Custom courier app development
An efficient courier service stands or falls with good software. Appfront builds custom courier apps with route optimisation, real-time tracking and digital proof of delivery. From single-rider delivery services to logistics platforms with multiple depots.
Core features of a courier app
A complete courier app consists of a driver app, a dispatch dashboard and optionally a customer portal. The most important functionalities are listed below.
Route optimisation
Automatic calculation of the fastest route past all delivery addresses, taking into account time windows, traffic congestion and vehicle capacity. Routes are recalculated when new orders come in or changes are made.
Real-time tracking
Live courier locations on a map, visible to dispatchers and optionally to end customers. GPS tracking with minimal battery consumption through smart polling intervals.
Proof of delivery
Digital proof of delivery with signature, photo and timestamp. Automatic status updates to the dispatch system and, optionally, to the end customer by email or SMS.
Order management and dispatch
A central dashboard for assigning orders to couriers, managing time slots and monitoring progress. Automatic dispatch based on location and availability.
Customer communication
Automatic notifications to end customers: confirmation, estimated delivery time, on-the-way alert and delivered confirmation. Optionally with a track-and-trace link.
Reporting and analytics
Insight into delivery performance, average driving times, delivery attempts and courier productivity. Data-driven decisions on routes, capacity and service levels.
How we build your courier app
Discovery and analysis
We map out your logistics processes: how many couriers, which vehicles, which integrations and what customer communication you need.
MVP design
A working app with the core features: order management, route planning and proof of delivery. Quick to production, improved iteratively.
Integrations
Integration with existing systems: webshop, WMS, accounting and mapping services. All through APIs, with no manual work.
Launch and growth
After go-live we monitor performance and expand: more couriers, additional depots, a customer portal or automatic dispatch.
Technology and integrations
We build on proven technologies that scale with your business.
Technology stack
Integration possibilities
- Webshops: WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento
- Warehouse management systems
- Accounting software: Exact, Moneybird, Visma
- SMS/notifications: Twilio, MessageBird
- Mapping services: Google Maps, HERE, Mapbox
Why choose Appfront for your courier app
Appfront has experience building logistics applications, from route planning and real-time tracking to integrations with warehouse and e-commerce systems. We understand that a courier app has to be reliable in all conditions.
Our apps run on iOS and Android, are optimised for battery usage and also work on patchy network connections, which is essential for couriers on the move.
- Cross-platform: iOS and Android from a single codebase
- Offline-first: works without a stable connection
- Scalable from 5 to 500+ couriers
- Integration with your existing systems
- Ongoing maintenance and support
- Based in Amsterdam
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost depends on the functionality you need: a basic app with route planning and order management is a different investment from a full platform with real-time tracking, automatic dispatch and a customer portal. After an initial consultation, we provide a clear quote based on your specific requirements.
An MVP with core functionality, namely order management, route planning and proof of delivery, can be operational within a few weeks. A more extensive platform with integrations, a customer portal and automatic dispatch takes longer. We work in sprints so you can see interim results quickly.
Yes. We connect the app to your existing systems: warehouse management, webshop (WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento), accounting, CRM or an external dispatch system. Via REST APIs or webhooks we ensure seamless data synchronisation.
We build courier apps for both iOS and Android. Using frameworks such as Flutter or React Native, we develop cross-platform apps from a single codebase, which lowers development costs and simplifies maintenance. For specific performance requirements, native development is also possible.
The app calculates the optimal sequence of delivery addresses based on location, time windows, traffic data and vehicle capacity. When new orders come in or changes are made, the route is recalculated automatically. We integrate with mapping services such as Google Maps, Mapbox or HERE for live traffic data.
Yes. After go-live, we offer ongoing maintenance, monitoring and support. We keep an eye on uptime, fix bugs, roll out updates for new OS versions and expand functionality as your business grows.
Ready to digitise your delivery logistics?
Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about your courier app.