Delivering orders sounds simple, but anyone running a business knows it’s one of the toughest parts of the process. Getting packages to customers on time, avoiding delays, and keeping costs under control can feel like an uphill battle. That’s where last-mile delivery software steps in. These tools are designed to take the stress out of the process by helping you plan better routes, track deliveries in real-time, and keep customers informed, and that too without draining your resources. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the best last-mile delivery software options available today, so you can choose the one that fits your business needs and start delivering faster and smarter. Table of Contents What is Last-Mile Delivery Software? How to Choose the Best Last-Mile Delivery Software How We Evaluated and Picked the Best Last Mile Solutions Top 10 Last Mile Delivery Management Software Solutions What Are the Benefits of Implementing Last-Mile Delivery Management Software? Frequently Asked Questions Your Next Steps to Transform Your Delivery Operations What is Last-Mile Delivery Software? Last-mile delivery software is a tool that helps businesses efficiently manage the final leg of the delivery process, i.e., getting an order from the distribution hub to the customer’s doorstep. This stage is often the most time-consuming and costly part of the delivery process, and it plays a huge role in shaping the customer experience. 💡 Did you know? According to research data from Insider Intelligence, last-mile delivery accounts for up to 53% of the total delivery costs, making it the most expensive part of the entire process. Last-mile logistics software simplifies this by: Optimizing delivery routes Tracking orders in real-time Collecting proof of delivery Keeping customers updated Collecting data on how well your last-mile delivery operations are performing This all helps businesses reduce delays, cut costs, and meet growing customer expectations for fast and reliable deliveries. How to Choose the Best Last-Mile Delivery Software Picking the right last-mile delivery software is all about finding a tool that fits your business’s needs while solving the common problems of last-mile delivery operations. With countless options out there, you want to make sure your investment pays off. Let’s walk through the key factors to consider when selecting a last-mile platform: User-friendly interface The best software in the world won’t help if your team finds it confusing. Look for a clean, intuitive dashboard that your entire team can understand. Your drivers should be able to start using it with minimal training, and your dispatch team should find it natural to manage daily operations. Things to do: Ask for a demo and see how it feels. If you’re struggling during the demo, imagine how challenging daily use would be. Smart route optimization Efficient route planning is non-negotiable for last-mile delivery. The software should use advanced algorithms to create routes that minimize distance, fuel consumption, and time while accommodating: Traffic pattern analysis Time windows and priority consideration Multiple delivery constraint handling Automated load balancing between drivers Pro Tip: Test the software’s route optimization by comparing its results with other tools to see which one delivers the best efficiency. Real-time tracking for better control Imagine being able to see exactly where your drivers are and adjust routes in real time if something unexpected happens, like traffic jams, delays, or last-minute changes. Last-mile tracking makes this possible, giving you complete real-time visibility over your last-mile delivery operations. Last-mile delivery tracking software ensures that deliveries stay on schedule and any potential issues are resolved before they affect your customers. It’s not just about knowing where your drivers are, it’s about staying proactive. Recommendation: For more tips on how to improve last-mile delivery tracking, do check out our blog. Driver-centric mobile app Since your drivers will rely on the mobile app daily, it needs to be rock-solid. The best apps do more than just show route details and delivery notes; they make drivers’ lives easier. Look for apps that work even in areas with poor internet connection (because we all know those dead zones in delivery areas). The app should also help drivers handle real-world situations, such as: Easily marking a delivery as undeliverable when no one’s home Smooth communication between the dispatch team and drivers in case of an unexpected event Quickly capturing proof of delivery without awkward fumbling with the phone Customer communication features We’ve all been that customer wondering, “where’s my package?” Great delivery software turns this anxiety into confidence. When your software automatically sends tracking updates and accurate delivery windows, two amazing things happen: Your customers feel more secure Your customer service team gets fewer “where’s my order?” calls. Note: Check if the communication features match how your customers prefer to stay updated, whether that’s through SMS, email, or app notifications. Proof of delivery for accountability Deliveries don’t end when the package reaches the customer’s doorstep. Proof of delivery (POD) ensures transparency and protects your business in case of disputes. The software should allow for multiple POD methods, including: Digital signatures. Photo proof for unattended deliveries. Barcode scanning to confirm package accuracy and delivery location. Whether it’s a misplaced package or a damage claim, having documented proof can save you from unnecessary headaches. Analytics that make sense Good decisions come from good data. he software should show you clear metrics about your delivery performance. Effective delivery software shows you things like why some routes cost more than others, which drivers are most efficient, and where delivery delays commonly happen. Remember: You don’t need endless reports. Focus on software that provides actionable insights that help you improve last-mile operations and reduce costs. Integration capabilities Your delivery software needs to play nice with your existing systems. During your evaluation, check how it connects with your current tools. Does it sync smoothly with your order management system or CRM software? Can it pull data from your e-commerce platform? The goal is to automate data flow and reduce manual entry, saving your team precious time and reducing errors. Scalability and support Think about your growth plans. Can the software handle twice your current delivery volume? What about ten times? Ask about pricing tiers and what happens as you grow. Equally important is the support you’ll receive. Check their support hours, response times, and whether they provide training resources. A good vendor should feel like a partner in your success. 💡Pro Tip Before making your final choice, get a trial version and test it in real conditions. Have your drivers try it out, run some actual routes, and see how it handles your typical delivery challenges. The best way to know if software is right for you is to use it in your actual operating environment. Ready to See These Features and Benefits in Action? Transform your delivery operations with Upper's intelligent route optimization. Our users report up to 40% reduction in fuel costs and 3x increase in delivery capacity. Try Upper How We Evaluated and Picked the Best Last Mile Solutions We dove deep into the details to find the best last-mile delivery software. Our team spent over 100 hours testing 15 different solutions. We evaluated features like route optimization, real-time tracking, and customer notifications and considered user-friendliness, reliability, and integration capabilities. We also reviewed user feedback and tested the software in real-world scenarios. By combining hands-on testing with user experiences, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 last-mile software solutions you can trust to enhance your delivery operations. Top 10 Last Mile Delivery Management Software Solutions Upper: Best for scaling businesses that need affordable yet powerful delivery management functionalities User ratings: 4.6/5 (44+ reviews) Pricing: Upper’s pricing starts at $40/user/month Free trial: 7 days Upper is designed to tackle the unique challenges of last-mile delivery head-on. From the moment you input your delivery list to the second your driver gets that final signature, Upper’s working to make your process smoother, faster, and more efficient. But here’s the thing: we’re not just about fancy algorithms and cool tech (though we’ve got those too). We understand that at the end of the day, you need software that’s easy to use, reliable, and saves you time and money. That’s our promise to you. Upper isn’t just for the big guys with massive fleets. It’s scalable, so Upper grows with you whether you’re managing a handful of drivers or a small army. Here’s what Upper brings to the table: Upload your stops from a spreadsheet, hit a button, and boom—you’ve got optimized routes. Got customers who are only available at certain times? No problem. Upper lets you set specific time windows for each stop. Specify weight limits, volume, or the number of boxes for each vehicle to ensure efficient load optimization and minimize unnecessary trips. Divide your delivery area into zones to make planning even smoother. Do you want to make last-minute changes or add a stop mid-route? You can do it on the fly. Empower your drivers with a dedicated driver app that offers turn-by-turn navigation, delivery instructions, and real-time updates, making their job easier and more efficient. With real-time tracking, know where your drivers are without having to call them every five minutes. Plus, your customers can track their deliveries too. Happy customers, fewer “Where’s my package?” calls. Automatic notifications let customers know when their delivery is on the way. Drivers can collect proof of delivery and scan barcodes to verify packages using the mobile app. No more disputes about whether a package was delivered. Reports that tell you everything about your last-mile delivery operations. 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. Look, we know you’ve got better things to do than wrestle with complicated software. That’s why we’ve made Upper straightforward and easy to use. It’s built for real delivery businesses, not tech geeks. Pressed for time? No problem. Schedule a demo with us, and we’ll show you how Upper can streamline your last-mile operations, simplify your workflow, and boost your profitability. Downsides: Upper requires a stable internet connection to ensure optimal route planning Onfleet: Best for managing and planning routes for enterprise businesses User ratings: 4.6/5 (93+ reviews) Pricing: Onfleet’s pricing starts at $550/month Free trial: 14 days Onfleet is an advanced last-mile delivery platform that simplifies routing operations and boosts efficiency. It excels at optimizing last-mile delivery routes and enhances operational transparency through its integrated driver chat feature. Onfleet is carefully designed for large-scale enterprises requiring extensive route planning capabilities. With it, 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. Downsides: Other than the platform’s steep pricing is steep, importing Excel files into the system can be time-consuming. Additionally, Onfleet’s limited custom fields and preset options for stop details may also pose challenges for businesses needing more tailored solutions. Tookan: Best delivery management software for on-demand services User ratings: 4.2/5 (74+ reviews) Pricing: Tookan’s pricing starts at $49/month Free trial: 14-day free trial Tookan is a delivery management software that enables businesses to plan and organize their predefined delivery routes. While it focuses on planning, optimizing, and dispatching your routes, it additionally works to take care of on-demand deliveries. Tookan’s primary goal is to empower enterprises 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 last-mile delivery process and increase operational efficiency. Downsides: Despite its strengths, Tookan’s mobile app is known to drain phone batteries quickly. Additionally, while the desktop version is visually appealing, users often report glitches that hinder its functionality. Route4Me: Best last-mile delivery software for businesses looking for flexible pricing models User rating: 4.4/5 (390+ reviews) Pricing: Route4Me’s pricing starts at $40/user/month Free trial: 7 days 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’s size, type, and unique delivery requirements. 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. If you’re exploring options and want to see how other solutions compare, check out our blog on Route4Me alternatives. Downsides: Users have reported that the platform occasionally experiences slow loading times, which can disrupt workflow. Also, imprecise routing has been noted in some cases, requiring manual corrections to ensure accuracy. Want a Better Way to Optimize Routes? Don’t let slow software and inaccurate routing hold you back. Upper delivers advanced route planning and real-time tracking that outperforms Route4Me. Use Upper Track-POD: Best for businesses of all sizes seeking proof of delivery User ratings: 4.7/5 (135+ reviews) Pricing: Track-PODs pricing starts at $29/month Free trial: 7 days Track-POD is a delivery software that 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 last-mile delivery experience for drivers. To improve customer satisfaction and communication, Track-POD provides customizable delivery notifications. Also, real-time updates on delivery 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. Looking for something different? Explore our guide on the best Track-POD alternatives to discover other powerful tools that might better suit your delivery needs. Downsides: Users have encountered issues with offline mode and location errors, which can affect delivery accuracy in areas with poor connectivity. Additionally, some businesses report network latency and uptime problems. Routific: Best delivery management software for small to medium-sized businesses User ratings: 4.9/5 (136+ reviews) Pricing: Routific’s pricing starts at $49/vehicle/month Free trial: 7 days Routific utilizes advanced route optimization technology, leveraging its exclusive routing algorithm to plan and streamline routes proficiently. It helps decrease delivery times and empowers businesses to service more stops within the same timeframe, improving efficiency. 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. Downsides: The Essential plan of Routific limits access to essential functions such as real-time driver tracking and proof of delivery. The user need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan for that. Furthermore, while Routific handles basic deliveries effectively, it struggles with multiple clustered stops and complex delivery requirements. Onro: Best last mile delivery software for on-demand, pick-up, and delivery businesses User ratings: 5/5 (6+ reviews) Pricing: Onro’s pricing starts at $239/month Free trial: N/A 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. 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. Downsides: Some users have experienced integration challenges that disrupt workflows. Additionally, Onro’s complex features can pose a steep learning curve for new users, requiring time and effort to master its functionality. Smarter Way to Handle Last-Mile Delivery While Onro provides a decent solution, Upper simplifies efficiency with an intuitive platform for easy dispatching, driver coordination, and real-time tracking. Try Upper FarEye: Best software for on-demand delivery businesses User ratings: 4.6/5 (16+ reviews) Pricing: FarEye’s pricing is not disclosed Free trial: N/A 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. Downsides: Fareye’s implementation process can be complex, requiring extensive back-and-forth communication. Some users have also reported integration issues that reduce its overall efficiency. DispatchTrack: Best for companies with field-based employees User ratings: 4.5/5 (32+ reviews) Pricing: DispatchTrack’s pricing is not disclosed Free trial: N/A 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. It ensures on-time deliveries and facilitates driver navigation. Clients can seamlessly share route plans and receive real-time alerts for convenient package reception. 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. Downsides: The mobile app is slow and occasionally fails to load, even with a strong internet connection. Additionally, limited integration options and mixed experiences with customer support can pose challenges for businesses relying on seamless system connections. Shipsy: Best last-mile delivery management software for on-demand delivery businesses User ratings: 4.6/5 (16+ reviews) Pricing: Shipsy’s pricing is not disclosed Free trial: N/A 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 most efficient routes. From order placement to last-mile tracking and delivery, Shipsy guarantees a seamless process for businesses and clients. With its extensive list of capabilities, 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. Downsides: Shipsy’s customer service often falls short, leaving users without adequate support. The app and dashboard also contain unexpected bugs, which can disrupt operations and require frequent troubleshooting. Want to Know What Top Performers Do Differently? While others wrestle with inefficient planning and missed deliveries, industry leaders are completing more deliveries with fewer resources. Ready to join them? Get Started What Are the Benefits of Implementing Last-Mile Delivery Management Software? Investing in last-mile delivery management software doesn’t just improve your delivery process—it transforms your business. Here’s how: Enhanced customer experience Today’s customers expect precision: accurate ETAs, real-time updates, and seamless communication. Delivery management software helps you meet these expectations by ensuring timely and transparent deliveries. Improved operational efficiency Software automates route optimization, minimizes wasted resources, and streamlines dispatching. This means faster deliveries, reduced fuel consumption, and less back-office chaos. Reduced operational costs By optimizing multi-drop delivery routes, reducing idle time, and ensuring first-attempt success rates, last-mile logistics software directly lowers expenses like fuel, wages, and refunds for failed deliveries. One of our clients saw their delivery costs decrease by 30% in just three months after implementation. You too can give it a try for free! Improved business reputation Customers appreciate businesses that deliver on time and communicate well. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations naturally follow, making your business stand out in a crowded market. Eco-friendly operations With growing concerns about sustainability, reducing your environmental footprint is no longer optional. Optimized routes and efficient fleet management mean fewer vehicles on the road, less fuel consumption, and reduced emissions. This helps your business go green while saving costs. Smooth scalability As your business grows, so does the complexity of managing deliveries. Last-mile delivery software ensures you can handle increased orders without compromising efficiency, keeping your operations scalable and future-ready. Frequently Asked Questions How is long-distance shipping different from last-mile delivery? Long-distance shipping involves transporting goods over large distances, often between cities or countries, with delivery times of one to a few days. In contrast, last-mile delivery focuses on short-distance deliveries within the same city or region, often ensuring same-day or immediate service. How much does last-mile delivery software cost? Last-mile delivery software typically costs between $20-$150 per vehicle per month, depending on the features you need. Enterprise solutions with advanced features can cost more, often requiring custom pricing. Most providers offer tiered pricing based on your fleet size and needed features. Many also provide flexible monthly or annual subscription options, with annual plans usually offering better rates. Do I need last-mile delivery software for my small business? If you manage more than 5-10 deliveries per day or have multiple drivers, last-mile delivery software is worth considering. Once you’re spending several hours per week planning routes or dealing with delivery-related customer service issues, the software’s cost typically pays for itself through time savings and improved efficiency. What are the last-mile delivery challenges that businesses usually face? Businesses often struggle with high delivery costs, inefficient route planning, and meeting tight delivery timelines. Other last-mile challenges include handling unexpected delays, ensuring accurate tracking, and managing customer expectations for real-time updates. What industries benefit the most from last-mile delivery software? Retail, food delivery, e-commerce, pharmacy, furniture delivery, and local courier services see the highest benefits from last-mile delivery software. Any business that manages regular deliveries to multiple locations can benefit. Service-based businesses like appliance repair and home services can also benefit from the route optimization features. Your Next Steps to Transform Your Delivery Operations Let’s be honest, choosing the right last-mile delivery software can dramatically reduce your costs, keep your customers happy, and give you an edge over competitors. The wrong choice? Well, that could mean wasted time, frustrated customers, and money down the drain. Think about your current delivery challenges: the hours spent planning routes, the customer complaints about late deliveries, and the rising fuel costs. Now imagine solving all of these with a single solution. That’s what good last-mile logistics software can do for you. Try Upper’s risk-free 7 days trial to help you experience the difference yourself. Author Bio Rakesh Patel Rakesh Patel, author of two defining books on reverse geotagging, is a trusted authority in routing and logistics. His innovative solutions at Upper Route Planner have simplified logistics for businesses across the board. A thought leader in the field, Rakesh's insights are shaping the future of modern-day logistics, making him your go-to expert for all things route optimization. Read more. Share this post: What Could You Do With 10 Extra Hours?That's how much time businesses save weekly with Upper's route optimization. Try It Free→
