With the integration of technology-driven innovations in the transport and logistics business processes, the global supply chains are becoming highly sustainable and started working on a customer-centric approach. With a significant rise in digital literacy, digitization has imposed a strong impact upon the transportation and logistics industry. As a result, operations like shipping, delivery, ordering, etc. are getting managed well.
The on-demand logistics app development solutions have resulted in a highly transformative era which has caused a sort of revolution in the logistics industry. It brings a high level of transparency when it comes to freight forwarders and has eliminated the intermediaries to achieve more reliable supply chains. Today, the number of businesses switching to logistics and transportation apps is continuously increasing to attain a higher level of sustainability in the market. If you are also keen to know about the logistics app development process, then the article provides you with all the relevant information related to working and benefits of the logistics mobile apps, cost associated, and other key areas.
Table of Contents
Working of a Logistics Mobile App
The transport and logistics apps play a vital role in carrying out the successful business operations of the retail sector. There are many business functions and operations that require adequate knowledge and effort for their sound work. With the help of these logistic apps, businesses can be capable of doing real-time monitoring, fleet tracking, shipment management, analysis, and transportation management.
To get you an efficient logistics mobile app, there are various top-rated companies that provide logistics mobile app development services. These apps bridge a platform to connect shippers and drivers who are looking for cargo services. Therefore, it comprises an admin panel, a shipper app, and the carrier app. Let’s discuss how these apps work:
- A freight request is initiated from shippers comprising information of the cost, weight, destination, size, load, origin, and destination.
- The drivers get notified about the shipper’s request and once they approve the request for logistic shipment, they can offer immediate services.
- In the next step, the freight is picked up by the driver, with the in-built GPS functionality, tracking is possible with real-time updates of the vehicle location.
- Once the cargo is delivered, the shipper is notified about the delivery completion, and invoice afterwards an invoice is generated for the same.
Market Statistics: Transport and Logistics Industry
The transport & logistics industry is regarded as the backbone of the world’s economy. Let’s have a look at the global stats of the transport and logistics industry:
In the year 2018, Germany tops the chart of the leading logistics markets with an index score of 4.19. It was based on LPI i.e., Logistics Performance Index which evaluates the on-the-ground trade logistics performance. Such high numbers indicate the growing demand for on-demand logistics management app development services in the transport and logistics industry.
In the year 2020, because of the massive hit faced by all the industries due to the pandemic, the transport and logistics industry also experienced a sudden fall in its size. But by the year 2024, the industry is again likely to see a good increase in the numbers.
Types of Transportation & Logistics Mobile App Solutions
A transport and logistics app development company provides numerous app solutions according to the need and the requirement of the business. So, there are various logistics apps the company can build. Following are some of the key app solutions prevailing in the logistics business:
1. Fleet Management
Fleet management app solution is particularly utilized by businesses for storing all the information and data related to vehicles and fleets. These fleet management apps support the effective coordination, management, and organization of the work vehicles for smooth and error-free fleet operations by using an integrated information system. These apps also help in complying with government regulations, reducing overall cost, and improving the performance of the business.
2. Warehouse Apps
The primary aim behind the development of the warehouse app solution is to enhance and improve the coordination with the suppliers. The businesses can ensure that the products or the assets are located securely and safely, as well as get complete information of the status and location of the goods. It also helps to eliminate the time consumed in the verification process performed during manual loading and streamlined the picking operations.
3. On-Demand Logistics
It works like a car rental app solution where the users can use the taxi services for travel from one place to another or send some articles by simply booking and placing the order. In the same way, the on-demand logistics apps help the users with goods deliveries and shipping logistics on fewer taps.
4. Tracking Apps
While developing these kinds of apps, a logistics app development company focuses upon how to resolve issues related to goods delivery. These apps provide complete delivery information on a real-time basis which helps to solve concerns like correct route, on-time deliveries, and current location of the shipments.
Famous Logistics Apps & Businesses
In the continuously growing business of transport and logistics, few well-renowned names have gained a strong market share. They are-
Advantages of Owning Logistics and Transport Mobile App
In the past few years, there has been seen immense innovations and technologies that have been integrated with the logistics industry operations. This integration of technology with the logistics business has resulted in smooth deliveries and faster shipping. Some companies provide custom logistics software development services to help you reap the maximum benefits out of these mobile apps. Here are some key benefits associated with the use of these apps:
i) Manage Fleet & Warehouse
The logistics and transportation app development solutions offer effective management of warehouses and fleets which results in improved business functioning and productivity. All the data and information are stored in such a manner that there is no risk of data alteration or loss. It provides error-free processes for fast and efficient results in comparison with manual processing.
ii) Confirmations
With the help of this app, both the customer as well as the logistic partner can get real-time updates of the confirmations. It decreases the chance of delays and ensures correct and on-time product deliveries.
iii) Track Vehicle
When we talk about logistics apps, then the key aspect on which a mobile app development company pays keen attention is the level of accuracy it possesses. In the logistics business, on-time deliveries are a must. The apps provide efficient services such as fast goods’ delivery, timely shipping, real-time location sharing, and continuous updates. With the in-built functionality, real-time vehicle tracking is possible on a tap.
iv) Easy Online Booking
To ease the complex tasks, the logistics app comes into the picture. To make it convenient for the users and the businesses, booking a courier or a cargo has turned out to be so effortless task through the online booking option available in the app.
v) No Paperwork
Earlier, so much time was consumed in doing excessive paperwork, but with these on-demand app development solutions, this issue exists no more. The logistics app is proficient enough to streamline all the operations and store data without any paperwork.
Basic Features of a Transport & Logistics App
If you are also into the logistics and transport business and soon willing to master your hands on digitized business solutions, then here are the key features to include in transport and logistics app platforms based upon different panels:
User Panel
Following is the detailed discussion of the required features that are must-have in the user panel:
User Authentication/ Login
The customer can register or sign-up via email id or any social media channel, and then can log in through the given credentials.
Creating Profile
The user can create a profile by entering personal details such as contact number, address, name, etc.
Booking
From a range of available vehicles, the customer can select as per the convenience and confirm the booking.
Fare Estimation
The customer can get an approx. fare estimation which is charged according to the distance travelled.
Schedule Booking
With this feature, the customer avails the facility of pre-booking where a dedicated time and date are set, and it can be managed by the user in the schedule booking section.
Payment
After billing, for payment, the user can select the desired method such as wallet, cash, or card.
Tracking
The user can track the location of the driver or vehicle and can know where the shipment has reached.
Booking Cancellation
The user also has an option to cancel the booking within a respective time frame.
Contact Driver
To coordinate with the driver and check upon the correct pickup location and delivery time, the user can contact the driver.
Rate Driver
The user can also give their reviews and ratings to the driver according to the experience they had with the shipment delivery.
Push Notifications
This feature enables notifications to update the users about coupons, discounts, delayed arrivals, arrival time, and early arrivals.
Driver Panel
Let’s have a discussion over the features included in the driver panel:
Driver Authentication
Like the customer panel, the drivers must register on the app with their email ids or social media accounts. After that, the authentication of a driver will be done via valid license, id proof, qualification, and bank account number.
Request Management
The drivers can check the requests they have received and can manage them. They have an option to reject or accept the request according to their convenience and feasibility.
Manage Shipping Details
This feature allows the driver to fetch information about the shipper or the exporter who initiates the consignment. The basic details include the invoice, pick-up address, drop-off address, contact details, and name.
Manage Freight Details
The drivers have an option to calculate the cost they can charge based on the goods’ weight and distance covered.
GPS Tracking
With the help of the GPS feature, the drivers can easily locate the customers’ addresses and can provide on-time deliveries.
Admin Panel
Following are the key features of an admin panel:
Login
The admin has an option to log in via a given unique ID number or email id and password.
Dashboard
There is a dashboard on which the entire summary is present comprising of the data of all the customers, number of active drivers, shipment completed, as well as the live location of the shipments and the drivers.
Manage Drivers
With this feature, the admin gets the right to activate or deactivate the account of any driver, add new drivers, and can also update the details of the existing drivers.
Manage Dispatchers
The admin can view, update, and delete the information of the dispatchers.
Manage Vehicles & Fleet
This feature in the app gives the right to the admin to add and delete the types of trucks and can update fleet info.
Manage Shippers
The admin reserves the right to check upon the customers via this feature such as new customers can be added, customers can be blocked, and broadcast or personal messages can be sent to the customers.
Invoice & Billing
All the billing and invoices are managed via this feature as the admin can see all the payment history and can also manage the inflow and outflow of the cash.
Trip Report Evaluation
This feature allows the admin to view and monitor the trip history of all the drivers and can take adequate steps against any driver if any report is done from the customer’s end.
Referral Rewards
This feature helps the admin for customer retention via referral rewards and the admin can add or update various loyalty bonuses, referrals, and coupon codes.
Advanced Features of a Logistics App
Let’s have a detailed discussion of the various advanced features of a logistics mobile app:
In-App Chat
This feature helps the users to get answers to their queries concerning deliveries, payments, bookings, and shipments. There are chatbots integrated to provide faster resolutions to the users. These chatbots are an integral part of the B2C and B2B businesses.
Get a Quote
This feature allows the users to ask for a quote for the available deal so that they can get an insight about the approx. time and cost of the service.
Link & Upload Docs
With this functionality, the dispatchers can upload important docs such as insurance papers, documents crucial for the shipping of the products, certificates, etc.
Multilanguage Support
Many times, it may happen that the drivers or the users are not comfortable using the app in the English language, therefore, this feature of multi-language supports the use of the app in multiple languages. It helps the customers and drivers to use the app more conveniently.
Driver Safety
With this feature, there can be kept a complete track of the speed, routes, and mobile usage activity of the drivers. Based on the data acquired, an individual scorecard is provided to every driver which supports users to select the driver accordingly. On the other hand, it improves the safety of the drivers during shipment deliveries.
Cloud Storage
A transport and logistics app company offers this advanced feature if you require this in your app. Cloud integrated business solutions are in high demand as it helps the users to get easy access to all the stored data, from anywhere and at any time.
How Does a Logistics Mobile App Generates Revenue?
Because of the high demand for digitized business solutions, people are switching to online platforms. This approach or module not only helps the businesses to grow but also provides them with multiple revenue sources.
To increase the profits, the following are some of the ways by which the owners of logistics apps can earn revenues:
1. Paid Apps
The app generates revenue as the user pays a fixed amount of money to get the license to use the app for a lifetime.
2. Advertisement
When people use the free version of the app, then it is a great revenue source as the app can make a lot of money by displaying advertisements in between.
3. Commission
The commission is the most common way to make money through this app. The app owner charges a fixed amount of commission from the drivers to get them listed on the platform. Thus, it supports both the app owner as well as the drivers to earn revenue.
4. Paymium Model
If the app has a strong USP, then the app owner can make a good amount of money as the users have to pay for downloading the app.
5. Freemium Model
Often apps run of this monetization model where they provide some basic features for free, but the users need to pay a premium fee for the advanced features. Therefore, it gives a source of revenue to the app owner.
Technology Stack for Logistics App Development
Technology is the blood of digitized businesses. The app development companies are required to integrate high-tech technology stack to get an increased customer base. Let’s discuss the technology stack required for developing an on-demand logistics app:
| Functions | Technology Stack |
| Frontend Development | BootStrap, CSS, Swift, Java |
| DevOps | Chef |
| Backend Development | Python, Ruby, JavaScript, Angular |
| Payment Gateways | Ewallets, Stripe, PayPal, Braintree |
| Push Notifications | Push.io or Twilio |
| Real-Time Analytics | Cisco, Apache, IBM, BigData, Spark, Flink, Loggly |
| Application & Data | Amazon RDS, jQuery, Amazon Elasticache, Bootstrap, Groovy, Angular |
| Utilities | Heap, Amazon SNS |
| Database Requirements | Postgress, MongoDB, Hbase, Cassandra |
| Credentials Authentication Login | Twilio or Nexmo |
| Cloud Platform Solution | AWS, Azure, or Google |
Required Team Structure
To get the work done with a high level of efficiency and effectiveness, there is a need to have a defined team structure. The app development companies must have the following team players for successful outcomes:
Project Manager
A project manager is solely responsible to coordinate each phase of the mobile app development and update the client with every little detail and progress in the process. The project manager analyses future risks and uncertainties to build plans for delivering the project on time and maintaining good customer relationships.
Designers
Designers have a major role and responsibility to deeply understand the product design. They create visuals and design by keeping their focus on the target market. In the pre-discovery phase, they work upon the business’s vision and make sure that the end designs are successfully meeting the user and clients’ expectations.
App Developers
Expert mobile app developers play a vital role in the end-to-end mobile app development life cycle. They work coherently with the engineers, testing team, analysts, and designers to create, test and deploy an on-demand mobile application as per the requirements and vision of the client.
Quality Analysts
A logistics software development company keeps high attention while hiring quality analysts as the success of the app depends upon these analysts. They make sure that the app is bug-free and there is a high level of system integrity. They resolve the app issues with a certain level of precision, may it be glitches or minor crashes.
Cost to Develop a Logistics and Transport Mobile App
The cost of development is based on varied features and aspects. While calculating the cost to develop a logistics mobile app like DHL Express, the below-mentioned factors need to be in consideration:
i) Features
While determining the logistics and transportation app development cost, the features of the app are given high weightage as if the app is with limited features, then the development cost is comparatively low. Whereas, if the app is too functional with various advanced features in it, then the cost to develop a logistics app is increased with a great margin.
ii) Geographical Location
The development cost differs as per the change in the location selected for developing an app. According to the country, there is an average rate of development on an hourly basis that is charged. In comparison with Asian countries, Europe, the US, and other developed countries have a high mobile app development cost.
For example, an app development company charges from $50–$199 per hour in European countries, whereas the development cost for per hour drops to $25 – $49 in Asian countries. Therefore, the client need to finalize the geographical location where the team is required to develop the app as per their budget.
iii) App Platform
When businesses want an app for the Android platform, then the cost associated is low but if the app is for iOS platform, then the cost is increased. There are different development teams of experts who are required separately for each platform. Therefore, the cost is forecasted based upon the platform chosen.
iv) App Complexity and Designing
If the client requires an app with basic designing, then the cost is comparatively low. But if the app projects high level of complexity with advanced designing for all its functions, then the designing cost is increased because of the app’s complex nature.
v) Development Process
When an app is developed using advanced technologies like IoT, ML, AI, etc. then the overall cost is increased as the development process takes more expertise and time to integrate these technologies. Hence, the more advanced and lengthy development process is, the higher is the logistics app development cost.
Based on these above-mentioned factors, the cost to develop a logistics app will be around $15,000-$25,000 with basic features on a single platform. And if the client requests for an app with advanced features and needs both android and iOS app solutions, then the cost ranges from $30,000-$45,000.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the transportation and logistics industry can undergo major improvements with the technological integration of mobile app solutions. Departments such as vehicle maintenance, warehouse management, etc. can see progressive growth considering available logistics app development solutions. Analyzing the overall data, it is evaluated that there has been realized a sudden increase in the demand for transport and logistics app development services in the past few years.
The logistics industry is experiencing a boom with these technology-integrated app solutions. If you also want an on-demand app for your business, then you can contact a good logistics app development company that has a team of expert app developers. SemiDot Infotech is a leading mobile app development company that works with a team of highly skilled developers to provide you with the best logistics app development services.
