Once your customer has placed their order, the hardest part of the delivery process is that last mile delivery. From warehouse to doorstep, this final leg of the package’s journey has the most potential for failure, meaning excess costs add up fast, and margins are rapidly eroded.

The software solutions that a logistics company has available are the key to ensuring timely delivery and efficient last-mile operations. Whether an ecommerce brand or an enterprise shipping business, finding the best last-mile delivery software to hit last-mile metrics is a critical decision that has a tangible impact on the bottom line. Choose wisely, and businesses enjoy increased efficiencies and meet customer expectations. Choose wrongly, and businesses can expect to waste money on implementation costs and then face continued last-mile delivery issues.

So, what are the best last-mile delivery software choices for US delivery firms in 2023 and 2024? How can your business operations team ensure the best choice for your firm, and where can they start in the research process? In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best last-mile delivery software providers available now and provided an overview of each. These articles represent the best choices to boost customer engagement and improve the final mile delivery process for big and small firms.

The Evolution of Last Mile Delivery Software

Evolution of Last Mile

In the twentieth century, delivery management was not the same as today. Paper maps, inefficient vehicles, and lengthy traffic jams were part of the industry. Plus, limited consumer deliveries meant that modern-day expectations of same-day delivery, delivery status tracking, and extensive proof of delivery documentation were unheard of.

In our modern world of on-demand ecommerce, however, the goalposts have been changed. Customer satisfaction means rapid, on-time deliveries and instant electronic proof of delivery. Customers must always be kept in the loop, expecting fast deliveries even within congested, complex urban surroundings.

To keep up with the change in customer expectations, logistic companies rely on last-mile delivery software to plan and manage their entire delivery operations. Having evolved from a humble spreadsheet, a fleet management platform is now a comprehensive piece of kit, encompassing route optimization, automated route planning, automatic SMS notifications, real-time tracking of vehicles, fuel optimization, and much more. This software has rapidly become an indispensable tool for businesses running last-mile delivery operations.

Criteria for Ranking

Criteria Ranking

However, it remains critical for businesses to choose their tools wisely. Not all last-mile delivery software providers are the same. Whereas one provider might suit an ecommerce business, another might be better suited to enterprise-level deliveries. While one may be versatile enough to accommodate a small team of delivery drivers, another might have a high price tag but the extensive tracking information necessary for a global firm.

In choosing the top ten last-mile delivery software providers, the suitability of the software for varied businesses was considered. Factors such as ease of use, inbuilt use of artificial intelligence, efficiency, integration capabilities, and cost were considered alongside suitability. Finally, each tool listed was given an overall summary, assigning it the best for one specific circumstance.

Choosing and implementing software correctly is a business decision that should not be taken lightly. Managing the change process, upgrading business systems, and retraining staff are lengthy processes that require a skilled management team and a reliable implementation partner. While this list is a fantastic place to begin research on delivery management software, it is by no means exhaustive. Each business will have unique factors which must be considered.

Top 10 Last Mile Delivery Software in 2023

Onfleet

OnFleet Blog

Best For: Delivering an exceptional customer experience

With an intuitive mobile app and a local focus, Onfleet is a great all-in-one last-mile delivery software for every business. However, the stand-out feature must be Onfleet’s incredibly intuitive communication system between customers, delivery agents, and drivers, making it the recommended last-mile delivery software.

Key Features:

  • All routing and dispatch operations under one intuitive web dashboard, plus an easy to use last-mile delivery app for drivers on the go.
  • Route planning and optimization as standard, plus auto-assign work and optimized routes to available drivers, minimizing the management process.
  • In-built driver chats to facilitate effortless communication between disparate teams without switching messaging applications.
  • Easy integrations out of the box so Onfleet fits seamlessly into your current business process.
  • Ensure customer satisfaction with automated SMS messaging, collect driver feedback and specialized delivery instructions, and manage failed deliveries with Onfleet’s customer interface.

Pricing Structure:

Onfleet’s Launch package costs $500/ month for small teams and new businesses and suits businesses doing fewer than 2,000 monthly deliveries or pick-up tasks. Scale is their subsequent package at $1,150 monthly for up to 5,000 deliveries or pick-up tasks.

What Their Users Say:

“Onfleet is a no-brainer for any serious delivery operation. We were able not only to increase our delivery capacity by 50% using their route optimization engine but also to improve on-time rates and customer satisfaction through accurate ETAs and real-time visibility.” Emily Ehrlich, eCommerce Coordinator, The United Family

“Onfleet provides Total Wine & More with powerful routing and analytics tools to enable our own Total Wine & More associates to provide a world-class delivery experience.” Tom Kooser, CIO, Total Wine & More

Nextbillion.ai

NextBillion Blog

Best For: Use of the latest AI mapping technology

Whether optimizing last-mile deliveries or tracking field service providers on the job, NextBillion.ai is the leading route optimization engine providing highly efficient delivery routes through the latest artificial intelligence. With incredibly versatile mapping and real-time route planning that is fully automated and mobile, NextBillion.ai is a powerful tool for logistic companies.

Key Features:

  • Wide variety of APIs and SDKs with extensive real-world last mile application, including route optimization and navigation, geo-fencing, and distance tracking.
  • Seamless integration with ERP and CRM software, plus on-prem deployment if necessary.
  • Complete map platform, including route planning for different vehicle types, plus an extensive range of tailored solutions for businesses as diverse as food delivery to pest control.
  • NextBillion.ai is not an end-to-end last-mile delivery software but a tool for intelligent data. This means it’s best as part of a last-mile delivery software process that uses multiple platforms if other features (such as load and capacity tracking, operational costs, and more) are required.

Pricing Structure:

Unfortunately, NexBillion.ai’s incredible mapping software is let down by how difficult it is to understand the pricing. The link to their pricing page was not working, and finding the price through other sources proved impossible. This is a challenge when considering the costs of a full last-mile delivery software solution.

What Their Users Say:

“The huge matrix size of NextBillion.ai’s API enables us to factor more real-time variables without skyrocketing our costs. Crucially, the on-premise deployment eliminated our latency and performance issues with ease.” Abhik Gupta, CTO

“I admire NextBillion.ai’s fast response and friendly manners whenever we need professional support in geospatial data processing.” Yantisa Akhadi, Strategy and Partnership Manager

project44

Blog 4 Project44

Best For: Enterprise-level supply chain visibility

Relied on by the biggest names in the US, including Walgreens, Amazon, and ExxonMobile, project44 is an enterprise-level last mile logistics software that provides live information across the entirety of the global supply chain.

Key Features:

  • With extended supply chain visibility, from port to the customer’s doorstep, project44 is a great choice for enterprise-level firms.
  • The project44 solution covers all methods of transportation, not just last-mile vehicle fleets. In the platform, expect to see rail, ocean cargo, air transportation, intermodal information, and last-mile delivery data.
  • With an end-to-end logistics view, project44 is well integrated into ERP and CRM software.

Pricing Structure:

project44 has a complex pricing structure based on users, solutions needed, and volume of requirements. There is no publicly available information about pricing, and from the reviews, it is clear that project44 suits an enterprise-level budget.

What Their Users Say:

“Project44 allows us to be better, by managing our inventory, labor and consumer expectations in a way that positively affects both the top and button line of our business.” Jaime Bragg, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Tailored Brands

“We chose to work with project44, the leader in real-time transportation visibility. These insights will help us increase the resilience of our supply chain and enable faster and smarter decisions that will get Haribo’s products into the hands of our customers.” Stefan of Global Logistics and Managing Director, Haribo

Scurri

Blog 4 Scurri

Best For: Small and medium businesses looking for an easy solution

A comprehensive delivery management platform, Scurri is exceptionally easy of use and a versatile choice for small and medium retail business operations.

Key Features:

  • Scurri seamlessly integrates with international carrier services and the most popular eCommerce platforms in the industry, making it a great choice to fit in with existing systems.
  • The big feature is how easy it is to adapt and use. With very limited configuration required, plus easy integration, and a simple user interface, Scurri wins for ease of use.
  • With efficient label generation, carrier parameter configuration, and error reduction, Scurri ensures compliance with customs and cross-border requirements.
  • Comprehensive tracking and in-depth reporting functionalities mean that Scurri keeps delivery managers and executives in the loop.
  • A personalized customer tracking dashboard, Scurri Track Plus, means customer satisfaction KPIs are hit, and branded customer-facing documentation can build excellent relationships.

Pricing Structure:

Scurri offers three pricing levels – Essentials, Advanced, and Premier – designed to fit into different budgets and offer different capabilities. Scurri does not have public pricing information, although it is rated as value for money on various review sites. Scurri Track Plus is an additional charge.

What Their Users Say:

“There is nothing more important in modern logistics than getting your delivery right first time. Scurri plays a large part in our business as a whole.” Kirsten Cunningham, Logistics Manager, Gousto

“Scurri is a really easy platform to use, the team got to grips with it straight away! We’ve seen improvements all round since connecting Scurri. The Scurri onboarding team were attentive and patient and made sure everything was right to get us up and running.” Vicki Martin, Project Coordinator, GBUK

Shipsy

Shipsy Blog

Best For: Enterprise-level insights in a friendly interface

A high contender for an all-around option Shipsy provides advanced last-mile delivery functionalities in an easy to use, friendly platform. With a multi-carrier management system, electronic proof of delivery generated as standard, plus opportunities for international growth, Shipsy is a great choice for expanding delivery businesses.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive route planning and optimization engine, including a wealth of real-time data.
  • Improve last-mile delivery performance with geocoding and live tracking features.
  • Comprehensive overview of the entire shipping journey, from shipping stock to the warehouse to the final leg towards the customer’s doorstep.
  • International logistics data and multi-carrier management systems as standard in Shipsy delivery management.

Pricing Structure:

Shipsy is another software that keeps its pricing out of the public domain, making it difficult to estimate total software costs.

What Their Users Say:

“Shipsy has been a partner to our team and instrumental in our key initiatives. They have helped us save cost on immediate deliveries, and it’s amazing to see how they are constantly upgrading processes.” Anonymous

“Shipsy helped us scale from a few thousand orders per day to multiple hundred thousand [by] helping us enhance critical process like rider allocation, batching, routing, COD operations and rider management. Our last-mile logistics is more efficient now.” Anonymous

Route4Me

Route4Me Blog

Best for: Automated route optimization with real-time visibility

Not a comprehensive software, Route4Me is instead an exceptional mapping application that makes multiple deliveries easy and improves the last-mile delivery experience for drivers and customers.

Key Features:

  • Dynamic route optimization that considers everything, even weather predictors and congestion, helps drivers make timely deliveries.
  • Unique insights on your routes, including drilled-down last-mile delivery costs such as load efficiency, per-mile routing, and more.
  • Route4Me only lacks the final step of mapping – a map of individual buildings, including entrances and exits, to guide drivers during their drop-offs.
  • This is an extensive mapping software, not a complete software solution for delivery services. Delivery businesses must purchase additional tools to manage the remaining delivery operations, such as loading, vehicle maintenance, and customer-facing proof of delivery documentation.

Pricing Structure:

Route4Me has three tiers of pricing, from $149/ month to $159/ month, depending on the use and size of the delivery team. Again, Route4Me is a mapping add-on to a business’s last-mile delivery operations and cannot manage the entire delivery process. That should be considered in the pricing process.

Find out more about Route4Me pricing here.

What Their Users Say:

“I use this app for my daily delivery work. I love it and takes the worries out of my day as the route4me navigates me to all locations that are new for me each of my run. Thanks Route4Me for enabling me to receive work each day.” Freelance delivery driver, USA

“We have a landscape supply business that is extremely busy during the spring summer and fall months. We do over 120 deliveries a day. What [used] to take 3-4 hours every night can now be done in 30 minutes by one person. The displayed addresses are accurate, and the ability to take a picture at the drop off is an incredibly beneficial tool. Our drivers love using the tablets as it’s very easy for them to get to the customer destination. Route4me is a super product and I would strongly recommend any business to use it. It was a game changer for us.” G2 Reviewer

Tookan

Tookan Blog

Best for: An affordable yet comprehensive option

A cheap yet comprehensive delivery management software, Tookan is a great fit for start-ups and emerging ecommerce brands.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive delivery management software with all the standards, such as creating optimized routes and delivering an enhanced customer experience, all at an extremely attractive price point.
  • Delivery management software that coordinates third-party logistics and internal fleet so it can fit any business operations.
  • Delivery agent tools like customer booking forms and easy automations help the last-mile delivery process run smoothly.
  • Same-day delivery management, including a customer app and integration with local stores, make Tookan especially suited to online retailers but less suited to large logistics companies.

Pricing Structure:

Starting from just $99/ month, with more comprehensive options priced up to $499 monthly, Tookan is a fantastic last-mile delivery platform for start-ups with a low budget. That, plus JungleWorks’ comprehensive ecommerce software offerings that work together, make Tookan (and the broader Jungleworks set-up) a great choice for emerging ecommerce businesses.

What Their Users Say:

“I have better control over my deliveries and better customer satisfaction.” Samih T., Founder, Logistics and Supply Chain Industry

“Tookan can be easily scaled to meet the needs of growing businesses. It uses industry-standard security measures to protect your data. Tookan has a proven track record of uptime and reliability. Also they offers a variety of pricing plans to fit any budget. Tookan lets you track the location of your vehicles in real time, set geofencing boundaries, and receive alerts if vehicles go outside of these boundaries.” G2 Reviewer

FarEye

FarEye Blog

Best for: Algorithms that make delivery management easier

Another comprehensive tool, FarEye is unique in its ability to manage even complex purchasing, warehousing, and delivery processes, pulling together vast data sets from different sources and generating meaningful insights.

Key Features:

  • Complex routing algorithms save time by dividing work up across vehicles, managing routes, and automatically assigning delivery details to drivers as necessary.
  • Overall visibility that tracks even complex delivery workflows.
  • Automation is standard, saving time and cutting labor costs.
  • Give a branded customer experience to your customers, with editable branding on any customer-facing documentation.

Pricing Structure:

FarEye’s pricing is not available in the public domain. For accurate price estimates, businesses must contact a FarEye representative.

What Their Users Say:

“I like the architecture of their solution. There is a low-code/no-code configuration engine that is used to customize the features for each customer. This allows for customization without requiring the routing engine core product to be modified and customized.” G2 Reviewer

Detrack

Detrack Blog

Best for: Managing the entire delivery process

From quoting and dispatching to tracking, then invoicing, and more, Detrack is a complete end-to-end delivery management software.

Key Features:

  • Route planning and optimization, plus delivery tracking and confirmation processes as standard.
  • A very easy-to-use and simplified dashboard – the color scheme for deliveries is a great feature that makes delivery management easy at a glance.
  • Complete e-documentation process, minimizing input errors and lost documentation. Plus, customers are automatically sent proof of delivery, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
  • Another customer-facing benefit is the real-time tracking and ETA notifications feature of detrack. Customers are kept in the loop as the driver approaches the delivery location.
  • Flexible pricing means Detrack is a cost-effective solution for smaller businesses while providing services that suit larger fleets.

Pricing Structure:

Possibly the biggest advantage of Detrack is that it’s free for one vehicle. That means businesses can test Detrack at no cost before committing, and it is perfect for start-ups and small delivery companies. After one vehicle, Detrack prices additional vehicles at just $29/ month – an extremely cost-effective option.

What Their Users Say:

“Detrack provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easier to track deliveries, which in turn increases our client satisfaction. Would definitely recommend this product to others.” Muhammad A., E-commerce Manager

“Very satisfied with the software and level of support. Allows me to schedule customer pickup requests and for my contractor to then schedule these with their drivers.” David B., General Manager

“I have been using Detrack for the management of deliveries for my Florist business for many years now. It has really helped to improve the delivery part of my service.” Mei L., Manager – Operations Excellence

Dispatch Science

Dispatch (1).

Best for: On-demand courier management

Dispatch Science manages all parts of the last-mile logistics process and more. Ideal for established last-mile delivery companies, Dispatch Science is a higher-end software with comprehensive functionality and excellent customer service.

Key Features:

  • A full-scope last-mile software solution with order management, proof of delivery, a customer app, and real-time reporting, Dispatch Science ticks every box.
  • Easy integrations on ready-made APIs allow for seamless workflows across platforms.
  • A huge advantage over others is the Dispatch Science focus on customer expectations, with an extensive customer app and a central depository for all customer-facing documentation – ideal for B2B deliveries and large customers.

Pricing Structure:

On the expensive side, Dispatch Science costs $650/ month for their Basic package with ten drivers. After ten drivers, expect to pay monthly fees of $35/ additional driver. Their second package, Growth, costs $1,800 monthly, and Enterprise $4,900 and up.

Dispatch Science also has many add-ons available per driver and on top of a base monthly fee. Buyers, beware that this pricing structure can eat into your budget if many required features are not included in the standard subscription.

What Their Users Say:

“Easy-to-use delivery management software that lets you automate everything – from route planning, to dispatching, to billing. We can stop worrying about the competition and start focusing on growing our business. Now you can take the guesswork out of dispatching! Dispatch Science lets your customers use the app or self-serve portal to get quotes, place orders, track deliveries and more.” Prithvi K., Subject Matter Expert- Other Math

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Making a business purchase of new software is always daunting. Rushing a decision can be an expensive mistake that disrupts business operations. Yet the right software can revolutionize business processes, increasing margins and saving valuable labor time. For this reason, it’s a decision that managers must not take lightly. Businesses must keep updated with the latest technological trends, ensuring they stay on top of changes and developments.

While this list is designed to be informative, it is not exhaustive. Many options are available that suit businesses performing delivery services: those that fit tighter or bigger budgets, those that fit large multi-national enterprises as well as smaller start-ups, those that fit large fleets, and a few local drivers. The best last-mile delivery software is always an individual choice; this is only the beginning of a software journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best last-mile delivery platform?

There are many last-mile delivery software platforms available. In this list, Onfleet is listed as the best option.

How do I track my last-mile delivery?

Businesses often provide access to a customer portal that allows you to track delivery services. Look at your receipt and check to find your tracking information.

What is a last-mile delivery?

Last-mile delivery is the final leg of the delivery process between a dispatching center and the customer’s address.