437-886-6089
The majority of package deliveries are done by Couriers and Local Delivery Service companies that route and track deliveries. This industry comprises two segments: larger couriers and smaller local delivery companies. Together, these segments cater to various consumers, with demand for each segment differing based on the services offered. Tracking package deliveries is a crucial task for both segments though. Specifically, downstream demand for courier services stems from manufacturers and retailers across the country, while demand for local delivery services is derived from households and other local markets. Although the markets for each segment differ, demand for each segment tends to fluctuate in line with consumer spending, the number of businesses, and e-commerce sales, all of which have increased over most of the five years to 2020. The U.S. market size, measured by revenue, of the Couriers & Local Delivery Services industry, is $115.7bn in 2020 and it is expected to grow at an average of 5% a year for the next 5 years1.
Routing and tracking package deliveries can be challenging using your own fleet. As a fleet manager, you’ll need sufficient visibility to ensure the efficient running of the delivery process. Nowadays many businesses are relying on technological solutions such as route planning and package delivery tracking software. This innovative technology has revolutionized the way businesses plan, deliver and track deliveries. There are several advanced features of fleet management software and it provides businesses with many insights based on delivery data.
Many types of businesses offer deliveries across a range of industries. There are also more on-demand services and next-day delivery options. More people are relying on deliveries and companies need to offer the most efficient service in order to keep up with competitors. It is designed to help automate and streamline processes and reduce costs. It also enables fleet managers to find new ways to improve customer satisfaction and optimize their delivery service.
Types of package deliveries
There are different types of package deliveries. Companies are competing to provide fast and efficient deliveries, and some of the new services include:
- – On demand
On demand deliveries are those that arrive very quickly, or in a matter of hours. Customers can expect to order something and receive it on the same day, often depending on time restrictions. The global on demand delivery market is on the rise and predicted significant growth in the coming years. - – Next day
Next day delivery arrives the following day, in theory. It’s challenging for many small businesses to manage and there are many cost factors and other issues. A company needs to consider the number of packages and their destinations, plus the number of vehicles and workers needed in order to break even.
Delivery services require quick and detailed route planning, especially the more short notice they are. Route planning and package delivery tracking software can help businesses deliver goods faster. Fleet managers are able to monitor traffic, locate drivers, optimize fuel usage, and improve safety. It also reduces the risk of delivery failure or delays, helping to build a better reputation for the company.
Who is involved
Businesses of all sizes and across many sectors are now offering deliveries. The fulfillment process involves a number of people at different stages. Order fulfillment starts with the receiving of the goods, short-term storage, usually in a distribution center or warehouse, followed by picking and packaging, shipping and tracking of the package deliveries. This process involves different types of workers in order to sort, store, package, and deliver the products.
Many smaller businesses outsource their routing and delivery tracking to a third-party, whereas other larger companies use their own fleet. A fleet manager is in charge of overseeing all deliveries, they hire drivers and vehicles to carry out the process and track the package delivery process real-time.
International couriers vs own fleet deliveries
Certain businesses may also use international couriers. International couriers, such as UPS, FedEX and DHL are third-party organizations which take care of a company’s deliveries, especially to other countries. There are pros and cons of using a courier rather than your own fleet. If you manage your own fleet, you are more in control or your supply chain and transportation operations and can route and track your deliveries more efficiently. The challenge is covering the cost, however, and providing an efficient enough service to keep up with today’s standards.
There is an increasing demand for quicker deliveries at competitive rates. If you choose to manage your own fleet, you need to optimize each stage of the supply chain process. This isn’t only limited to transportation, but also fleet management, vehicle maintenance, and logistics. You also need to recruit, train, and manage drivers.
Over 2.5 million commercially owned fleets are used in the US alone, along with rental trucks and other vehicles. There is clearly the need for state-of-the-art solutions to help private businesses manage their fleets. Fleet planning and tracking tools are becoming more advanced with many automated features. This has made it easier for businesses to plan and track package deliveries using their own fleets rather than working with a third-party courier.
Routing and tracking tools and technologies
New planning and tracking tools allow businesses to monitor their fleets and analyze any relevant data. Comprehensive delivery management software for packages deliveries can cover a number of areas. There are key features such as route planning, GPS tracking, driver hours compliance, route performance and fuel consumption monitoring, and maintenance and safety controls. It also provides useful insights based on the data it collates, enabling businesses to make improvements to their delivery services.
Choosing the best package delivery tracking software for your business depends on your own unique requirements. It’s important to opt for the right tools that are easy to use and that are compatible with other applications you may use for your business. Fleet management software tuned for package deliveries is designed to make your life easier and to save you time and money. Here are some of the main features for you to prioritize for your business.
Next day route planning
There are many benefits of offering next day package delivery. For Ecommerce, it’s a big incentive for customers. Slower delivery options could push customers to use their competitors instead. Packages for next day delivery are sent separately and the routes need detailed planning to ensure they are optimized in such a short timeframe. Less Platform’s route planning algorithms proprietary algorithm help to create the most efficient routes for you by using order specific and external data (traffic conditions, weather etc.). If you’re traveling to multiple destinations it will put these into the most logical order, depending on updated information. This is especially useful for next day delivery when you’re on the clock.
Dynamic route planning
Dynamic route planning and delivery tracking is a fully automated feature that uses data mapping to give you the best routes in seconds. It takes into account live traffic and road conditions and updates all the information in real-time. It’s an effective strategy for fleet management because fleet managers and drivers know that conditions can change. The best route depends on a variety of factors. With dynamic route planning, businesses can also respond better to customers’ requests, for example, a change to the delivery time.
Drivers are informed automatically in real-time and are given updated directions to the new route. The route planning technology is also constant learning and offers drivers the most fuel-efficient and timely delivery options. This allows businesses to better predict departure and arrival times and notify the customer of more accurate timeframes. Dynamic route planning is one of the most important innovations in delivery technology. Delivery automation has been very effective for businesses in many industries.
Live management
One of the most important features in Less Platform’s routing and package delivery tracking software is the live management features. These give fleet managers the information they need in real-time and facilitate communication with drivers. Some live management features include:
- – Operational dashboard
The operational dashboard interface monitors and manages operations. Route planning software is cloud-based, so all users from the fleet manager to the driver can have access to all the information they need, and also share data and communicate. - – Stop trucking
The package delivery tracking and route planning software monitors all truck stops and driver hours and compliance. Advance geofencing functional helps to know exactly when drivers approach or leave the location. It also generates updated ETA’s for every stop, helps drivers to navigate, and notify customers about the arrival. - – Driver communication
Fleet management software includes a driver’s app allowing them to stay in contact with the fleet manager at all times without additional phone calls.
Electronic POD
Electronic proof of delivery (POD) provides complete visibility of delivery operations. Businesses can send accurate consignment details to their fleet drivers and customers. These include waiting times, arrival times, and the exact delivery time. The feature is also customizable and allows delivery drivers to take electronic signatures in some cases. You can configure the electronic POD feature so that your drivers and customers have access to the information they need. You can also automate the sending of PODs.
Reporting and analytics
The great thing about Less Platforms package delivery software is that it provides data insights based on reporting and analytics. It analyzes the efficiency of routes, driver performance, late deliveries and many other aggregated statistics. The fleet manager receives reports on driver performance and can pinpoint any possible causes of accidents and prevent them.
Less Platform also reports load and empty mileage and miles saved. Fuel consumption is a major cost for businesses offering delivery services. Data analytics provide the fleet manager with reports according to each individual driver so they can help reduce driving costs.
There are several key features that allow fleet managers to automate many processes. It enables businesses to streamline their entire fulfillment. These results in improved accuracy of delivery times and increased customer satisfaction. Many types of businesses could benefit from the use of this software to plan and track their own fleet. It’s an effective solution to prevent any setbacks or challenges deliveries and transportation can bring. The latest in Less Platform provides businesses with the insights they need to improve their fulfilment at every stage of the process.
Author
Vardan Markosyan is the CEO at Less® Platform
MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
PhD in Economics from the Institute of Economy of NAS RA
He spent decades of research and consultancy on business process optimization and system design