Optimal Last-Mile Delivery Software for 2024

Have you ever experienced the frustration of a delayed or missing package, followed by a flood of complaints from disappointed customers? If you manage deliveries or run a business, you know how even a small slip in the final stage of delivery can tarnish your reputation and affect your bottom line.

With the eCommerce boom in full swing, mastering the last mile isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical element for staying competitive and winning customer loyalty. To ensure smoother, more efficient deliveries, you need the best last-mile delivery software to streamline operations and keep your customers happy.

Did you know?

The demand for last-mile delivery is rapidly increasing, with a projected global growth of 78% by 2030, driven by evolving consumer expectations.
Source: www3 weforum org

As online shopping grows, perfecting your last-mile delivery has become increasingly important. In this post, we will explore the top last-mile delivery software for 2024 and how they can help you:

• Plan efficient routes to save time and fuel
• Track shipments in real-time for better control
• Keep customers informed with accurate updates
• Avoid common mistakes to ensure timely deliveries
• Integrate seamlessly with your existing systems

Comprehensive Evaluation Methods

Criteria for Selecting Top Software

Our team of experts has spent many hours researching and testing last-mile delivery solutions. The process includes consulting industry professionals, analyzing market trends, and evaluating each app based on user experience, reliability, and performance. We don’t accept payment or incentives from the apps we review—we focus on providing unbiased, trusted evaluations. 

User Feedback and Industry Analysis

For further insights into our process, we cross-check customer feedback from trusted review platforms (G2, Capterra), ensuring our final recommendations are authentic and reliable.

Understanding Last Mile Delivery Software

Definition and Core Features

Last-mile delivery software is a specialized tool designed to manage and optimize the last stage of the delivery process, from the warehouse to the customer.

Benefits for Businesses

Here are the benefits it provides.

1. Creates optimal delivery routes

Last-mile delivery software helps optimize routes based on delivery constraints, including:

• Traffic 
• Preferred delivery times
• Average time at a stop 
• Vehicle capacity specifics
• Order priority, 
• Drivers’ shifts and break intervals

This helps reduce travel time and distance while ensuring timely delivery. 

2. Enhances shipment visibility

Implementing a last-mile delivery software solution lets you track vehicles in real time to determine variances or delays and idling, providing better control over delivery operations. Thus, it helps prevent thefts or spoilage and conveys the most precise ETAs to your customers.

3. Boost delivery performance

Last-mile software allows you to analyze delivery performance based on the total number of stops delivered, missed, or skipped per driver or route. This helps you identify areas for improvement and take measures to eliminate them. 

4. Flexible route adjustments

Last-mile delivery software lets you change the sequence of stops and add or delete them to address unprecedented changes, such as last-minute orders, cancellations, or changes in order priority.

Innovations in Last-Mile Solutions

1. AI-driven route optimization

Artificial intelligence is changing the way routes are planned and executed. It uses machine learning to analyze real-time factors, including traffic, weather, and road closures to make dynamic route adjustments. 

UPS’ ORION is a smart algorithm that lets drivers navigate the most optimal routes to complete deliveries while avoiding traffic jams, improving delivery speeds, and minimizing costs. 

2. Autonomous delivery solutions

Autonomous vehicles, such as drones and self-driving cars are transforming the last mile. Drones can help you avoid heavy traffic while autonomous vehicles eliminate the need for human drivers and increase large volumes effortlessly. 

Amazon has launched Amazon Air Prime to deliver goods across various countries, including the US. 

Sustainable delivery practices

As people are growing more eco-conscious, companies are switching to investing in electric and green vehicles. These environment-friendly alternatives to conventional vehicles fueled by gasoline and petrol help minimize carbon emissions and contribute to sustainability goals. 

DHL’s GoGreen program is leading the charge in green logistics. It integrates electric and hybrid vehicles to contribute to reducing carbon footprint and aims to replace around 70% of its fleet with eco-friendly vehicles by 2025. 

9 Best Last Mile Delivery Software to Try in 2024

Finding the right last-mile logistics software is crucial for optimizing delivery operations and enhancing customer satisfaction. Here are nine top last-mile delivery software options for 2024 that can boost your delivery efficiency:

1. Upper

Aspects	Details
Best for	Businesses offering last-mile deliveries
Ease of use	User-friendly interface
User ratings	4.6 (44 reviews)
Pricing	$40/user/month
Free trial	7 days free trial
Available on	Web, Android, iOS
Route quality	With Upper, enjoy routes optimized up to 18% more efficiently, covering shorter distances and saving on fuel costs

Efficient last-mile delivery is no longer just a goal; it’s necessary for any delivery business. If managing routes, optimizing delivery times, and keeping customers happy is challenging, Upper is the solution you’ve been looking for.

Upper is built to tackle the common last-mile delivery problems businesses across various industries face. With its user-friendly design and powerful optimization features, Upper ensures you get the most out of your route planning efforts.

Key Benefits and Features

Here’s how Upper can make a real difference for you:

1. Streamlined route planning

With Upper, you can plan delivery routes quickly and easily. You can import your delivery stops directly from a spreadsheet or app, eliminating hours of manual entry.

Upper optimizes routes based on the most efficient routes, considering factors like delivery locations, time windows, and traffic patterns. This reduces fuel costs and ensures on-time deliveries.

2. Real-time tracking

Keep tabs on every delivery vehicle in your fleet with Upper’s real-time tracking feature. Monitor driver locations, progress, and estimated arrival times to keep customers informed. This feature also helps quickly address any delays or issues during deliveries.

Recommendation: For more tips on how to improve last-mile delivery tracking, do check out our blog.

3. Automated route adjustments

Last-mile delivery routes often need adjustments due to unforeseen changes like traffic or new order requests. Upper handles these changes effortlessly with automated route adjustments.

Whether it’s adding a last-minute delivery or altering a route due to traffic conditions, Upper allows for swift modifications.

4. Enhanced communication

Upper’s in-app dispatching solution and driver chat facilitate seamless communication between dispatchers and delivery drivers.

You can share real-time updates, provide instructions, and resolve any issues quickly, keeping everyone involved in the delivery process informed and coordinated.

5. Proof of delivery

Forget about paperwork. Upper captures digital signatures and photos for proof of delivery, increasing transparency and making resolving any customer inquiries or disputes easier.

The best part? 

You can try Upper free for 7 days. No credit card is required. Just take it for a spin and see how it works for your business.

6. In-app navigation

Accurate navigation is vital for delivery drivers to follow their routes efficiently. 

Upper’s in-app navigation provides turn-by-turn directions, helping drivers stay on course and avoid delays. This ensures that deliveries adhere to their schedules and packages reach customers on time.

7. Comprehensive reporting

Make data-driven decisions with Upper’s detailed reporting and analytics. Track performance metrics, monitor route efficiency, and gain insights into your operations with reports that help identify areas for improvement and refine your delivery strategies.

Hence, Upper’s advanced features, easy-to-use interface, and excellent customer support make it a top choice for last-mile delivery routing.

Upper’s Milestone

Using Upper’s routing features, a client experienced a 300% increase in daily delivery capacity, highlighting the significant impact on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Why Choose Upper?

Customer Testimonials

“We love that it is easy to set up, optimize and modify the routes. If a job is for some reason in the wrong spot you can move it on the map to resolve the situation. We use the duplicate route feature constantly. Once our routes are set up, its set for the season. The tech support is extremely responsive and answers questions in a manner that is very simple to follow and understand. We only use the service for the winter seasons, and is still affordable for the year.”

~ Charlie P., Office Manager, Insurance, 1-10 employees

“Upper’s intuitive interface and straightforward pricing eliminate any guesswork. Its reliable address validation ensures accuracy in navigation, preventing any unwanted detours. The mobile app is clean and easy to use, facilitating seamless communication between dispatchers and drivers. One standout feature is the ability to upload multiple images for delivery proof, maintaining transparency. I am glad that we found Upper as our route optimization partner.”

~ Shubham S., Sales executive, Information Technology and Services, 51-200 employees

Comparative Advantages

Upper excels in terms of ease of use, which helps reduce the learning curve. Moreover, it features AI-powered routing algorithms that help create the most optimal routes to reduce travel distances and time. Dynamic route adjustments are also a USP that help you make real-time changes to routes based on sudden emergencies like vehicle breakdowns.

Special Offers and Trials

Upper offers a 7 days free trial and free demo for you to test features before you commit to a paid plan.

2. Onfleet

Aspects	Details
Best for	Mid- to large-scale businesses needing advanced delivery management software
Ease of use	Complex for new users to navigate
User ratings	4.6 (93 reviews)
Pricing	Starts at $149/month
Free trial	14-day free trial
Available on	iOS, Android
Route quality	Real-time traffic data helps optimize routes, though some ETA inaccuracies may still happen

Onfleet is an advanced last-mile delivery platform that simplifies routing operations and boosts efficiency. The optimization is done automatically using a routing algorithm that calculates the optimal route to reduce the overall length of the delivery route.

Its ability to auto-assign tasks (orders) and enhance transparency through features like integrated driver chat stands out.

Onfleet supports unlimited dispatcher and driver seats at no additional cost, making it a strong choice for businesses needing scalable solutions.

Feature/Criteria
Pricing model	Task/delivery based	Per user based
No of tasks (route creation)	2,000-5,000 (based on plan)	Unlimited
Discount offered	No discount	Flat 20% on annual billing
Free route planner
Contact/address book
Customization	Limited	Extensive
Vehicle capacity optimization
Proof of delivery (POD)
Zoning/Service areas
Driver-dispatcher chat

• Feature/Criteria Onfleet Upper

• Pricing model

  Task/delivery based

  Per user based

• No of tasks (route creation)

  2,000-5,000 (based on plan)

  Unlimited

• Discount offered

  No discount

  Flat 20% on annual billing

• Free route planner

  

  

• Contact/address book

  

  

• Customization

  Limited

  Extensive

• Vehicle capacity optimization

  

  

• Proof of delivery (POD)

  

  

• Zoning/Service areas

  

  

• Driver-dispatcher chat

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

Interested in Onfleet?

We’ve explored all its features to give you a complete overview—dive into our detailed review of Onfleet to understand what the tool has to offer.

3. Tookan

Aspects	Details
Best for	On-demand delivery businesses and fleet management
Ease of use	Easy navigation
User ratings	4.2 (74 reviews)
Pricing	Starts at $29 per month
Free trial	14-day free trial
Available on	Android, iOS, Web
Route quality	Efficient with real-time updates

Tookan is a delivery management software that simplifies task creation, driver assignments, and real-time monitoring, helping businesses improve their delivery processes. 

By offering features like route optimization, automation, and real-time last mile visibility, Tookan enhances both B2C and B2B delivery operations, boosting overall efficiency. 

However, if you’re considering Tookan alternatives, you might find similar features at lower prices.

Feature/Criteria
Pricing model	Task-based	Per user based
No of tasks (route creation)	Limited	Unlimited
Discount offered	Check with the sales team	Flat 20% on annual billing
Free route planner
Contact/address book
Customization	Limited	Extensive
Vehicle capacity optimization	Basic	Advanced
Proof of delivery (POD)
Zoning/Service areas	Limited	Robust zoning and service area management
Driver-dispatcher chat

• Feature/Criteria Tookan Upper

• Pricing model

  Task-based

  Per user based

• No of tasks (route creation)

  Limited

  Unlimited

• Discount offered

  Check with the sales team

  Flat 20% on annual billing

• Free route planner

  

  

• Contact/address book

  

  

• Customization

  Limited

  Extensive

• Vehicle capacity optimization

  Basic

  Advanced

• Proof of delivery (POD)

  

  

• Zoning/Service areas

  Limited

  Robust zoning and service area management

• Driver-dispatcher chat

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

4. Route4Me

Aspects	Details
Best for	Businesses needing flexible pricing and add-ons
Ease of use	Not as smooth or user-friendly as Onfleet or Upper
User ratings	4.5 (388 reviews)
Pricing	Starts at $200 per month
Free trial	7-day free trial
Available on	Android, iOS, Web
Route quality	Route4Me generally provides good route quality; however, manual adjustments may be needed for optimal results in some cases.

If you need a flexible last-mile delivery solution with a pay-as-you-go model, Route4Me might be your best option. It offers various subscription packages tailored to your business’s size and needs, ensuring you only pay for what you use.

With real-time schedule adjustments and dynamic vehicle routing, it optimizes routes for maximum efficiency, whether trucks, vans, or trailers are used. 

Route4Me’s patented routing engine creates efficient delivery routes that consider traffic, time windows, vehicle capacity, and stop priorities.

PRO TIP: For a complete view of available options, consider comparing Route4Me with Upper to determine which solution aligns best with your specific requirements.

Feature/Criteria
Pricing Model	Subscription-based	Per user based
Route optimization	Not in the base plan
Real-time tracking	Less reliable	More than Route4Me
Route simulation
Curbside delivery support	Expensive (add-ons)
Swap routes
Vehicle capacity optimization	Expensive (add-ons)	Reasonable (add-ons)
Proof of delivery (POD)
Zoning/Service Areas
API integration
Dedicated customer support

• Feature/Criteria Route4Me Upper

• Pricing Model

  Subscription-based

  Per user based

• Route optimization

  Not in the base plan

  

• Real-time tracking

  Less reliable

  More than Route4Me

• Route simulation

  

  

• Curbside delivery support

  Expensive (add-ons)

  

• Swap routes

  

  

• Vehicle capacity optimization

  Expensive (add-ons)

  Reasonable (add-ons)

• Proof of delivery (POD)

  

  

• Zoning/Service Areas

  

  

• API integration

  

  

• Dedicated customer support

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

5. TrackPOD

Aspects	Details
Best for	Businesses looking for proof of delivery management
Ease of use	Consistent across platforms
User ratings	4.7 (132 reviews)
Pricing	Starts at $29 per month
Free trial	7-day free trial
Available on	Android, iOS
Route quality	Efficient routes with minor manual adjustments for optimal performance

Track-POD is all-in-one software intended to streamline the entire delivery process, address last mile delivery challenges, and provide an exhaustive record of each delivery. 

It offers multiple POD collection options: e-signatures (allowing recipients to sign for deliveries digitally), COD confirmation (for cash-on-delivery orders), and barcode/QR scanning (to manage and verify items during delivery). 

Advanced routing algorithms, proof of delivery templates, real-time courier tracking, and detailed analytics are essential tools for businesses needing end-to-end delivery management.

Feature/Criteria
Advanced routing	Not available in the standard plan	Available in all plans
Customization
Live driver tracking
Parcel info
Route swapping
Customer notifications
Customer support
Proof of Delivery (POD)
Zoning/Service areas
Set stop priority

• Feature/Criteria TrackPOD Upper

• Advanced routing

  Not available in the standard plan

  Available in all plans

• Customization

  

  

• Live driver tracking

  

  

• Parcel info

  

  

• Route swapping

  

  

• Customer notifications

  

  

• Customer support

  

  

• Proof of Delivery (POD)

  

  

• Zoning/Service areas

  

  

• Set stop priority

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

6. Routific

Aspects	Details
Best for	Small to medium-sized businesses managing frequent multi-stop deliveries
Ease of use	The interface is clean but lacks guidance for new users.
User ratings	4.9 (131 reviews)
Pricing	Starting at $49/month per vehicle
Free trial	7-day free trial
Available on	Android, iOS
Route quality	Routific’s route quality was satisfactory, but despite reducing delivery times, there were occasional inefficiencies and overlaps.

Routific simplifies last-mile delivery with clear multi-stop routes and detailed views of start points, stops, and delivery instructions, making it a reliable choice for improving efficiency.

Its integration with eCommerce systems simplifies workflows and reduces errors, while real-time traffic-aware routing helps avoid delays and ensures timely deliveries.

The lack of barcode scanning and order-taking functionality is a drawback, leading users to consider alternatives to Routific for their needs.

Feature/Criteria
Route optimization
OCR scanner
Active driver tracking
Multi depot planning
Free route planner
Contact/address book
Detailed reporting	Not available in the basic pricing tier
Zoning
Vehicle capacity optimization
In-app driver chat
Proof of delivery (POD)

• Feature/Criteria Routific Upper

• Route optimization

  

  

• OCR scanner

  

  

• Active driver tracking

  

  

• Multi depot planning

  

  

• Free route planner

  

  

• Contact/address book

  

  

• Detailed reporting

  Not available in the basic pricing tier

  

• Zoning

  

  

• Vehicle capacity optimization

  

  

• In-app driver chat

  

  

• Proof of delivery (POD)

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

7. Onro

Aspects	Details
Best for	Both batch and on-demand delivery businesses
Ease of use	An intuitive and user-friendly interface
User ratings	5.0 (6 reviews)
Pricing	Starts at $239/month
Free trial	N/A
Available on	Android, iOS
Route quality	Onro’s route optimization is reliable and efficient, though occasional lags may occur when automating many workflows.

Onro is a powerful last-mile delivery SaaS platform that automates and optimizes operations with an easy-to-use dispatch panel and smooth courier tracking.

Onro excels in customizing workflows, though minor lags may occur with extensive automation. 

Onro’s scalability, easy interface, and great support make it ideal for businesses in grocery delivery, retail, and eCommerce while improving customer experiences.

Feature/Criteria
Route optimization	Basic	Advanced
OCR scanner
Detailed reporting
Multi depot planning
Contact/address book	Limited	Extensive
Proof of delivery (POD)
Vehicle capacity optimization
Customization		Extensive
Free route planner
Driver-Dispatcher chat

• Feature/Criteria Onro Upper

• Route optimization

  Basic

  Advanced

• OCR scanner

  

  

• Detailed reporting

  

  

• Multi depot planning

  

  

• Contact/address book

  Limited

  Extensive

• Proof of delivery (POD)

  

  

• Vehicle capacity optimization

  

  

• Customization

  

  Extensive

• Free route planner

  

  

• Driver-Dispatcher chat

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

Recommendation: Onro is ideal for small businesses needing efficient route optimization and management for multiple vehicles.

8. DispatchTrack

Aspects	Details
Best for	Companies needing comprehensive last-mile delivery management
Ease of use	Complex for new users to navigate
User ratings	4.7 (22 reviews)
Pricing	Not disclosed
Free trial	Yes
Available on	Android, iOS
Route quality	Delivers efficient route quality with robust algorithms, particularly effective for larger operations.

DispatchTrack is a last-mile delivery solution for truckers with a focus on sustainability, thereby reducing last mile delivery costs. 

Its AI-powered route optimization impressed us with accurate ETAs and easy manual adjustments, but its complexity and potential bugs could be challenging for last-mile logistics.

The scheduling and real-time tracking features provide automatic ETA updates for customers. Additionally, the driver mobile app simplifies proof of delivery collection and reporting, enhancing delivery data analysis.

Feature/Criteria
Pricing model	Quotation based	Per user based
Discount offered	Not publicly disclosed	Flat 20% on annual billing
Free route planner
Contact/address book
Customization	Extensive	Extensive
Vehicle capacity optimization
Proof of delivery (POD)
Customer self-scheduling	Yes	Limited
Mobile app
Customer notifications

• Feature/Criteria DispatchTrack Upper

• Pricing model

  Quotation based

  Per user based

• Discount offered

  Not publicly disclosed

  Flat 20% on annual billing

• Free route planner

  

  

• Contact/address book

  

  

• Customization

  Extensive

  Extensive

• Vehicle capacity optimization

  

  

• Proof of delivery (POD)

  

  

• Customer self-scheduling

  Yes

  Limited

• Mobile app

  

  

• Customer notifications

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

9. OptimoRoute

Aspects	Details
Best for	Businesses managing high volumes of deliveries and pickups
Ease of use	User-friendly with an intuitive interface
User ratings	4.6 (153 reviews)
Pricing	Starts at $39/month
Free trial	30 days free trial
Available on	Android, iOS, and Web
Route quality	OptimoRoute plans routes efficiently but can sometimes give wrong ETAs and perform poorly in weak network areas.

OptimoRoute automates route planning for last-mile deliveries. You enter addresses and details like delivery times and vehicle types, and it creates efficient routes for you.

We found that it not only optimized routes effectively but also assigned them to drivers based on their service hours, destination distances, and skills.

The software’s flexibility in making last-minute route adjustments and its ability to plan routes for up to 5 weeks further enhance its value.

Feature/Criteria
Pricing model	Per driver based	Per user based
Data import
Discounts	Only 10%	Flat 20% on annual billing
Addresses (credits)	Limited	Unlimited
Curbside delivery
Route scheduling
Parcel location and info
Bar code scanning
Stops priority via color coding
Proof of delivery (POD)
In-app navigation
API integration

• Feature/Criteria OptimoRoute Upper

• Pricing model

  Per driver based

  Per user based

• Data import

  

  

• Discounts

  Only 10%

  Flat 20% on annual billing

• Addresses (credits)

  Limited

  Unlimited

• Curbside delivery

  

  

• Route scheduling

  

  

• Parcel location and info

  

  

• Bar code scanning

  

  

• Stops priority via color coding

  

  

• Proof of delivery (POD)

  

  

• In-app navigation

  

  

• API integration

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

Hence, these top last mile delivery apps can greatly enhance your operations and boost efficiency throughout 2024.

How to Choose the Last Mile Delivery Software?

Choosing the right last-mile software is crucial for improving operations and enhancing customer satisfaction. Here are some essential points to consider:

Assessing Business Needs

Look for your specific business needs and see if your route optimization software provides the features to cater to them. Ensure you have a solution that you can customize to meet your unique requirements. 

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Return on investment is an important factor to consider. Ensure you consider the total costs involved in procuring software, the benefits you get, and whether they are worth the investment.

Future-Proofing Your Operations

Ensure your last-mile delivery software is scalable and helps you achieve data security to future-proof your operations and keep you sustainable. 

Here are the features you can consider:

• Choose software with advanced route optimization algorithms that optimize routes, reduce driving time and fuel costs, and offer real-time traffic and weather updates.
• Opt for software with efficient dispatching and automated route assignment. Ensure it includes mobile app features for drivers and real-time communication.
• Select software with flexible delivery scheduling and dynamic time management to adapt to client needs and maintain efficient schedules.
• Use last mile delivery solutions for geofencing and GPS tracking for on-time deliveries and proactive management. Ensure the software provides accurate client updates and quick issue resolution.
• Choose software that automatically sends delivery updates and ETAs, and offers customizable notification templates to enhance the customer experience.
• Look for software with robust proof of delivery features, like barcode scanning and photo verification, and integration with electronic signature capture for better transparency and compliance.

Focusing on these factors can help you find last-mile delivery software that meets your needs and enhances your operations.

Embark on Your Last-Mile Delivery Journey

Choosing the right last-mile delivery software is crucial for streamlining your operations and enhancing efficiency. With the right tool, you can transform how you handle scheduling, route planning, and communication with drivers and customers. 

Quick Steps to Get Started with Upper

Among the top contenders for 2024 Upper stands out as a complete solution designed to address all your delivery needs. From optimizing routes to improving driver coordination, Upper offers features that can significantly boost your operational efficiency. 

Sign Up for a Free Trial

Want to see it in action? Try Upper with our free trial or schedule a demo to experience how it can revolutionize your delivery process.