Managing a delivery fleet can almost be like walking on a tightrope if you don’t have a driver app in your corner. “One foot in front of the other,” is all you tell yourself, or “one truck at a time.”
But in the logistics space, it’s never just about one truck, but the entire fleet.
For nine years, I worked in logistics. I planned and scheduled truck transportation. I was often on such a tight deadline, I almost felt like I was walking on a tightrope. My job seemed impossible most days.
Without being able to send a driver an instruction at a moment’s notice was tough. Wasted calls and frustration were the name of the game for our team.
Then we invested in a driver app. It felt like I had dynamite in my pocket and I could conquer each cargo delivery and drop-off. Let me tell you what happens when you add a driver app to your delivery fleet.
Dispatch made easy: Send jobs to drivers instantly with a driver app
If you have a delivery fleet, I’m sure you can relate: Drivers writing notes on a piece of paper. The driver tells you, “Yes, I know where that warehouse is. It’s the one opposite the port.”
You look at the driver with worry in your eyes. “No, that’s the wrong address. It’s the warehouse five minutes from the port.”
Flip this scenario and use the driver app: The diver receives the exact location of the warehouse, along with special instructions about which receiving bay to deliver the cargo.
Instead of wasting time on a phone call explaining a shipment, I send the new cargo delivery instruction.
Let’s take a look at a different industry. You are a restaurant owner and you have just started your food delivery service.
The restaurant is busy with orders coming fast out of the kitchen. You don’t have the time to give drivers a verbal instruction.
You dispatch your food orders using the driver app. The driver instantly receives the instruction.
There’s no confusion, mixed up addresses and most importantly, no cold food for the customer.
Real-time tracking: How to know a driver’s location
In logistics, I’m sure you can appreciate that time is money, and a missed vessel sailing is no joke. Especially not with a multi-million dollar container in your care.
The room for mistakes is slim. But real-time tracking takes the panic out of logistics in letting you know where each vehicle in your fleet is situated.
- Redirect deliveries when there are delays, for example traffic.
- Let clients know when they can expect a delivery with an ETA.
Instant updates: Clear communication is better for your deliveries
In my view, nothing says “professional” more like clear, precise communication. Here’s what instant updates can do for a restaurant or delivery business.
- A customer cancels an order: You cancel the job before the driver leaves.
- A new booking comes in: Instruction goes straight to a specific driver.
- An urgent order comes through: You can prioritize it with speed.
Let’s recap: Add a driver app to your delivery fleet
It doesn’t matter if you have five or 20 trucks, or even three delivery scooters, the driver app can put you in control of your fleet.
I have seen logistics companies trying to plan cargo movement and deliveries without delivery technology. It’s not a pretty picture.
A driver app with give you:
- Smoother delivery process.
- Happier customers because they know what’s happening.
- On-time delivery for cargo and restaurant orders alike.
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.
