If you’re in the logistics industry, you understand that timing is everything. From the moment cargo or parcels are dispatched, transportation, and delivery to the destination. Delivery management software can help you master your craft.
Whether you’re managing a haulage company transporting cargo loads or running a courier service delivering critical documents, you know the last mile delivery process is almost like chasing the wind – there’s no room to “drop” a customer or cargo load.
It’s up to your logistics business to get cargo delivered to a deadline. Let’s take a look at five ways delivery management software can help you do this.
Delivery management software: Centralized real-time tracking
I spent almost a decade handling shipments and truck transportation for a logistics company.
Once the vessel docks at the port, our wharfside team offloaded the shipping containers onto trucks destined for a warehouse.
From there, the cargo is loaded onto additional trucks for delivery to retailers nationwide.
Imagine if your logistics team could keep a close eye on each truck with a centralized system.
With delivery management software, you can track every truck in real-time on a single platform.
You’ll know exactly where each load is, the estimated time of arrival, and whether any delays might throw you off schedule.
By investing in delivery management software I receive no more frantic phone calls to drivers or having to explain at length to a client.
How this helps you: You’ll spend less time putting out fires and more time focusing on scaling your business.
Route Optimization: How to get your drivers to deliver faster
As a logistics provider, I used to make use of a courier company to deliver shipping documentation to the port or a clearing agent.
Most of the time, these documents were urgent so that I could meet sailing deadlines. If a driver gets stuck in traffic, this could mean chaos.
Pure frustration on my part.
Delivery management softwarer has a route optimization feature which analyzes traffic patterns, weather conditions, and delivery priorities.
Instead of the courier delivery drivers battling gridlocked traffic, they’ll “sail” through the best routes, ensuring documents arrive on time.
How this helps you: As a logistics manager, I can have peace of mind that I will meet sailing deadlines.
Automated communication: Keep everyone on the same page
Back to my ocean freight scenario: Trucks are loaded, and deliveries are underway. But then, a customer calls. “Where’s my shipment?” they ask.
Without delivery management software, you’re left speechless. You may even have to call a driver, and in the process you are actually halting their schedule and slowing them down.
With delivery management software, automated updates are sent directly to your clients, keeping them informed every step of the way.
From dispatch notifications to real-time tracking links, your customers will always know what’s happening. No more “where’s my shipment?”
As a former logistics manager, I can tell you that keeping customers informed about where their cargo is, or how the shipment is progressing is key to keeping that customer happy.
It’s not just about communication, but how your delivery process is working.
I am reminded of advice from delivery expert, CEO Locate2u, Steve Orenstein: “Great customer experience attracts great reviews, and that experience is not only about the product they bought from you, but also how it was delivered.”
How this helps you: You’ll reduce the number of “Where’s my cargo?” phone calls because customers stay informed all through the delivery process.
How delivery management software helps with proof of delivery
Picture this: A driver completes a delivery to a warehouse, but the receiving team claims they never got the shipment.
Without solid proof, you’re stuck in a he-said-she-said situation. This is not ideal.
Delivery management software offers proof of delivery features, including electronic signatures, photos, and time stamps.
So, when a dispute arises, you’ve got the receipts to prove that a delivery actually arrived.
How this helps you: You’ll protect your logistics business from costly disputes and improve accountability across the board.
Delivery management software: Spot weaknesses and improve
Here’s a true story: You can’t fix what you don’t measure.
Let’s revisit my ocean freight operation and put you at the helm for a second: Your deliveries are running smoothly, but you notice certain routes consistently take longer than expected.
Why? Without data, you’re left in the dark and wondering what to do.
Delivery management software provides detailed analytics on delivery times, driver performance, and customer satisfaction.
By diving into these insights, you can identify problems and implement changes to improve your delivery process.
How this helps you: Data-driven decisions mean fewer inefficiencies and more streamlined operations.
Let’s recap: Delivery management software means smooth sailing
As a logistics manager who once used maps to plan truck routes, and relied on a phone to keep customers informed, delivery management software is a winner.
Here’s how:
- Real-time tracking lets customers watch their cargo’s path.
- Route optimization gets deliveries done on the right road.
- Data allows your logistics team to analyze delivery operations and improve.
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
