based technology, which offers a competitive edge over its rivals.
G2 Deals Ecommerce Last-Mile Delivery Management Software
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One of the largest and most trusted software marketplaces is G2 Deals. This platform helps millions of people decide on software purchases through its great reviews and comments. G2 Deals help companies select the best delivery management software as per delivery requirements.
Key features
You can get authentic reviews and ratings on the last mile delivery management software to make a wise decision.It provides research reports, category taxonomy, and service provider profiles to give you the best solution.
Track-POD Last-Mile Delivery Software for Ecommerce
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Track-POD is another provider that works through an application. You can easily download the app on android and iOS devices. The most exciting part is that this application offers a free seven-day trial, giving you full access to its features.
Key features
It is user-friendly and simple for newbies to navigate its features and pages.The geotagging system provides accurate real-time updates about the traffic condition and optimized route options to the drivers.No paperwork or physical signatures are required. If you want a POD, the customer needs to sign on the delivery person’s mobile screen.The accuracy level is very high.
Conclusion: Does Your Business Need a Last-Mile Delivery Management Software?
It is indispensable for eCommerce players to have the best final delivery process. Last mile delivery is now the only differentiator as customers are keen to get their products quickly and in excellent condition. The last mile software solutions provide significant benefits to businesses by making them simple, visible, and profitable. So if you are into an eCommerce business or planning to enhance your customer delight through exceptional last mile delivery service, your business needs a last mile delivery management software. WareIQ can help provide software solutions, not only to manage your last mile delivery, but a whole host of other services to enhance your entire fulfillment experience.
The distance of the final shipping center from your customers’ location is one of the major factors that can determine how fast the last mile delivery can be performed. The closer the fulfillment center is to the final delivery location, the faster it can be delivered. It also implies that you will be travelling a lesser distance to make that delivery, saving some transportation costs. The math is direct, and this directly affects the volume and costs involved in handling your return orders too.
How WareIQ is able to solve the challenges in last-mile deliveries?
The distance of the final shipping center from your customers’ location is one of the major factors that can determine how fast the last mile delivery can be performed. The closer the fulfillment center is to the final delivery location, the faster it can be delivered. It also implies that you will be traveling a lesser distance to make that delivery, saving some transportation costs. The math is direct, and this directly affects the volume and costs involved in handling your return orders too.
WareIQ is able to bring your inventory closer to your customer with its PAN-India fulfillment network. For example, Organic Riot, a consumer brand was able to leverage this network to perform a 2-day delivery to over 85% of their orders. This was only 22% earlier when they shipped through their central warehouse. With WareIQ handling the logistics, the return rate was reduced to just 3 percent.
In another instance, a prominent D2C brand faced a high RTO rate (25-30%) due to various last-mile challenges like non-verified COD orders, fake delivery attempts by courier service partners, and slower shipping speed. WareIQ enabled COD and NDR verification through automated SMS and IVR calls to prevent these issues. It was also possible to bring their inventory closer to demand centers using the fulfillment network in metros. This resulted in a reduction in the RTO rate to just 6%.
For last-mile delivery, WareIQ acts as a shipping aggregator and gives an option of 20+ last-mile delivery partners to the eCommerce clients to choose as per their choice & convenience.
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Last Mile Delivery Management Software FAQs
What is last-mile delivery app/software?The final stage of a company's delivery process i.e last mile delivery is when goods are transferred from a distribution center to a customer's doorstep. The term "last mile delivery software" refers to a group of software tools that aid firms in their last-mile delivery operations.
Why do businesses need last mile delivery management software? Last mile delivery software brings lots of benefits with it, such as dispatching orders, distributing duties, tracking trucks and consignments, planning routes, and more. This allows businesses to gain complete logistics visibility, receive accurate ETAs, and make on-time deliveries with the least amount of personnel and money.
What is the use of the Last-mile delivery system?Last mile software enables companies to meet ever-increasing client expectations while also improving operational efficiency. It controls expenses and performs a variety of tasks such as delivery scheduling, task allocation, routing, real-time tracking, and more such functions.
Who uses last-mile delivery software?This software can be used virtually by any business that sells a physical product or delivers food and beverages to customers' doorstep.
What are the Benefits of Last Mile Delivery Software?The main benefits of using last-mile delivery software are:1. Improved delivery efficiency and accuracy: Last-mile delivery software can help optimize delivery routes and ensure that deliveries are made on time and to the correct location.2. Increased visibility and tracking: The software provides real-time tracking of deliveries, allowing companies to monitor their progress and provide updates to customers.3. Better customer experience: With real-time tracking and more accurate delivery estimates, customers are kept informed and have a more positive experience with the company.4. Increased operational efficiency: Last-mile delivery software automates many of the manual processes involved in last-mile delivery, freeing up time and resources for other tasks.5. Improved resource management: The software helps companies manage their delivery fleet, ensuring that vehicles and drivers are utilized in the most efficient manner possible.6. Better data management: The software collects and stores data on deliveries, which can be used for analysis and to make informed decisions about the delivery process.7. Reduced costs: By improving delivery efficiency and reducing manual processes, last mile delivery software can help companies save time and money.
How to purchase a last mile delivery management software for your business?Here are some steps to follow when purchasing last mile delivery management software:1. Identify your needs: Determine the specific problems that you are trying to solve with the software, and what features and capabilities are required to meet those needs.2. Research available options: Look at different last mile delivery management software options available in the market and shortlist a few that seem to be a good fit.3. Evaluate software features and capabilities: Compare the features and capabilities of each option on your shortlist to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.4. Consider the vendor's reputation: Read online reviews and check the vendor's references to ensure that they have a good reputation for providing quality software and customer support.5. Look for integrations: Ensure that the software integrates with any other systems or tools that you are using, such as your e-commerce platform or dispatch system.6. Consider the cost: Compare the costs of different options and determine which one is the most cost-effective for your needs.7. Request demos and free trials: If possible, request a demo or free trial of the software to get a hands-on feel for how it works and to ensure that it meets your needs.8. Make an informed decision: Based on your research, evaluations, and experiences, make an informed decision on which last mile delivery management software to purchase.
What are the main problems/challenges faced in last-mile logistics management?• Reducing cost• Ensuring transparency • Increasing efficiency• Meeting delivery timelines due to poor order and inventory management• Delay in deliveries due to poor infrastructure, weather conditions
Does WareIQ have its own last mile delivery management software?Yes, WareIQ has a full stack fulfillment platform that integrates with the systems of all national and hyperlocal shipping and courier companies who provide last mile delivery. WareIQ’s platform aids in managing last mile delivery and also helps in tracking pick ups and deliveries, providing information on critical aspects such as:• Courier name• Total pickups• Total scheduled pickups• Pickup date• Pickup point• Downloadable content – Labels, Invoice, Manifest, Pick List, Pack List