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One of the best delivery routing and dispatch software is Cartrack’s Delivery on FleetWeb, designed to give South African businesses the clarity and technology needed for faster, more profitable delivery operations. With unpredictable traffic and customer expectations soaring, plus those tight and expedited delivery deadlines, there's a real demand for more sophisticated systems.
A South African study from the Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management showed that optimising transport routes reduced total kilometres travelled by 19%, along with lowering variable vehicle costs. This only proves just how powerful smart routing can be, and how necessary it is for the modern business.
In this blog, you’ll get the full lowdown on what makes a routing and dispatch software ‘the best’, including understanding key features and knowing how to choose the right system. We’ll also show you why Cartrack should be your top pick for expert guidance and insights that give you total delivery confidence.
Key Takeaways:
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EVs are here to stay. Global sales passed 17 million in 2024, and South African adoption is growing
What’s the top delivery routing and dispatch software?
The top delivery routing and dispatch software is Cartrack’s Delivery feature, a fully-fledged tool that’s designed to make every step of delivery easier for your business. Cartrack has taken a unique approach by combining automated scheduling, live GPS tracking, and smart routing into one seamless platform, setting it apart from basic tracking tools.
Our Delivery function is much more than a tool that maps out multiple-stop trips. It gives you the total ability to act fast when something urgent happens while also making sure that everything runs smoothly and maintains a high standard. Drivers are always kept in the loop, receiving clear instructions via the app and instant notifications when changes occur.
Why your business needs advanced routing and dispatch tools today
Your business needs advanced routing and dispatch tools today because manual planning and basic tools are no longer an option. Basic software doesn’t allow you to keep up with the modern demands, like growing customer needs, a general pressure to deliver faster, or the need to operate with much more accuracy.
Advanced routing and dispatch tools can tackle challenges like:
Last-mile pressures: Real-time data simplifies the most intense part of the delivery process, helping to avoid delays and keep everything on track.
Fuel inefficiencies: Because routes are optimised, fuel waste becomes a thing of the past.
Manual planning errors: Smart and automated planning means that you minimise human error, which also means fewer delays.
Customer demand for real-time updates: Being able to share live ETAs can keep the customer in the know about the movements of their package, improving their levels of satisfaction.
What industries benefit from delivery routing and dispatch software?
The industries that benefit from routing and dispatch software include food delivery, retail, field services, and numerous other markets. These are industries that are quite reliant on time-sensitive deliveries.
Some of the key industries include:
Retail: Quickly ship goods from the store to the consumer
E-commerce: Comfortably manage the pressures of last-mile deliveries
FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods): Ensure deliveries between warehouses and distribution points are smooth
Food delivery: Speedy delivery, especially regarding a time-sensitive job that affects quality, can be guaranteed
Logistics: Strengthen your business operations, get more efficient routes, and complete deliveries with accuracy
Field services: Schedule tasks effectively and keep your drivers on the best routes
Pharmaceuticals: Make sure that deliveries to medical facilities (small clinics to large hospitals) are timely
Same-day delivery businesses: Manage the very tight deadlines required from same-day deliveries with the help of live tracking
How does routing software actually improve delivery efficiency?
Routing software actually improves delivery efficiency by enabling faster deliveries, cutting down on fuel waste, and ultimately achieving better customer satisfaction. It makes every step of the delivery process that much smoother.
Routing software benefits your business by:
Reducing planning time: You don’t have to worry about wasting time manually sorting out routes; the software can automatically do that for you.
Driving fewer kilometres: Because of reduced planning time through route optimisation, drivers can take the best routes and avoid potential detours.
Enabling lower fuel spend: Through travelling the best routes, drivers cut down on fuel waste.
Ensuring faster deliveries: Ideal routes are clear-cut, and any changes are automatically updated, leaving drivers to keep to a steady schedule.
Guaranteeing fewer customer complaints: Accurate ETAs, live updates, and consistently on-time deliveries really maximise customer satisfaction.
Does delivery routing differ from dispatch management?
Yes, delivery routing does differ slightly from dispatch management, as they solve different parts of the delivery workflow. But ultimately the best systems combine both into one integrated platform.
'Delivery routing' refers to planning the journey, ensuring the trips are as efficiently organised as possible, the numerous stops are considered, and time & fuel use are kept as low as they can be.
‘Dispatch management’ refers to the coordination and management of the work, ensuring that drivers and staff are allocated the right tasks, progress is closely monitored, and quick, informed changes can be made if necessary.
‘Delivery management’ refers to the overall and total framework, combining routing and dispatch to deliver smooth communication and peak operational performance.
The best routing and dispatch software brings all of these aspects together, allowing you to plan, manage, and track deliveries from one platform. With Cartrack’s Delivery feature, these tasks come together seamlessly, ensuring everything works in harmony for smoother and more dependable delivery operations.
Key features the best delivery routing and dispatch software must include
Key features the best delivery routing and dispatch software must include are tools like live GPS tracking, system integrations, and proof of delivery. The software you choose must bring all these core tools together so you can maintain visibility and total control from the first to the last mile.
These are the non-negotiables:
Advanced route optimisation: Organise multi-stop routes to save you time and cut down on wasted fuel, even during peak traffic.
Automated dispatching: Assign jobs instantly to the nearest driver or one who's available, eliminating the hassle of paperwork.
Real-time GPS tracking: You receive live updates on your vehicles' locations, allowing you to monitor progress, catch any delays early, and step in when necessary.
Proof of delivery and driver communication: Integrated communication and proof of delivery systems let you track each delivery from start to finish, helping you resolve any disputes that may arise.
Vehicle and driver performance data: Monitor speed, idling, and braking habits so you can spot areas for improvement and boost operations.
Delivery ETAs: Get accurate, live delivery times so that both customers and your team know exactly what delivery expectations are, leading to better planning.
Geofencing: Set up virtual zones around key delivery areas and receive alerts when drivers enter or leave those zones, helping you keep tabs on progress.
System integration: Seamlessly connect with your existing tools, so you can say goodbye to clunky data transfers and manual updates.
What makes routing and dispatch software accuracy so important for delivery success?
Factors like better fuel use and customer satisfaction are what make routing and dispatch software accuracy so important for delivery success. These are the aspects that make or break the name of your business, and they carry a lot of importance. When you achieve accuracy, everything in your operations flows much more smoothly.
Consider the importance of these factors:
Customer satisfaction: Accuracy sets apart a smooth delivery from one that’s consistently met with delays. It means that deliveries are made when projected, bettering the delivery experience and keeping customers happy.
Reduced time on the road: Accuracy means deliveries are being made when they’re promised. This minimises detours and improper stops.
Improved driver safety: Accuracy means that you have the best routes possible mapped out for your drivers. This keeps drivers away from high-risk and congested areas, but also minimises bad map info or unintended turns.
Controlling fuel spend: Accuracy when it comes to operational costs means fewer wasted Rands, especially when you consider how even the smallest mistakes can very quickly add up.
How does real-time visibility support smarter dispatching?
Real-time visibility supports smarter dispatching by letting you see what’s happening and helping you make smart decisions as deliveries happen. Instant communication with drivers makes it easy to reassign or change routes when things don’t go as planned. With live tracking, managers know exactly where each vehicle is, the route it’s taking, and if it’s on schedule.
Quick responses like these keep deliveries on track and ensure customers get accurate updates.
How does delivery routing software help reduce fuel waste?
Delivery routing software helps reduce fuel waste by optimising routes and addressing the major challenges like driver habits and traffic congestion. Keeping these tools handy makes sure we regularly analyse routes for the best fuel-saving routes.
The role of data in better routing and dispatch decisions
The role of data in better routing and dispatch decisions shows it’s the backbone of detailed delivery planning. By looking at delivery histories, spotting traffic trends, assessing driver performance, and understanding peak demand cycles, you can prepare for challenges before they arise.
This knowledge helps you map out routes more strategically, assign drivers more efficiently, and accurately predict delivery times, building a stronger delivery operation.
How the best delivery routing software improves the customer experience
The best delivery routing software can improve the customer experience by providing accurate ETAs, direct communication, and fewer failed deliveries. With customer demands growing every day, it’s important to focus on the following:
Accurate ETAs: Customers can get practical delivery timelines
Live delivery tracking: Customers can track their parcels to know where they are in the process
Fewer failed deliveries: Transparency and clear instructions can help customers make sure they’re prepared and ready to receive the parcel at the designated delivery address
Proof of delivery: Digital verification (by signature or picture) ensures the parcel is received by the right person and reduces disputes
Proactive communication: This kind of transparency fosters trust between customers and your business
Case study: How The Courier Guy improves delivery performance with Cartrack
The Courier Guy is known as one of South Africa’s most popular and trusted service providers. What started as one motorbike and a favour for a friend has since rapidly grown into a fully-fledged nationwide fleet of over 2,200 vehicles. Of course, this level of massive growth calls for a reliable partner in fleet management and upscaling.
The challenge
Everything at The Courier Guy began to grow quickly: the number of drivers, the delivery vehicles, but most importantly, the customers and their demands. Because of this, there was an immediate need for total visibility, support, and simplification of tasks for fleet managers. The key was to improve operations and take good service to great service.
How Cartrack supported The Courier Guy’s operations
Accurate driver visibility By leaving behind the unreliable method of manual tracking, fleet managers can now stay updated on driver locations in real-time.
Faster, flawless task and delivery management Customer details for recurring orders fill in automatically, which massively reduces submission errors and improves communication between managers and drivers.
Stronger customer communication and accountability Automated SMS and email updates keep customers in the loop during the delivery process. Drivers can snap photos or collect e-signatures as electronic proof of delivery, which boosts safety and service quality.
Enhanced safety and fewer operational losses AI-powered camera tech constantly streams and can monitor how drivers behave. Drivers can quickly fix risky habits, cut down on damaged goods, lower speeding incidents, and strengthen the brand reputation.
The impact
With Cartrack by their side, The Courier Guy took full control of their business operations. They handled routes, assigned tasks, ensured customer satisfaction, and prioritised staff safety with precision. This allowed the business to deliver consistently while maintaining a professional touch.
“Cartrack’s technology allows us to focus on our drivers, customers, cargo, and fleet all from one platform. It puts us in control from dispatch to delivery.” — Jeffrey Wheeler, Assistant Fleet Manager, Courier Guy, South Africa.
Myths about delivery routing and dispatch systems
Some myths about delivery routing and dispatch systems are centred around believing that drivers won’t adapt to the tools or that the systems are only suitable for large fleets. Despite the good that delivery software brings, there’s still often a lot of hesitation from owners or fleet managers.
Let’s dispel those myths for you:
“Google Maps is enough”: While Google Maps is a great option for general directions, it’s not as effective for a driver as a delivery platform. This type of system can account for navigation while also managing multiple stops, task allocations, and communication with managers.
“It’s only for large fleets”: Routing and dispatch systems work just as well for smaller fleets as they do for larger fleets. No matter the size of your fleet, the objectives typically remain the same: smoother operations, better safety, and greater profitability.
“Routing tools are too complex”: These features may look intimidating at first, but they’re usually designed to be as user-friendly as possible. And with the likes of Cartrack, you can ensure you and your staff are well-trained on how to operate these tools.
“Drivers won’t adapt”: It’s quite the opposite! Drivers usually adapt quite well to these systems because they ultimately make their jobs much easier. There’s less job-related stress because routes are faster, tasks are straightforward, and the instructions are clear.
Cartrack’s delivery routing and dispatch tools: What makes us different?
What sets us apart from the rest is that we offer a fully integrated delivery management system built for accuracy, reliability, and scalable performance across various industries. Other systems out there typically offer these tools as separate features, making your processes more complicated when they should be made simpler.
Cartrack gives businesses a distinct edge, from planning all the way to doorstep delivery.
Here’s a better look at why you should partner with us:
Live vehicle tracking: We provide live GPS tracking so that you have eyes on your fleet at all times. This allows you to monitor your fleet’s progress while drivers are out in the field.
Automated dispatching: Drivers can be allocated tasks based on their availability and location, meaning the hassle and congestion that comes with assigning tasks manually is eliminated.
Multi-stop route optimisation: Cartrack’s platform carefully and intelligently maps out the many stops that drivers need to make, helping them take the best and fastest routes.
Delivery and driver workflows: Established workflows make the entire process for drivers that much easier. From job acceptance to delivery, instructions are clear.
Seamless communication: Live updates and in-app messaging make keeping you and your drivers connected much simpler. This is important for emergencies or urgent changes.
Driver behaviour insights: Bad driving habits can cost the business. Monitoring these behaviours means addressing them immediately and avoiding costly mistakes.
Multi-channel communication tools: Auto-messages, whether by email or SMS, keep customers updated about every stage of their delivery. This is a major building block when it comes to building customer trust.
Central dashboard: Having all the tools needed on one single platform means you, as a manager, have a complete and instant overview of every part of your fleet. There’s no cross-platform confusion.
Final takeaway
Choosing the right delivery routing and dispatch software is the foundation of any company looking to run smoothly, grow confidently, and meet the increasing demands of today’s customers. With the right platform, you can cut unnecessary costs, improve delivery reliability, improve driver performance, and offer your clients the precise and professional service they expect.
Cartrack’s Delivery feature delivers the accuracy, automation, and real-time visibility needed to keep your modern delivery operations running efficiently. It’s a reliable choice for businesses across various sectors, connecting every element of the delivery process seamlessly.
Deliver faster, smarter, and more reliably. Let Cartrack automate your delivery planning and dispatching.Speak to our teamto get started!
FAQs
Is it difficult to onboard drivers and dispatchers to a new routing system?
No, it’s not difficult to onboard drivers and dispatchers to a new routing system, and they’ll ultimately make everyone’s jobs so much easier. Most new-age systems, like Cartrack’s Delivery, are created to be as straightforward as possible. With the right onboarding training and continued guidance, staff usually get the hang of things quickly and enjoy smoother workflows.
How accurate is delivery routing software today?
Most delivery routing software today is designed to be as accurate as possible, tapping into live traffic data and telematics insights to create super-accurate routes and workflows. This helps businesses enjoy consistent arrival times, fewer delays, and improved delivery predictability throughout their fleet.
Does routing software work for both scheduled and on-demand deliveries?
Yes, routing software does work for both scheduled and on-demand deliveries. Advanced software, like Cartrack’s, can manage scheduled daily routes as well as unexpected delivery requests. Automated dispatching and live data help assign the closest driver instantly, keeping all delivery types running on time.
Find out why Cartrack’s Delivery is the best delivery routing and dispatch software for businesses needing accuracy, visibility and reliable dispatching.
