The Best Last-Mile Delivery Software of 2024

In the era of booming online shopping, there’s one thing that remains a constant priority for businesses worldwide: ensuring swift and efficient delivery to customers. 

However, let’s face it – the journey from warehouse to doorstep isn’t always smooth sailing. From traffic jams to missed deliveries, the last mile of the delivery process can often prove to be a headache for both businesses and customers alike.

Hence, businesses are looking for innovative solutions that streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

But what if there is a way to transform the delivery experience for customers?

So, let’s join on a quest to discover the best last-mile delivery software, paving the way to a seamless delivery experience.

But before that, you should understand the two primary types of delivery models, comprehend their differences, and determine the one that your business follows. 

Identifying your delivery model is imperative to understanding your requirements and choosing the right delivery software accordingly. 

Long Distance Shipping vs Last-Mile Delivery

The moment people hear ‘delivery software,’ they typically mistake it for a one-stop solution to handle all types of deliveries. Moreover, they sometimes fail to differentiate between delivery models and consider them all under the umbrella term – delivery management.  As a result, they end up picking the wrong software that doesn’t fit their delivery business model. 

So, understanding various delivery models, how they differ, and which software suits them is crucial. Long-distance shipping and last-mile delivery are among the two popular types of deliveries.  

• Long-distance shipping: As the name indicates, long-distance shipping refers to transporting goods over long distances, often between cities, provinces, or even countries, for delivery to your end customers.  Therefore, delivery times can range from one day to a couple of days based on the distance to the destination. For example, if you are an electronic retailer in Canada shipping a TV to your customer in San Fransisco, United States, you can consider it long-distance shipping.

  Your long-distance shipping software should handle large-scale shipping operations involving bulk shipments and complex supply chain networks, including 3PL providers, freight forwarders, fulfillment experts, carriers, and couriers. 

• Last-mile delivery: Last-mile delivery refers to delivering your goods to your end customers, often at shorter distances, generally within the same region or city. This means that you can deliver your products within hours of placing your order or on the same day. For instance, if you are a grocery retailer in New York serving local customers, it will be the last-mile delivery. Your last-mile delivery software must be able to optimize your routes and deliver your orders as fast and efficiently as possible.

Now that we understand the difference between long-distance shipping and last-mile delivery let’s examine the top 11 last-mile delivery software options.

11 Best Last Mile Delivery Software: A Quick Glance

Last-mile Delivery Software	Salient Features	User Ratings
Upper	Route planning & optimization Import spreadsheet One-click dispatch Customer notifications Proof of delivery Reports & Analytics	4.8
OnFleet	Route optimization Order auto-assignment Driver chat	4.7
Tookan	Dispatch dashboard Service app Tracker	4.3
Route4Me	Email & text notifications Real-time collaboration Recurring routes	4.5
TrackPOD	Route optimization Multiple POD methods Vehicle safety management	4.7
Routific	Route optimization Data import Driver analytics Dedicated driver app	4.9
Scurri	Mass label generation Comprehensive tracking Carrier integration	4.7
Onro	Dispatcher panel Driver app Customer app	5
FarEye	Automated dispatching Seamless integration	4.6
DispatchTrack	Route optimization Real-time visibility ETA notifications	4.6
Shipsy	Route optimization Live tracking Multi-carrier management	4.7

1. Upper

Best last-mile delivery software for individuals and delivery businesses

Available on: Web, Android, and iOS

If you are in the last-mile delivery business and want to make deliveries as hassle-free as possible, Upper is the best choice because of its advanced route planning and optimization capabilities. Upper utilizes smart routing algorithms to create the most optimal routes for various industries, including deliveries, couriers, gas, food, eCommerce, waste management, and more. 

Moreover, it is a kind of software solution that efficiently plans and optimizes routes, considering factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and other delivery constraints. It enables efficient management of both deliveries and pick-ups along a single route, thus reducing time spent on the road and cutting fuel expenses. 

Compared with OptimoRoute, a dedicated last-mile delivery software, Upper provides 15% shorter routes. Moreover, Upper is quite easy for you and your team to use, whereas OptimoRoute can be confusing for non-tech-savvy people. 

A 7 days free trial with no credit card details is also available, so experience it and know how it benefits your business.

Key features:

• Route planning: Upper simplifies route planning by enabling users to create unlimited multi-stop routes. With its automated route planning process, it generates the most efficient routes in seconds, considering traffic and weather conditions.
• Import spreadsheet: This allows to import of delivery addresses directly from spreadsheet formats like XLS or CSV. This speeds up planning, removing manual tasks for efficient use of time and resources.
• Route optimization: Upper utilizes an advanced route optimization algorithm while offering the flexibility to optimize routes based on your preference for time or distance, enabling efficient deliveries in less time.
• Customer notifications: This allows you to keep your customers updated with personalized and automated notifications, providing them with real-time updates on delivery estimated times of arrival (ETAs) and statuses.
• Proof of delivery: This feature reduces the paperwork and the chances of potential disputes. It enhances transparency by capturing in-app signatures, photos of successfully delivered items/services, and notes in the form of proof of delivery.
• Reports and analytics: The comprehensive reports and analytics enable you to pinpoint areas for enhancement, gaining invaluable insights into your delivery operations for targeted improvements.

2. OnFleet

Best for managing and planning routes for enterprise businesses

Available on: Web, Android, and iOS

Onfleet is an advanced last-mile delivery platform that simplifies your routing operations and boosts efficiency. It not only excels at optimizing last-mile delivery routes but also enhances operational transparency through its integrated driver chat feature.

Onfleet is carefully designed for large-scale enterprises requiring extensive route planning capabilities. With Onfleet, you get unlimited dispatcher and driver seats, allowing you to add as many as you need at no extra cost.

While it offers comprehensive delivery management features, its pricing may be higher compared to other Onfleet alternatives. Some businesses even use it as a solution for fleet management because of its robust capacity.

Key features

• Route optimization: The optimization is done automatically using a routing algorithm that calculates the optimal route to reduce the overall length of the delivery route. 

• Auto-assign orders: For any unassigned tasks, simply select your preferred method of assignment, and Onfleet will automatically assign tasks to the appropriate driver. 

• Driver chat: This feature allows the dispatcher to communicate with their fleet of drivers at any given time.

• Proof of delivery: It lets your driver collect proof of delivery in the form of e-signatures, photos, or barcodes using their mobile devices.

• API Integration: API integrations enable Onfleet to connect with other applications for massive leaps in productivity. 

3. Tookan

Best delivery management software for on-demand services

Available on: Web, Android, and iOS

Tookan is a delivery management software that enables businesses to plan and organize their delivery routes. While it focuses on planning, optimizing, and dispatching your routes, it additionally works to take care of on-demand deliveries.

The primary goal of Tookan is to empower enterprises, mainly large-scale organizations, to excel in today’s customer-centric era. It achieves this through optimized routes, automation, real-time tracking, and efficient movement of goods, serving both B2C and B2B segments.

The platform offers a centralized dashboard for creating and managing delivery assignments, designating drivers, and monitoring their real-time progress. Businesses can use Tookan to improve their delivery process and increase operational efficiency.

Key features

• Dispatch dashboard: It gives businesses a comprehensive and real-time view of the delivery management process, enabling them to assign jobs more effectively, check order status, and track agent activities. 

• Service app: The service app, designed for field agents, enables efficient work and seamless connectivity with managers and customers, empowering agents with essential tools for effective task performance.

• Extensions: Tookan offers a variety of extensions, which are designed to address specific business requirements and enhance the overall functionality of the platform.

• Tracker: This feature provides advanced fleet tracking capabilities, enabling businesses to manage their vehicle fleets efficiently.

4. Route4Me

Best last-mile delivery software for businesses looking for flexible pricing models

Available on: Web, Android, and iOS

If you are looking for a last-mile delivery solution that provides and charges for only what you need, Route4Me can be your go-to software. It offers different subscription packages based on your business size, type, and unique delivery requirements. You can consider it the software based on the ‘pay-as-you-go’ model. 

It leverages a ‘patented’ routing engine to create efficient delivery routes based on multiple constraints, including traffic, time windows, vehicle capacity, or stop priority.

Equipped with the ability to accommodate real-time schedule adjustments, Route4Me reoptimizes your driver routes to ensure your delivery efficiency stays intact. Whether you own trucks, vans, pickup trailers, other commercial vehicles, or a mix of all, you can optimize your routes using the ‘mixed dynamic vehicle routing’ it provides.

Key Features: 

1. Email & text notifications: Keep your customers informed of the delivery progress in real-time and send updated ETAs in the instances of delays, schedule changes, or failed delivery attempts.
2. Analytics: Provide comprehensive insights into your daily distance traveled, fuel consumption, and drivers’ daily working hours to analyze your delivery performance. It lets you identify areas of improvement and work on them to enhance your overall efficiency.
3. Real-time collaboration: This app enables continuous communication between you, your drivers, and your customers to identify issues and resolve them immediately.
4. Recurring routes: This allows you to create a custom schedule to plan your future routes accordingly and dispatch them to your delivery drivers.

5. TrackPOD

Best for businesses of all sizes seeking proof of delivery

Available on: Web, Android

Track-POD is all-in-one software intended to improve and streamline the entire delivery process. It provides an exhaustive record of each delivery. This delivery software efficiently doubles as a route planning tool, enabling users to organize multiple deliveries with remarkable ease and speed. 

The mobile app’s user-friendly interface guarantees a seamless experience for drivers. To improve customer satisfaction and communication, Track-POD provides customizable delivery notifications. Also, real-time updates on order status are sent instantly once the delivery is completed and scanned. 

With advanced routing algorithms, proof of delivery templates, real-time courier tracking, and detailed analytics, it’s an indispensable tool for businesses needing end-to-end delivery route scheduling.

Key features

• Route optimization: With Track-POD’s AI-driven route planning and optimization, businesses can smooth out their transportation processes and utilize their resources more effectively.

• Multiple POD methods: Track-POD 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). 

• Vehicle safety management: Regular vehicle inspections help determine and resolve any issues promptly, guaranteeing the roadworthiness of the fleet and enhancing driver wellbeing.

• Report and Analytics: The platform’s powerful reporting and analytics capabilities empower clients to get valuable insights into their delivery processes operations, including driver statistics, trip summaries, order summaries, and item overviews.

6. Routific

Best delivery management software for small to medium-sized businesses

Available on: Web, Android, and iOS

Routific utilizes advanced route optimization technology, leveraging its exclusive routing algorithm to plan and streamline routes proficiently. Decreasing delivery time empowers businesses to service more stops within the same timeframe, improving efficiency.

Furthermore, this software offers valuable features like customer notifications and proof of delivery, enhancing overall customer satisfaction. However, some gaps prompt users to seek alternatives to Routific, making it easier to choose the best route planning software.  

Routific can automatically generate optimized routes based on parameters specified by businesses by allowing them to enter customer addresses and other pertinent information. With real-time driver tracking, dispatchers can closely monitor progress and make essential changes on the fly.

Key features:

• Route optimization: Routific optimizes routes for efficiency by considering different elements like vehicle capacity, stop types, driver preferences, time windows, and stop priority.

• Data import: This feature enables the import of an entire Excel or CSV file that contains the customer’s delivery details into the route plan.

• Delivery analytics: Routific makes fleet performance evaluation easier by collecting and presenting delivery data as analytics.

• Dedicated driver app: This software offers two driver apps: one standard driver app and another lite version for older devices with limited processing power.

7. Scurri

Best delivery management software for faster retail deliveries

Available on: Web

Scurri stands out as a valuable last-mile delivery software, offering seamless label generation and third-party integration for business owners. It improves productivity, provides real-time order tracking, and elevates customer satisfaction levels. 

Moreover, Scurri enables eCommerce businesses to improve retail efficiency while diminishing operational costs. With live order tracking and detailed logs capturing speed, costs, and other metrics, Scurri empowers continuous process improvement for entrepreneurs.

Key features:

• Mass label generation: This feature instantly generates carrier-approved labels and sets parameters for all the carriers.

• Comprehensive tracking: Scurri’s comprehensive tracking allows us to gain visibility on the entire carrier’s performance at one central location to help improve delivery management.

• Carrier integration: It enables connections to carriers worldwide, with 97% coverage of all courier services across the globe.

8. Onro

Best last mile delivery software for on-demand, pick-up, and delivery businesses

Available on: Web, Android, and iOS

Onro is a last-mile delivery SaaS (software as a service) platform. It helps delivery companies automate, optimize, scale, and simplify operations for business growth. The goal of Onro is to make it unnecessary for delivery companies to design and maintain their software and infrastructure.

Onro is a useful tool for managing deliveries efficiently, fulfilling customer expectations, and increasing transparency. This software caters to a wide range of industries, such as grocery, retail, pharmacy, eCommerce, and more. 

For pickup and delivery businesses that want to scale and automate their operations, Onro is one of the best solutions.

Key features:

• Dispatcher panel: This enables the dispatchers to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience.

• Driver app: The driver app streamlines the last mile delivery operation by providing drivers with a user-friendly mobile app. 

• Customer app: This feature enhances the last mile delivery experience by offering real-time tracking, ETA notifications, real-time chat with the driver, wallet, and online payment.

9. FarEye

Best software for on-demand delivery businesses

Available on: Web, Android, and iOS

FarEye is a comprehensive software solution designed to enhance last-mile deliveries with precise routing and tracking capabilities. It offers businesses greater visibility into their delivery operations, allowing for improved efficiency and consumer loyalty.

With FarEye, manual dispatching tasks are automated, empowering dispatchers to focus on other parts of the work. Its seamless integration with order management systems and CRM platforms makes it a preferred choice for larger enterprises looking for operational enhancements.

FarEye integrates with order management systems and CRM platforms, streamlining data flow across operational domains for improved efficiency and decision-making. Moreover, its automation capabilities simplify dispatch workflows, minimizing the need for human intervention and the possibility of errors.

Key features:

• Automated dispatching: It automates dispatching, freeing up dispatchers to focus on other tasks and improving efficiency.

• Seamless integration: FarEye seamlessly integrates with order management systems and CRM platforms, streamlining data flow for better decision-making.

10. DispatchTrack

Best for companies with field-based employees

Available on: Web, Android, and iOS

DispatchTrack is an easy-to-use last-mile delivery solution for truckers. It is intended to improve the productivity and reach of trucker deliveries, with a focus on sustainability. Optimizing routes reduces CO2 emissions by 10% and lowers fleet operating costs, including fuel usage and reducing vehicle wear, minimizing upkeep costs.

It makes deliveries on time and makes navigation easier for drivers. Clients can share route plans seamlessly and provide customers with real-time alerts for convenient package reception. DispatchTrack lessens emissions and focuses on eco-friendly practices in its operations. 

With user-friendly navigation features, drivers can easily find destinations and complete deliveries quickly, enhancing customer satisfaction. Besides, the software’s routing capabilities contribute to efficient resource utilization and overall cost savings for businesses.

Key features:

• Route optimization: DispatchTrack utilizes powerful artificial intelligence-based algorithms to balance the factors that impact your costs and assign ETAs your drivers can deliver.

• Real-time delivery visibility: This app analyzes real-time data for each truck and displays it in color-coded charts and tables to give you actionable information at a glance.

• ETA notifications: They incorporate the delivery process from one end to another, utilizing AI to foresee ETAs and keep everybody informed through precise push messaging.

• Delivery driver app: DispatchTrack provides comprehensive documentation of deliveries, including timestamps, geotagged media, signatures, and notes, providing in-depth insights into each delivery.

11. Shipsy

Best delivery management software for on-demand delivery businesses

Available on: Web

Shipsy is a smart logistics management platform for business owners to organize delivery operations hassle-free. The software comes with advanced features to perform multi-stop delivery. It simplifies the driver’s job by providing the best routes.

From order placement to tracking and delivery, Shipsy guarantees a seamless process for businesses and clients. With its extensive list of capabilities and cutting-edge technology, Shipsy empowers businesses to operate work processes, decrease overhead expenses, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

Moreover, Shipsy’s intuitive interface and customizable features cater to the unique needs of every business, allowing for flexible and tailored solutions. With real-time tracking and analytics, businesses gain insights for data-driven decisions, driving continuous growth.

Key features:

• Route optimization: This feature enables intelligent planning of first- and last-mile deliveries by efficiently managing fleets while ensuring on-time deliveries.

• Live tracking: The intelligent real-time tracking and tracing allow us to gain end-to-end delivery visibility to better manage SLAs and improve delivery transparency.

• Multi-carrier management: This system supercharges the supply chain and logistics operations by automating processes to plan, procure, execute, track, and audit transportation for every shipment.

Benefits of Using Last Mile Delivery Software

Last-mile delivery software offers a multitude of benefits, ranging from automating manual tasks to enhancing the customer experience. Here are the key advantages:

1. Dynamic route optimization

The last mile software dynamically adjusts routes to reduce delivery times and costs by analyzing real-time data on traffic, weather, and delivery constraints.

This guarantees deliveries on time while optimizing fuel usage, reducing vehicle mileage, and improving overall productivity.

2. Delivery oversight

Last mile delivery software enables businesses to monitor each aspect of the delivery process, ensuring the utmost transparency. It includes real-time delivery progress, status updates, and driver locations. 

By proactively identifying and addressing potential issues, businesses can minimize delays, mitigate risks, and enhance consumer loyalty.

3. Improved delivery efficiency

Last mile delivery software boosts efficiency by streamlining operations and eliminating inefficiencies. It empowers quicker order deliveries and decreases fuel utilization and operating costs through automated route planning and optimized dispatching.

Thus, improving last-mile operations boosts delivery efficiency, guarantees timely deliveries, and increases customer loyalty.

4. Data-driven decision-making

Last mile delivery software enables organizations to make informed decisions based on real-time data insights. This data-driven approach boosts agility, fosters improvement, and keeps organizations ahead of evolving demands and market dynamics.

Thus, businesses can leverage a last mile delivery platform to analyze metrics, feedback, and market trends, optimizing routes and resource allocation effectively.

5. Improved customer service

Last-mile delivery software provides superior customer support by offering real-time tracking and updates on delivery status, enhancing transparency and trust in your delivery operations.

Furthermore, utilizing last mile software to optimize delivery routes and minimize delays empowers businesses to guarantee on-time deliveries and lessen the probability of missed or late deliveries. 

Hence, embrace the power of last-mile delivery management software to streamline your processes, improve productivity, and deliver unparalleled support to your customers. Now, let’s talk about how to select the right last mile delivery software.

How Do You Choose a Last Mile Delivery Software?

Choosing the right last mile delivery software is crucial for improving your operations and enhancing customer satisfaction. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when making a strategic decision.

1. Robust route optimization

• Opt for software with advanced route optimization algorithms to boost productivity and cut costs.
• Look for features to reduce driving time and fuel costs and improve resource utilization.
• Prioritize platforms with real-time traffic updates and weather forecasts for route adjustments.

2. Dispatching efficiency

• Pick last mile delivery routing software with streamlined dispatching for timely deliveries and improved efficiency.
• Prefer software with automated route assignment based on driver accessibility to advance dispatching.
• Opt for last mile delivery solutions with mobile app capabilities for drivers and real-time communication.

3. Delivery time management

• Go for a final mile delivery software that offers flexible delivery times to meet changing client needs.
• Choose last mile logistics platforms that maintain efficient schedules while meeting customer expectations.
• Opt for software with dynamic delivery scheduling for time-sensitive deliveries or allowing clients to choose preferred times, enhancing convenience.

4. Live delivery tracking

• Opt for last mile delivery apps with geofencing for on-time deliveries and improved efficiency
• Go for platforms with constant GPS tracking for proactive delivery management
• Choose last mile logistics software that empowers prompt issue resolution and accurate client updates

5. Automated customer notifications

• Pick software with automated notifications to keep clients informed and meet customer expectations.
• Opt for platforms automating delivery updates and estimated time of arrival (ETA) for improved communication.
• Prioritize last mile routing software with customizable templates for tailored messages, which improves the delivery experience.

6. Proof of delivery

• Focus on software with robust proof of delivery features like barcode scanning or photo verification to boost transparency and trust.
• Pick a final mile delivery solution that integrates with electronic signature capture devices or mobile devices for simplified data capture and compliance.

By taking into account these factors, you can confidently pick a last-mile delivery routing software that lines up with your business needs and improves your last-mile operations.

Master Your Delivery Operations with Last-Mile Delivery Software

Last-mile delivery software is undeniably a one-stop solution to meet all your last-mile delivery business requirements. Whether it is scheduling your deliveries, planning your routes, or communicating with your drivers and customers; last-mile delivery software does it all for you.

However, determining the right software among umpteen solutions available can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Nevertheless, you can always start by understanding your business type, delivery requirements, pain points, and expectations from your software. You can then list the ones that may suit your business, refer to the above list, test them first-hand, and then pick the one that addresses all your problems and fulfill expectations.