7 Best Courier softwares of 2024

Selecting the ideal software solution for a last-mile courier business can be a daunting task due to the plethora of available choices. With review platforms like G2, Capterra, and GetApp showcasing numerous options, it can be challenging to pinpoint the best fit for your unique operational needs.

Courier software is a specialized tool designed to streamline the operations of courier and delivery services. It enables businesses to manage and optimize various stages of the delivery process, from dispatching and route planning to real-time tracking and proof of delivery.

At its core, courier software automates manual tasks, allowing companies to handle large volumes of orders more efficiently while reducing errors and delays. It also provides visibility into the entire delivery lifecycle, helping managers oversee fleet performance, driver productivity, and customer satisfaction.

In today's fast-paced logistics environment, courier software is essential for meeting the demand for quick, accurate, and cost-effective deliveries, whether you're handling local parcels or international shipments. It can be integrated with other business systems like inventory management or eCommerce platforms, making it a versatile tool for optimizing end-to-end logistics.

Before diving into specific software solutions, it’s essential to grasp the two primary courier business models:

• Batched Deliveries: This approach is designed for situations where there is flexibility in delivery timelines. Companies can compile multiple orders into batches, allowing a single vehicle to cover several deliveries along an optimized route. This method not only enhances cost efficiency but also maximizes productivity, especially when supported by route optimization technology. While traditionally linked to next-day services, it’s feasible to achieve same-day deliveries with the right management systems in place. A prime example is Trunkrs in the Netherlands, which picks up parcels in the morning, optimizes routes by midday, and executes deliveries in the afternoon and evening.
• On-Demand Delivery: This model prioritizes speed, catering to urgent requests for items such as medical samples or crucial machine parts. On-demand couriers require software that facilitates quick scheduling for multiple pickups and deliveries within urban environments, ensuring rapid transit from one location to another.

Tailoring Solutions to Business Needs

Understanding the differences between these models is crucial in selecting software that aligns with your business goals. Unlike general review sites that cover a wide range of software categories, our focus is on the specific needs of courier operations.

We’re here to guide you through the selection process, helping you find the most effective solutions tailored to your delivery business. Let’s explore the top software options designed to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery for both on-demand and batched delivery models.

Regardless of the type of courier service you operate, there are certain software functionalities that are indispensable for streamlining operations and enhancing customer satisfaction.

1. Real-Time Tracking and Notifications

Having the ability to track your vehicles in real time is crucial for effective delivery management. This functionality allows both your team and customers to monitor shipments without the need for constant communication. Today's consumers expect timely updates about their deliveries, including precise arrival windows of 60 minutes or less. Should there be any delays, the software should automatically provide updated estimated times of arrival (ETAs). Meeting these expectations not only improves the customer experience but also gives you a competitive edge.

2. Proof of Delivery

To ensure accountability, your software must support robust proof of delivery options. Capturing signatures and photographs upon delivery is essential for confirming that packages arrive in good condition. This feature protects your business and builds trust with your customers.

3. Reporting Capabilities

Comprehensive reporting tools are vital for operational efficiency. End-of-shift or end-of-day reports facilitate effective billing and payroll management. These insights help you track performance and optimize processes over time.

4. Route Optimization

For last-mile delivery operations that handle batched deliveries, route optimization is a game-changer. Efficient routing not only saves time but also significantly impacts gross margins. A powerful routing engine can enhance profitability by ensuring that drivers follow the most efficient paths, minimizing fuel costs and delivery times.

5. Mobile Application for Drivers

A user-friendly mobile app is essential for drivers, allowing them to access schedules, routes, and real-time instructions while on the road. The app should also enable drivers to capture proof of delivery, ensuring a seamless process from pickup to drop-off.

6. User-Friendly Interface

Lastly, the software should feature an intuitive interface for both administrators and drivers. Simplified onboarding and minimal training time are critical for maintaining smooth operations. An easy-to-navigate system reduces the learning curve and helps staff adapt quickly, keeping your delivery service running efficiently.

When choosing a courier management system, it's essential to evaluate which features align with your business model and existing software infrastructure. Depending on your needs, you may want to look for:

• Order Management: Seamless handling of incoming orders, especially if you don’t already use a dedicated system for this function.
• Label Printing: Automatically generating and printing shipping labels to streamline the dispatch process.
• Customer Management: Keeping track of customer details and communication within the platform.
• Barcode Scanning: Enabling drivers or warehouse staff to quickly scan packages for real-time tracking and inventory updates.
• Billing and Invoicing: Automating billing and payment processes, ensuring fast, accurate invoicing for customers.
• Route Optimization: Efficiently planning routes to save time, fuel, and costs, particularly crucial for businesses handling multiple deliveries.
• Third-Party Integrations: The ability to integrate with other software systems you already use (e.g., CRM, order management) to avoid duplicating efforts.

Each feature added to your system will impact the overall cost, so it's vital to select a solution that not only fits your current needs but also has the flexibility to grow with your business. If you're already using specialized software for tasks like order taking or customer management, look for a courier app that integrates seamlessly with those systems. This avoids unnecessary duplication and ensures smooth information flow across your operations.

FarEye is a powerful courier management solution tailored for businesses looking to streamline their last-mile operations. Its advanced platform offers route optimization, real-time tracking, and dynamic delivery scheduling, enabling companies to maximize efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. FarEye excels in automating delivery workflows, reducing delivery times, and cutting fuel costs by using intelligent algorithms to plan optimal routes.

One of FarEye’s standout features is its comprehensive analytics and reporting tools, giving businesses full visibility into their logistics operations. FarEye also supports integrations with other business systems, making it easy to plug into existing workflows for seamless data transfer. Additionally, the software is equipped with delivery exception management, allowing businesses to proactively handle delays and unforeseen events, improving the overall customer experience.

Pros:

• Advanced route optimization and real-time tracking
• Delivery exception management for smooth operations
• Robust analytics and reporting for full visibility
• Easy integration with existing business systems

Cons:

• Best suited for mid-sized to large courier companies
• May require some onboarding time for complex operations

Pricing: FarEye’s pricing is customized based on business needs and volume, and interested users should request a demo for tailored pricing details.

FarEye is an ideal solution for businesses seeking to optimize courier delivery operations with intelligent technology and a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.

WorkWave stands out for its barcode scanning capabilities and the flexibility to reload at a depot, enabling drivers to complete more than one delivery batch per day. If these features are essential for your courier business, WorkWave might be a strong option, particularly since not all platforms offer this functionality.

However, some users have reported a few drawbacks. The route optimization feature often requires manual adjustments, which can be challenging to implement. Additionally, there have been concerns about the accuracy of its geocoding, with instances where drivers were directed to incorrect locations. Another point to consider is the pricing, which is not publicly available. You'll need to arrange a demo to assess the platform further, as WorkWave does not offer a free trial.

Pros:

• Barcode scanning
• Depot reloading for multiple delivery batches

Cons:

• Manual adjustments needed for routes
• Geocoding inaccuracy
• No free trial and pricing is not public

OptimoRoute offers advanced routing features, including the ability to reload at a depot, similar to WorkWave. While it lacks barcode scanning and order-taking functionalities, OptimoRoute shines in route optimization speed. In testing, users found it easy to use, although mastering its advanced features can take time.

One challenge users noted is the occasional overlap between routes, making manual edits tricky. However, OptimoRoute offers a useful "breadcrumb" feature that tracks vehicle movements, allowing businesses to compare actual routes versus planned ones. The platform also offers a generous 30-day free trial, though it's limited to 250 stops, which may not provide a full assessment of its scalability.

Pros:

• Fast route optimization
• Depot reloading
• Breadcrumb tracking to compare actual vs. planned routes
• 30-day free trial

Cons:

• Limited to 250 stops in the trial
• Overlapping routes can complicate manual adjustments
• Lacks barcode scanning and order-taking features

Pricing: Starts at $35 per vehicle per month (up to 700 orders) or $44 per month (up to 1,000 orders, with real-time tracking and proof of delivery). Custom pricing is available for businesses with more complex requirements.

Route4Me is renowned for its high level of customization. It offers a marketplace of add-ons, allowing businesses to tailor the software for specific needs like curbside pickup, e-commerce integration, or even avoiding left or right turns. This flexibility makes it ideal for businesses looking for personalized delivery solutions.

However, when it comes to pure route efficiency, Route4Me’s algorithm doesn’t always match up with competitors, sometimes producing routes that are up to 30% longer. Additionally, some users find it difficult to use, with frequent issues in geolocation accuracy, sending vehicles to incorrect addresses.

Route4Me offers a 7-day free trial with access to all features. Pricing starts at $319 per month for single-driver route optimization, but to manage multiple routes simultaneously, you'll need the $479 per month plan. Features like customer notifications and delivery windows are available as add-ons at additional costs.

Pros:

• Extensive customization options
• Add-on marketplace for personalized features

Cons:

• Less efficient route optimization
• Geolocation inaccuracy
• Higher cost for multi-route optimization

On-demand delivery is highly convenient for customers but presents challenges for couriers due to its higher cost and complexity. Unlike scheduled deliveries, it’s harder to group or batch orders, which means couriers often handle fewer deliveries per hour. The real-time nature of on-demand dispatch requires efficient systems to manage incoming requests, optimize routes quickly, and provide immediate delivery options, making the right software crucial to maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction.

Onfleet is designed for larger businesses, offering features like on-demand dispatch and an auto-assign tool for quick deliveries. The live chat option in the driver app makes communication between dispatchers and drivers seamless, adding to its appeal for mid-market and enterprise-level operations.

Despite its strengths, Onfleet’s route planning system is difficult to navigate. Users can only view one route at a time, making it challenging to make changes, and there is no timeline view for better scheduling. Its pricing starts at $500 per month for up to 2,000 tasks, with barcode scanning, age verification, and higher task limits available at $1,150 per month.

Pros:

• Fast on-demand dispatching with auto-assign
• Live chat within the driver app

Cons:

• Complex route planning
• Higher pricing, not ideal for small businesses

OnTime 360 stands out as a comprehensive courier management platform, offering a full range of features such as order taking, barcode scanning, label printing, and billing integration with QuickBooks. Its customer web portal allows for easy order creation and tracking.

While praised for its ease of use and customer support, OnTime 360 can become expensive, with some users paying for features they don't use. The routing functionality is fairly basic, and advanced optimization requires purchasing extra credits, which limits businesses to 300 stops.

Pricing starts at $39 per month for basic features, with advanced route scheduling and QuickBooks integration available on higher-tier plans, starting at $129 per month. There’s also a $99 account activation fee for all plans.

Pros:

• Complete courier management system
• Integration with QuickBooks
• Easy-to-use customer portal

Cons:

• Expensive for some businesses
• Limited routing functionality without additional costs

Track-POD offers a well-rounded solution for small courier companies, providing essential features such as route visibility, live tracking, notifications, and proof of delivery. It has many of the same functionalities as OnTime 360, minus billing and invoicing, making it a simpler and more affordable option for smaller operations.

Track-POD is highly rated for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, though users note that route editing can be difficult, and the driver mobile app varies between Android and iOS versions. The driver app also comes at an extra cost, unlike many competitors who include it for free.

Pricing starts at $29 per driver per month for basic proof of delivery features. For $49 per vehicle per month, you get access to order management, notifications, and a driver app. Advanced route planning and live tracking are available on higher-tier plans starting at $69 per vehicle per month.

Pros:

• Affordable, user-friendly solution for small businesses
• Robust proof of delivery and live tracking features

Cons:

• Challenging to edit routes
• Driver app comes with additional costs