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Choosing the Best Courier Management Software for Your Delivery Needs

Written by eLogii | Apr 22, 2024 3:36:28 PM

Choosing the right courier software is crucial for your courier service or logistics company. It directly impacts customer satisfaction and profitability. As someone handling dispatch, operations, or logistics, you know how important it is to find software that meets your needs.

Yet, finding the right courier software isn't always easy. That's why we've compiled a list of the top courier software options for 2024. You can go through the fair and honest recommendations to help you make the best choice.

While eLogii route optimization software is considered one of the top choices among courier management solutions available today, we understand that it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. This article aims to assist you in making the best decision for your needs.

5 top courier software solutions

  1. eLogii: Ideal for medium- to large-sized retailers and courier companies needing dynamic route optimization.
  2. OptimoRoute: Excellent for advanced planning and scheduling.
  3. Onfleet: Perfect for rapidly scaling medium to large operations.
  4. Bringg: Tailored for large enterprises with complex logistics needs.
  5. Track-POD: Best suited for organizations requiring strict compliance and detailed audit trails.

Key Features of Top Courier Software

Essential Features of Courier Software

Courier software helps delivery services, e-commerce companies, service providers, and manufacturers. It allows them to automate tasks related to deliveries and customer satisfaction. This includes managing routes and schedules, creating barcodes and labels, assigning routes to couriers, tracking vehicles, accepting online payments, and more.

Courier software must focus on security and reliability, adhering to stringent customer data protection standards such as GDPR. It should support secure cloud-based data storage, backup, and restoration functionalities to ensure data safety and continuity.

You may be currently managing your operation with Excel or pen and paper. Then, you understand the challenges of dealing with a messy, inefficient, and time-consuming process. Effective courier software automates many manual tasks. That helps to streamline operations, potentially saving thousands in delivery costs.

Choosing the Right Courier Software for Your Needs

The desired features can vary significantly based on whether you're a local caterer or a global manufacturer. Yet, the primary interests of our customers, whom we engage with daily, are:

We emphasized courier software with these capabilities in the article. That includes some of the more popular platforms our customers have used in the past. Or, in some cases, used concurrently with eLogii for its dynamic routing capabilities.

Our approach involves extracting insights from reviews on reputable platforms such as G2, Capterra, and other respected review sites. We also gathered information from each company's website. We mostly focused on recent reviews, typically within the past year. That is to ensure relevance and accuracy given that software offerings may have evolved or improved over time.

Note: If you're dealing with the challenges of using spreadsheets or pen and paper for your last mile deliveries, consider eLogii as your scalable courier dispatch software solution.

With top-tier route optimization, live driver tracking, multi-depot management, dynamic ETA notifications for package recipients, and seamless API integration, eLogii revolutionizes your driver operations. It turns them from a cost center into a revenue generator.

Our courier company and medium/large business customers halve their delivery planning time. This can slash delivery costs by an average of 20% with eLogii.

A Quick Look at Top Courier Software

SOFTWARE KNOWN FOR PRICING CAPTERRA SCORE
eLogii Exceptional route optimization for courier companies Contact sales team for a quote 4.8 (45+ reviews)
OptimoRoute Sophisticated planning and scheduling The Lite plan, serving up to 10 drivers, starts at $39 per user per month. The Pro plan is priced at $49 per user per month. For Enterprise needs, please reach out to sales for a customized quote 4.6 (150+ reviews)
Onfleet User-friendly interface and onboarding Launch plan: $550 per month Scale plan: $1265 per month For Enterprise inquiries, please contact our sales team 4.7 (90+ reviews)
Bringg Geared towards large enterprises Contact sales for pricing information 4.8 (5+ reviews)
Track-POD All-in-one ePOD (Electronic Proof of Delivery) App Standard: $35 per month
Advanced: $59 per month
Advanced Plus: $79 per month
Enterprise: contact sales team for details.
4.7 (120+ reviews)

1. Top Courier Software for Route Optimization

Leading route optimization software efficiently designs routes to cut time and fuel expenses . It features dynamic recalculation to circumvent obstacles like construction, toll roads, traffic congestion, accidents, and other disruptions.

It focuses on rapid and efficient route management tailored for medium to large retail fleets and courier services. It delivers a positive brand experience by providing real-time tracking updates and automated notifications to customers.

eLogii Route Optimization Software, done better

eLogii is best suited for a wide range of companies. That includes delivery services, e-commerce retailers, service providers, and manufacturers of various sizes. It is particularly effective for medium- to large-scale operations that need sophisticated route optimization, driver management, and customer communication capabilities to streamline logistics and enhance efficiency.

Business owners and retail managers are busy. So, they need efficient last-mile delivery solutions to ensure products reach customers safely and on time.

eLogii route optimization lets you:

  • Automate planning so it fits your use case
  • Take every detail into consideration (traffic-enabled travel times; driver skill/vehicle capability constraints; vehicle-specific mapping, etc.)
  • Gain control with unparalleled flexibility (cost-based optimization; clustering; depot reloads, etc.)
  • Get the realtime visibility your planning team needs (live ETA updates; live driver location updates; lateness tracking, etc.)
  • Proactively co-pilot your busy days
  • Leave geocoding headaches behind you
  • Enjoy customer communication and tracking that will put your business ahead

eLogii route optimization software pros:

  • The realtime tracking and instant access to POD's are immaculate
  • The platform is easy to pick up with little training needed, also has excellent tracking element
  • Highly responsive customer service team
  • Saves drivers and dispatchers time, as well as lots of money in mileage

eLogii route optimization software cons:

  • can be difficult to use via mobile web view
  • canceled orders might be displayed on the screen again


"Easy to use and extremely flexible " - Ramon P., Logistics Engineer

eLogii route optimization software pricing

When it comes to pricing, it is best to contact a member of the sales team for a demo and a custom quotation. The price depends on a few factors which are specific to your operations.

  • Starter Plan: Perfect for businesses seeking a straightforward and user-friendly automated route planning and optimization solution. It includes 2,500 tasks/mo, unlimited drivers/vehicles, and unlimited users.
  • Premium Plan: Designed for businesses needing full customization of essential operational parameters. It offers 8,500 tasks/mo, unlimited drivers/vehicles and unlimited users.
  • Professional Plan: Made for businesses needing an all-encompassing solution to oversee extensive operations. It has 40,000 tasks/mo, unlimited drivers/vehicles, and unlimited users.

If you need more power or scale than the Professional plan offers, you can learn more about the Enterprise offering by booking a demo.

2. Top Courier Software for Advanced Planning and Scheduling

As companies expand, they often recognize the need to schedule deliveries or services weeks in advance to boost productivity and efficiency. Additionally, they may aim to assign their most experienced employees to specific tasks to maximize customer satisfaction.

OptimoRoute

Like other courier software applications in this list, OptimoRoute caters to a diverse range of businesses. It accommodates individuals handling deliveries, pickups, or service tasks, as well as home or commercial delivery services, repair and service technicians, sales representatives, real estate agents, waste and recycling collectors, and anyone seeking route optimization.

What sets OptimoRoute apart is its ability to plan and optimize routes several weeks ahead. It considers constraints such as delivery time windows, vehicle capacities, employee schedules, and other factors. That allows it to assist customers in optimizing daily operations to maximize order fulfillment while minimizing expenses like fuel and overtime.

OptimoRoute pros:

Both eLogii and OptimoRoute excel in user-friendliness and ease of use. OptimoRoute offers slightly more customization to meet varying business needs and organizational sizes.

With OptimoRoute, planners can match their workforce to specific jobs based on experience, skills, training, or other attributes. That enhances efficiency, service quality, and customer satisfaction.

OptimoRoute enables companies to plan up to 5 weeks in advance by the week. That option facilitates order coordination when many personnel are required for specific tasks. It also helps balance workload distribution among all drivers or specific ones.

OptimoRoute Cons:

  • Some users desire options to avoid highways, U-turns, or street crossings specifically for larger trucks.
  • Cost may be a deterrent for smaller businesses.
  • Some users seek faster and more flexible capabilities for making changes or cancellations en-route.

OptimoRoute Pricing:

  • Lite plan (up to 10 drivers) starts at $39 per user per month.
  • Pro plan (supports up to 1000 orders at once) is priced at $49 per user per month.
  • Enterprise plan (supports processing thousands of orders at once) requires reaching out to sales for a customized quote.

“One of the most helpful aspects of OptimoRoute is its ability to handle complex routing scenarios with ease. The software can calculate the most efficient routes for multiple vehicles, taking into account a range of factors such as traffic conditions, delivery windows, vehicle capacities, and more,” — edson Q., G2.

3. Top Courier Software for Rapidly Growing Businesses

If your business is growing fast, you need a solution that can grow with you. It should integrate smoothly with your current software and allow you to add new features. All this without causing disruptions to your daily operations or customer experience.

Onfleet

Onfleet assists businesses in leveraging data-driven decision-making to optimize routes, track performance, and enhance customer service. With comprehensive analytics and reporting tools, Onfleet enables businesses to track and analyze all facets of their delivery operations. It can seamlessly integrate with many third-party tools, such as Shopify and Google Sheets. If you expect large growth or currently manage a large-scale operation, Onfleet is a compelling option to consider.

Onfleet Pros:

  • An intuitive interface minimizes onboarding and training time.
  • Sophisticated analytics and reporting tools optimize every aspect of delivery operations, offering detailed insights through powerful dashboards.
  • API and Web hooks facilitate seamless integration with existing operational systems, ideal for organizations seeking streamlining without extensive infrastructure changes.

Onfleet Cons:

  • Setting up certain API integrations may require developer support.
  • Some users desire a more intuitive and customizable dashboard.
  • Flat fee pricing may deter small business users.

Onfleet Pricing:

  • Launch plan: $550 per month
  • Scale plan: $1265 per month
  • Enterprise plan: Contact the sales team for details.

4. Top Courier Software for Large Enterprises and Complex Logistics

If you depend on multi-carrier shipping or frequently use third-party shippers alongside your own fleet, you need a solution tailored for intricate logistics.

Bringg

Bringg is an extensive platform that partners with leading industry providers like Salesforce, Shopify, Manhattan Associates, and Blue Yonder. Their goal is to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance brand loyalty. They do this by offering convenient delivery options that enable more "drops" per day.

Bringg provides two distinct tools that can be used in conjunction. These are Delivery Hub for third-party shippers and ROAD for organizations managing their fleets.

Bringg Pros:

  • Well-regarded for ease of use and customer support.
  • Likely to offer seamless integration with a variety of systems.
  • Highly flexible and customizable for customers requiring tailored solutions.

Bringg Cons:

  • Some reviewers suggest improvements are needed for the map feature.
  • The cost may be a barrier for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • The extensive feature set might be excessive for smaller companies.

Bringg Pricing:

Contact the sales team for pricing details.

5. Top Courier Software for Strict Compliance and Detailed Audit Trails

When operating in a heavily regulated industry such as healthcare, medicine, finance, or similar sectors, maintaining compliance is essential. While all the software listed here offers tracking and estimated time of arrivals (ETAs), you may need extra accountability measures.

Track-POD

Track-POD offers a completely paperless and contactless solution. It has electronic signature capture, photo documentation, instant notifications, and real-time updates of delivery status. It provides precise control over the delivery process and associated documentation.

Track-POD is ideal for complex delivery needs such as high-value or sensitive products, medical supplies, and time-sensitive deliveries. It stands out as the best option on this list, particularly suitable for emergency dispatch and medical response. It is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses and B2B delivery operations.

Track-POD Pros:

  • Robust proof of delivery (POD) capabilities, including photo capture, electronic signature capturing, and Geo tagging, ensuring industry-leading transparency and accountability in delivery processes.
  • Efficient route optimization saves driver time and fuel, leading to cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.
  • Strong customer support team resolves issues promptly with minimal disruption to operations.

Track-POD Cons:

  • The pricing model might pose challenges for small businesses or startups.
  • Some users report glitches or bugs in the mobile app that could affect efficiency or real-time tracking and reporting.
  • Potential learning curve to fully leverage all features, especially for complex operations or integrations.

Track-POD Pricing:

Per Driver Plans:

  • Standard: $35 per month
  • Advanced: $59 per month
  • Advanced Plus: $79 per month
  • Enterprise: Contact sales team for details

Per Order Plans:

  • S Plan: $285 per month
  • M Plan: $510 per month
  • L Plan: $900 per month
  • XL Plan: $1449 per month

Additional Courier Software Options

Here are a few other courier software options to consider based on your business needs, although they were not included in this article due to specific key feature considerations:

  • Route4me
  • WorkWave
  • Routific
  • Shipox
  • OnTime 360

Which courier software stands out as the top choice?

eLogii is the premier route optimization software choice overall.

Its swift route management capabilities, along with the ability to easily edit and reorganize active routes with a single click, distinguish it from competitors.

Moreover, features like live location tracking, automated notifications, and multiple delivery verification methods make eLogii indispensable for delivering exceptional customer service.

eLogii's tiered subscription plans and extensive API integrations make it the preferred option for many couriers and retailers.

Buying FAQs About Courier Software

What does a courier management system do?

Courier management systems, also referred to as courier software, assist businesses in organizing the final stage of goods movement from retailers or warehouses to customers. These systems automate critical courier functions such as dispatching, route planning and optimization, shipment tracking, delivery status notifications, barcode and label generation, fuel management, customer service enhancement, and feedback collection and reviews.

What kind of software is essential for a courier company?

Courier companies need software that manages all essential last-mile functions securely and reliably. This software must adhere to strict security protocols and support cloud-based data storage and backup. It should also enable excellent customer service by providing real-time status updates. Software must allow customers to rate products, leave feedback, and track deliveries. Additionally, courier software should offer robust and customizable analytics to enhance operational efficiency. Finally, it should be responsive and reliable when adjustments are needed during delivery routes.

How do courier software and shipping software differ?

Large e-commerce sites and logistics providers usually use shipping software. It includes features like order tracking, inventory management, invoice management, and import/export management for a wide range of shipments made by numerous carriers.

On the other hand, courier software focuses on addressing last-mile logistics. That includes driver management, dispatch, e-signature collection, routing, scheduling, and customer portals. It is ideal for businesses managing their own delivery fleet.