The logistics business is frequently evolving with smart mobile applications. The industry has witnessed broad errors throughout the pandemic. Thanks to the logistics & technology that made the software development easy. Logistics app development benefits transparency, and as per the report, it will spike to $71.96 billion by the year 2026.
The market needs a quick & easy transportation service. Uber and Freight are a few examples that seamlessly connect shippers to drivers. If your aim is to design apps like these, knowledge of the expected cost is necessary.
Discover the range of points that hamper cost, which involves the location of the team, technology, and features. In the following blog, we’ll break down the key features, Uber Freight app development cost & traits of designing a freight application. Read the following blog to check the roadmap for launching the dream logistics application.
Table of Contents
What is Uber Freight & How does it Operate?
Uber Freight app assists truck drivers & businesses in finding loads to be transported. This application fulfills the bridge between connecting shippers & carriers. With the help of the Uber Freight app, truck drivers can track shipment details. The app assists in organizing loads & tracking shipments in real time to make the complete process effective. Uber Freight is an effective method for drivers and organizations to manage freight logistics.
Uber Freight is the pioneer of delivering on-demand trucking services. Multiple entrepreneurs have launched startups since it is based on the same basic principles as Uber’s Ridesharing service. There are 2 user groups. One is carriers & other is drivers who handle transportation & shippers are required to deliver goods.
The following application enables shippers to locate & reserve the truck that meets their requirements. The carriers verify bookings & deliver transportation services. Payment capabilities enable shippers & carriers to manage financial transactions directly within the application.
When the order is placed, the app begins to function. In order to complete duties like supply chain management, inventory warehousing, route optimization, and vehicle tracking, the data is sent to another network. In order to manage the logistical activities, the applications use capabilities like GPS, sophisticated algorithms, and mathematical models.
Additionally, order management, documentation, and communication tools are frequently included in logistics apps. By using the app, users can place orders, create shipping papers, and speak with drivers or suppliers immediately, doing away with the need for phone calls and laborious paperwork.
Why must Businesses Develop Applications Like Uber Freight?
The API solution delivers real-time pricing with digital brokerage solutions. Uber Freight offers a complete transportation management solution that caters to scaling the supply chain business. Organizations should develop logistic applications like Uber Freight for the following reasons-
Improve Demand & Revenue
The growth of the e-commerce sector and the rising need for quick delivery are driving the global logistics market’s rapid rise. Additionally, because the transport sector has been at the forefront of ease, it contributes significantly to the US economy. Therefore, developing a logistics app similar to Uber Freight might assist companies in expanding their audience.
Improve Fleet Management
Accessing a logistics company without an application is challenging. So, designing an app is a necessity to achieve better decision-making. Therefore, you can manage every transport on schedule and prevent any technical difficulties if you develop a logistics app similar to Uber Freight.
Zero Requirement for Paperwork
By automating the process, a logistics app like Uber Freight clone features eventually minimizes the amount of documentation needed. This enables you to become paperless for nearly all tasks. Additionally, automation makes data accessible, which helps with critical decision-making.
Enhance Operational Effectiveness
Logistic application development can streamline most of the tasks involved in operations, with the assistance of digital tools for optimizing loads, route planning, shipment tracking in real-time, schedule management, etc. Furthermore, it limits operational costs and reduces errors.
Crucial Features a Logistics App Development must have
1. Driver Carrier Features
- Real-time Order Tracking: Shippers may keep an eye on the whereabouts of their cargo and the anticipated time of arrival at any moment with real-time information thanks to a live map display.
- Vehicle Booking: Shippers can reserve vehicles in advance based on availability, cargo kinds, and preferred carriers using one of the more sophisticated pre-booking alternatives.
- Documentation Online: Freight management that is hassle-free and compliant is ensured by easy access to permits, invoices, and regulatory documentation.
- Ratings and Reviews: Based on frank evaluations of carriers’ performance by other users, shippers may make informed choices.
2. Shipper Features
- Comprehensive Order History: provides an extensive log of all deliveries, both past and future, together with performance data and profit breakdowns.
3. Admin Panel Features
- Advanced Matching Algorithm: AI-powered load matching maximises shipper-carrier matches according to cost, availability, and route effectiveness.
- Vehicle Tracking: Real-time telemetry offers precise position updates, insights on driving behaviour, and fuel consumption data.
- Driver Surveillance: Automated monitoring systems, such as speed tracking and dashcam integrations, guarantee adherence to safety rules.
- Invoice Management: By automating payment processes, an integrated invoicing system lowers administrative burden and delays.
- Geo-Fencing: To enhance security and operational management, administrators are notified by custom geofencing alerts when vehicles enter or depart defined zones.
- Extremely Advanced Security: Financial transactions and sensitive user data are safeguarded by fraud detection systems, multi-factor authentication, and end-to-end encryption.
Additional Features you must Look for when Designing a Logistics App like Uber Freight
1. GPS & Route Planning
GPS technology is the foundation of every Uber-like app. Accurately determining the precise positions of drivers and passengers depends on this. Users need maps and routing in order to locate one another and determine the cost of a ride.
2. Real-time Notifications and Communication
Notifying passengers via SMS or push notifications is the most popular method of informing them that their car has arrived. Even if pushing notifications is less expensive and simpler to set up, SMS is a more dependable option. Implementing the SMS capability requires careful coordination with a telecommunications operator.
3. Easy Login & Registration
Regular users may register in a number of ways using apps like Uber. They demand a phone number right away. For drivers, this entails going to the business in person and supplying document scans. In order to function properly, you must take into account the drivers’ statuses as well as the position of a certain driver and passenger. A driver usually has 15 seconds after seeing a ride request to accept it.
4. Payment methods
A secure payment mechanism ought to be included in an on-demand service. For the most part, Uber-like applications prefer cashless transactions. In addition to being faster, they are also far safer. Uber accepts a number of payment methods.
5. Reviews & Ratings
Drivers and passengers can rate one another after each journey. Drivers would choose their passengers based on their ratings and uphold high standards of service under a rating system. This strategy will increase both the user base and your app’s standing in the cutthroat industry.
6. Details of Vehicle & Driver
Transparency is the first step in gaining user confidence. Important details on the drivers and their cars must be included in your app. Users will feel less nervous about their ride if there is some clarity.
The experience will be further improved by having the option to make remarks on seating preferences or anything else. Additionally, users must be able to submit more information for the driver and decide how many seats they require.
7. Selection of the Platform
The time and expense of developing an Uber app are closely related to iOS, Android, or both platforms. Losing one’s target audience might result from simplifying and lowering the procedure and expenses.
By creating both versions, someone else may try to target them, but this would typically take more time and resources. Choosing an accurate platform will be assisted by identifying your core audience and market demands.
8. Third-party APIs
Functionalities like GPS, payment systems, and alerts are a must-have feature for transportation applications like Uber. These use previously existing technology to augment an application while cutting down on development time. Understanding the requirements for such integration allows you to gauge the total complexity and expense of your project.
Key Tools & Technologies to Design a Logistics Application
1. Tech Stack for Frontend and Backend (Node.js, React Native, etc.)
The selection of a tech stack for crafting a logistics application is necessary. It can either make or break the application. Additionally, it has an impact on the cost of development. Integrating advanced languages and tech stack can result in better productivity. Well, before implementing, first understand the technology and libraries.
- Use of Node.js in Logistics App Development
This open-source platform executes JavaScript code outside of the browser. Developers use this to design back-end services like APIs to power client applications. Node.js is the most preferred due to its excellence in prototyping & agile development. It has the capability to build ultra-fast, highly scalable software with easy access.
There are various platforms for developing backends, but Node.js is one among them. Companies like NASA, PayPal, Walmart, and Uber have implemented this into their applications.
- Using React in Software Development
React is a JavaScript library used by developers to craft interactive & streamlined user interfaces. The versatility of this application enables it to be used in multiple applications. From single-page to cross-platform & complex applications, it works well. It supports both web & mobile applications. Airbnb, Instagram, WhatsApp & Shopify are a few examples using React in their application.
- Kotlin
This language is new compared to others and perfect for blending power & simplicity. This popular OOP language supports highly ordered functions. It improves performance by reducing bugs.
2. Google Maps API / Mapbox for Route & Tracking
Mapping is the most crucial part when building a logistics application. For route planning, Google Maps is the most suggested solution for navigating data. It has more than a billion active users. Similarly, Mapbox is another of the largest providers of custom-designed applications.
The popular transportation companies, such as Instacart and DHL, use these solutions. Now, it’s up to you which one you want to choose. If you want mapping & routing functionality in logistics development, choose one that suits your needs.
3. AWS / Firebase for Cloud Storage
The two recommended services for your mobile app’s backend are Firebase and AWS Lambda. From being a Mobile-Backend-as-a-Service (MBaaS), Firebase has developed into an excellent back-end tool for creating web and mobile applications. With the help of Firebase’s many tools and SDKs, you can develop, oversee, enhance, and expand your application on the web, iOS, and Android. Development tools, analytics, databases, networking, and AWS storage are just a few of the extensive, scalable, adaptable, and customisable cloud-based solutions that AWS provides for commercial use.
In summary, AWS and Firebase are excellent choices for apps using serverless architecture. However, each platform has unique characteristics, and in the end, it comes down to the demands of the business initiative. Firebase is the best choice if you want to speed up deployment, improve app development, and have seamless hosting. However, for a more complex project that needs server-level access and a lot of customised code, AWS is the best option.
4. Stripe/PayPal for Payment Integration
The technology used to incorporate credit or debit card payments into websites and mobile applications is known as a payment gateway. You may easily comply with PCI-DSS rules with the aid of Stripe, PayPal, and Braintree. By transmitting encrypted credit card data as a token, these popular gateways facilitate PCI-DSS compliance and provide strong native libraries for iOS and Android.
5. AI/ML for Predictive Analytics
Artificial intelligence is becoming a highly useful tool for controlling coordinated activities through data analysis. Artificial intelligence may improve your operational processes by optimising routes in the face of unexpected events or traffic patterns. In order to help you discover and recognise trends, enhance your experiences, and make better decisions on your own, a bespoke software development firm develops AI apps that analyse the massive amounts of data generated inside the shop network. Artificial intelligence can help administrators develop precise vehicle status projections that may be utilized for fuel and maintenance scheduling.
Points that Hamper the Logistic App Development Cost
It might be difficult to determine the precise cost of developing a logistics app because each one has a unique feature set and performs a variety of business tasks. However, by taking into account and comprehending the important aspects, you may determine how much it costs to build a freight app-
1. Application Features
The kind of logistics software you desire for your company’s operations will determine how much it will cost to design. The cost of development increases with the features you want to add. More effort and resources are needed for complex features, which raises costs.
For instance:
- The cost of basic services like supply chain visualization and freight monitoring might range from $10,000 to $20,000.
- Features like Uber Freight’s on-demand delivery service are more expensive since they need a robust backend and real-time updates.
- The total development budget goes up as more features are included.
2. Development Approaches
The option between selecting cross-platform & native development can impact the development cost. Native applications are specially designed for iOS & Android, utilizing platform-specific languages. The cross-platform application works on a vast range of platforms with a single codebase.
3. Frontend and Backend development
The technologies, MVP for logistics app frameworks, and backend and frontend development tools you select for your logistics app might have a big influence on the final development cost. For example, choosing frameworks for microservices will be more expensive than choosing frameworks for a monolithic architecture. It will, therefore, also provide more favorable scalability prospects.
4. UI and UX design
It is crucial to take help from the professional UI/UX team to integrate the appealing & attractive designs. Lack of design might give bad reviews. So, the quality of design also hampers price.
5. System Integration
If you feel your application can connect with external systems like CRM, ERP, Payment gateways, etc., the cost will rise. The integration of systems can cost $3,000 to $15,000, according to its complexity.
6. Application Complexity
The logistic application feature contributes to the success. Advanced features like real-time tracking, payment methods, and compatibility improve the popularity of the application. However, it can bring complexities that increase development costs & time.
7. Technology stack
Another necessary factor that significantly impacts the development cost of the logistics app is the integration of the tech stack. The choice of frameworks, programming language, & other resources decides the cost of difficulty and time, and the cost of development.
8. Experience of the Development Team
The cost of hiring a development team is based on the location, skills & experience. Furthermore, developers with higher skills cost more but deliver application quality. Logistic app development requires experience. It needs a team of developers, quality testers, & other professionals to craft logistic applications such as Uber Freight.
9. Testing & Maintenance
Testing guarantees that the app operates seamlessly & error-free. Long-term expenses are increased by routine maintenance that keeps it compatible with new OS upgrades and technological advancements after launch.
Cost Breakdown: Describing an Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Planning & Research | This field requires in-depth market research, competitor analysis & strategic planning. It costs $5,000 and $10,000. |
| Design & Planning | Designing a logistics application costs $ 10,000 to $20,000. |
| Front-end & Back-end Development | Front & back end development of a web app costs somewhere between $40,000 and $80,000. |
| Integration & Testing | To ensure the app works perfectly, testing is required, and it costs somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000. |
| Launch & Deployment | The cost of launching an application is an estimate of $5,000 to $10,000. |
The abode-discussed amount is an expected cost that can fluctuate based on the factors discussed in the above section.
Ways to Save your Money on Logistics App Development
By beginning with a sound budget and a backup strategy, you may lower the expenses associated with developing logistics software. A logistics app’s cost may be decreased without sacrificing quality by concentrating on simplifying operations, optimizing development processes, and making good use of technology.
Think about creating a modular design, utilising agile development, and optimising for many platforms and devices. Here are a few easy methods to cut costs when developing:
- Start with an MVP: To test the market, create a rudimentary version of your app first. You can subsequently add more features if they work properly.
- Use Pre-existing Solutions: Integrate third-party tools and pre-made components rather than creating everything from scratch.
- Adhere to the Agile methodology: Agile helps manage resources effectively and keeps the development process flexible and efficient.
- Outsource Carefully: You may save expenses without sacrificing quality by hiring a seasoned development company or contracting out work. For more affordable options, look at offshore developers.
Conclusion
The accessibility to logistic solutions is becoming complicated. However, improvement in accessibility, efficiency, and streamlining processes is possible with logistics app development. If you have any difficulty developing an application, hire React Native App Development Services. Businesses that wish to remain competitive in the digital era must embrace app development in supply chain management as technology advances.
