The courier sector is a fast-paced industry. Keeping up with transport logistics, finances, fleet management and Courier Insurance can be challenging, and your existing systems may be out of date.
With advancement and development in courier-related tech, mobile apps and online platforms are now geared towards making your courier operations simpler and more efficient.
In this blog, we look at the apps and software that are on the market and specially designed to enhance and streamline your courier business.
Navigation apps
Navigating your way around cities, complicated housing estates, and remote villages can be challenging at best, a nightmare at worst. There are, however, several free courier software navigation apps that can make life a lot easier:
HERE WeGo
HERE WeGo Maps and Navigation is a strong contender.
It’s free to download and use, and you can use it offline, helping you save data and drive in locations with limited or no internet.
It notifies you of accidents, road closures and traffic congestion, and re-routes you on a faster journey, should it need be.
Google Maps
Google Maps also works offline but with both HERE WeGo and Google Maps you will usually have to download the map while you’re still online.
It is great for real-time traffic and clear street views.
HERE WeGo performs better offline, letting you download entire regions and even countries for navigation without the internet.
This platform also collects less data than Google Maps and has a simpler interface for easy use.
Waze
Waze is another popular navigation app, known for offering the fastest real-time routes and most up-to-date traffic information, such as police, accidents and road hazards.
It’s good for driving in cities where re-routes can be a common occurrence.
The downside is Waze can only be used with an active internet connection.
Courier route planner apps
A navigation app will give you step-by-step directions in getting from A to B.
A Courier route planning app creates a more detailed schedule for how you’re going to fulfil your courier service obligations – basically, an advanced address finder.
Delm8 Route Planner
Delm8 Route Planner is not completely free but does offer you a free trial for a specific time.
It will identify route visibility and addresses on your delivery list to enable you to access even the most remote properties.
Used by YODEL, DPD, DHL and many more, Delm8 can streamline jobs, and save you fuel and time.
Spoke (Circuit) Route Planner
Spoke (Circuit) Route Planner provides drivers with free unlimited access for up to 10 stops on each route. It translates into 16 languages, is compatible with your go-to GPS navigation app, and provides proof of deliveries (PODs).
Courier Fleet software
Courier fleets vary in size and type, so just as one-size doesn’t fit all when it comes to Fleet Insurance, the same goes for Courier Fleet management apps.
Depending on whether you run a small fleet or a large UK logistics company, your courier fleet management software needs to flex to your needs.
Courier Exchange Fleet Delivery Tracking app
Platforms like the Courier Exchange Fleet Delivery Tracking app is a great option for owners and managers of small or large fleets.
It assists with tracking, routing, electronic proof of delivery (ePOD), driver management and analytics, making delivery logistics a lot more efficient.
It lets you run your fleet, drivers, and loads, anytime and from anywhere.
You can:
- Allocate loads
- Get real time tracking and load alerts
- Suitable for SMEs and larger operations
eLogii
For large, complex, multi-depot fleet logistics, eLogii has a good reputation, offering:
- Live tracking and updates
- Driver management (schedules, breaks, holidays)
- Monitors driver/agent performance
OptimoRoute
If you run an SME, OptimoRoute is simple and easy to use.
It helps you organise your route to save time and fuel.
Courier accounting software
Just like your fleet management platform needs to be chosen to fit your type of business, so too does your courier accounting software.
In the UK there are several good accounting platforms that can help you organise your finances.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is a great option for small businesses or medium-sized businesses (SMEs) or if you are just starting out as a courier driver.
It helps with:
- Managing business payments
- Paying and organising bills and invoices
- Handling payroll
Xero
Xero is a great option for growing courier businesses.
It provides a range of features that can help you manage your accounts and revenue effectively and efficiently.
It allows you to:
- Accept and make payments
- Connect to your bank
- Manage payroll
- Project plan (budget, quote and invoice)
- Calculate your VAT returns
Sage Business Cloud
If you manage multiple drivers and need to keep track of payroll and invoices, Sage Business Cloud is a reliable option.
It manages VAT, invoices, and payments, providing you with cash flow forecasts and real-time financial data reports.
Courier Exchange (CX)
Courier Exchange is one of the best courier software platforms in the industry, helping owner drivers, courier companies, and shippers to match drivers with loads, or loads with drivers.
If you’re starting out as a courier driver, it enables you to find loads, expand your network, and manage your earnings.
For courier companies, CX allows you to compare driver rates and find load carriers.
With over 15,000 loads (on average) posted on this platform daily, CX is a fantastic resource for courier drivers and businesses across the UK.
Insurance for couriers and courier companies
Whether you are a self-employed courier driver, or run a courier fleet, BCD can organise your Courier Insurance.
We can help with insurance for a wide range of vehicles – from cars and Courier Van Insurance to Fleet Insurance (3+ vehicles); offer flexible payment options; and insurance for all types of goods.
BCD are experts in making sure you’re accurately protected for Public Liability Insurance, Goods in Transit Insurance, and if you employ people, Employers Liability Insurance.
We provide ongoing claims support and have a dedicated team to help you with setting up and renewing your policy.
To find out more, contact our team today.