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Everything you need to know about courier software

by Matt Corby,
Jul 13, 2021
logistics van loaded with shipments sets out on its route for dispatch, exemplifying the core principles of efficient logistics and supply chain management
logistics van loaded with shipments sets out on its route for dispatch, exemplifying the core principles of efficient logistics and supply chain management

What is courier software?

Courier software is used to manage the logistics of parcel delivery services.

Delivering parcels in this boom is extremely competitive, isn’t it? If you can’t deliver that package to the right doorstep at just the right time – every time – you know that someone else can.

Are you looking for ways to increase efficiency?

If you’re still working with paper-based processes, you’re not doing the best you can for your business. Switching to courier software will reassure you with optimal efficiency, and give you back your precious time. It’ll impress your customers with on-time deliveries and instant communication.

Let’s take a look at what courier dispatch software can do for you.

Features of courier management software

A courier business might use it for:

It’s not an exaggeration to describe courier software as the backbone of a truly efficient courier business. A full-featured software will improve efficiency across every stage of the journey: receiving, loading, tracking, and finally delivering the parcel.

Courier software automates many of the tasks involved in the supply chain. But not all courier dispatch software is created equal. So it’s important for you to understand not only what the software can do, but also what you need it to do for your business.

Let’s talk more about why you might use courier software.

Why use courier software?

There are many useful features within courier dispatch software.

Let’s look at a quick overview of them:

Delivery scheduling and dispatch. Manage your drivers and runs, optimising your schedules according to location and frequency.

Route optimisation. More than just GPS tracking, allocate your routes efficiently so that you save on time, fuel and labour. It adds up quickly, doesn’t it?

Mobile communication. Communicate on the go and in real-time with drivers and warehouse personnel.

Powerful reporting and analytics. Access data easily to give you real insights into performance and know what works, or where you can improve.

Customise workflows. Set up a range of workflows so your staff can save time and standardise their processes.

Electronic proof of delivery. Utilise sign on glass technology to turn your drivers’ device into a signature portal and send instant, paperless POD.

Customer portal. Give your customers somewhere they can login to check details and status of current deliveries, view quotes and pay balances.

Who uses courier software?

The types of businesses using courier software range from small businesses (who need to move beyond manual, paper-based processes), to national players delivering across expansive networks.

Types of business using courier software could include:

  1. Small businesses – who want to automate delivery management and remove human error
  2. Delivery organisations – with in-house couriers who needs to increase efficiency
  3. Businesses that contract out to couriers – who need to be able to integrate systems easily
  4. Large enterprise businesses – that need optimal efficiency on a large scale, and powerful data to co-ordinate many moving parts

Benefits of using courier software

There are a huge number of benefits to come from switching to a full-featured courier dispatch software. Let’s take a closer look at four big ones.

1. Manage your drivers’ schedules with courier dispatch software

When you implement courier software, you’ll manage your driver schedules in the most efficient way possible. That means you’ll tighten costs and save time.

How? Use your courier dispatch software to manage your runs.

You can manage runs according to location or frequency. A comprehensive courier service software will let you view maximum loaded weights and see overloaded vehicles, so you can pre-plan jobs with multiple legs. A handy feature is also being able to bulk-edit and re-assign jobs to different drivers or dates. A fully-featured courier software will also provide you with detailed reports so you can calculate fleet data, check weights and measure delivery efficiency.

This all helps you to make informed decisions, tightening your whole operation and ultimately raising your profits.

2. Use route optimisation to deliver in full and on time

Today’s consumers and retailers expect your delivery to arrive when you say it will (and if you can’t, your competition will).

That means you need to be sure your drivers will meet every allocated time window over their full work day. When a delivery service arrives early, it can be just as disruptive and frustrating as arriving late.

If your courier software is full featured, it’ll be able to turn route allocation into a one-step process. So you’ll save time and be reassured that you’re delivering with optimal efficiency. Scan deliveries into the app, press one button and your courier dispatch software will calculate the best route for you.

In just moments, your courier software will take into account things like:

  • Driver’s workflow
  • The order of their stops
  • Distance between stops
  • Required time windows
  • Historical delivery data

Once the software generates the most efficient route, your drivers can be guided by turn-by-turn navigation.

Being sure you have accurate timings means you know you’ll meet time windows. So not only will you increase efficiency, you’ll meet your KPIs and performance metrics.

3. Stay agile with courier service software

Body: A fully-featured courier service software gives you 100% visibility at any given time. Available drivers are sorted by location, so you’ll know who’s closest to the pickup point.

As well as knowing their GPS position, you’ll see what’s on board and where they’re going next. You can see real-time load details and match this to available drivers. As quick as you can say ‘agile’, drivers are on the road again.

With real-time information on the status of live jobs, it’s never been easier to quickly match the best driver when something changes.

4. Make the most of powerful analytics & reporting

From a single scan to a nationwide network, you can’t manage it without timely and authentic data. When it comes to reporting, one size definitely doesn’t fit all.

That’s why it’s important to know that, within your courier software, you can personalise how you capture your data (and make it work the way you need it to). A good courier software will give you flexible reporting, from simple spreadsheets and customisable PDF’s to in-depth business analysis.

Feeling inspired to implement courier software in your business?

Has this helped you get clearer on just what courier software can do for your business? If you know someone else who might benefit from reading, please share this guide with them.

And if you have any questions, get in touch or call us on 1800 975 305. We’re here to help.