Best Last Mile Delivery Software

What is Last Mile Delivery Software

Last Mile Delivery Software, also referred to as final mile delivery software, helps businesses monitor and complete shipments from a warehouse, store, or distribution center to their final destination. Products in this category can manage, schedule, and track deliveries in real time. Common features include automating route optimization, communicating delivery status to clients or customers, scheduling drivers, collecting and analyzing feedback, and assigning fleet vehicles. Last Mile Delivery Software also allows users to capture data on KPIs, such as distance traveled, delivery turn-around time, and on-time or late arrival ratios.

Last Mile Delivery Software increases delivery efficiency in many ways without the need to invest in more fleet vehicles or drivers. By providing ways to optimize routes in real time, Last Mile Delivery Software can help improve delivery time and driver turnaround rates, which reduces delivery costs and contributes to greater customer satisfaction. This in turn can increase parcel volume, as it allows businesses to complete more orders and grow their businesses. An additional benefit of Last Mile Delivery is that it can measure driver and vehicle performance. These metrics can then be used to increase safety for delivery workers and clients alike.

Last Mile Delivery Software is related to Transportation & Logistics Software in that both are concerned with making sure a product is delivered to its destination efficiently. The important distinction here is that Last Mile Delivery Software is solely focused on the path the product will take from its last delivery hub to its final location. For this reason, Last Mile Delivery Software is generally considered a subset of logistics software. Most logistics software include last mile delivery as a unique feature of their software packages, although several vendors offer last mile delivery software as a standalone package.

Last Mile Delivery Software Features

The most common Last Mile Delivery Software features are:

• Automated delivery status notifications
• Proof of delivery
• Route optimization
• Non-delivery reporting and resolution
• Equipment and delivery vehicle management
• GPS tracking and geofencing
• AI-driven route mapping
• Multi-stop route planning
• Live tracking
• Fleet management
• Delivery scheduling and task assignment
• Merchant portals
• Order booking
• Customizable dashboards
• CRM integration
• Vehicle inspection management
• Driver coaching programs
• Wrong address correction and ad hoc delivery support
• Remote troubleshooting features
• Dispatch reports and analytics
• Push notification management
• Feedback collection

Last Mile Delivery Software Comparison

When choosing the best Last Mile Delivery Software for you, consider the following:

Carrier integrations. Last Mile Delivery Software that can integrate with your carriers is important if you are using third parties to assist with deliveries. This is because many third-party contractors use systems that your last mile software will need to be compatible with. Additionally, specific businesses will have contracts to use other software or delivery platforms, so make sure that the third parties you work with are supported by the last mile product you choose.

Automation features. Automated alerts and route optimization are generally expected for Last Mile Delivery Software, but more specific automation capabilities may be a deciding factor for you. This is especially true if you intend to use automated fleet assets such as drones or self-driving vehicles, as not every product will be able to take full advantage of unmanned delivery options.

Mobile access. If your deliveries require recipient signatures or other on-site interactions and updates, a product that offers support for mobile devices will be necessary. Not every product offers a mobile app, which means they may not be suitable for businesses that need to confirm delivery at the time of arrival.

Safety features. Safety features such as application locking, delivery detail wipes, and automated inspection scheduling will be deciding factors for users who are concerned with the safety of their assets, their drivers, and their clients. The safety features of each product can vary, so contact vendors to discuss your security needs and how they can be met with those products.