15 Features Of A Freight Booking Application

Like ride-sharing apps revolutionizing the taxi-landscape, the logistic and freight applications have also boomed. A freight booking application offers a one-stop solution. It automates and expedites various processes. Matching the loading requirements, turn by turn route planning, shipment tracking, delivery proof, billing, payment are standard functionalities of these applications.

The primary purpose of developing such apps is to remove the fragmented and time-consuming processes. It enables a smooth and seamless chain. The following points reflect the must-have features in a freight booking application:

For Users

Users are the ultimate consumers who book the consignment from the app. Features for them include:

1. Seamless Registration

The user must be able to register and log in without any hassle. It must not require filling in many details. Instead, it must keep a note of the necessary information. It must allow the users to connect to Gmail and other options.

2. Estimated Time And Costs

The freight booking application must show the estimated time to reach the destination. It must consider and establish the planned route, obstacles in the path, traffic updates, etc. Along with time, it must also give an estimate about the cost. It will influence users’ planning.

3. Live Tracking Of The Consignment

The cargo-booking application must enable the user to track their consignment in real-time. It should not lag or delay, indicating the estimated time for pickup and delivery. This feature brings transparency and provides credibility.

4. Consignment History

The user must be able to view their consignment history. They need to check the booking date, time, rate, delivery details, etc. Allowing them to access records influences current decision-making. Access to information on the application eliminates the need to maintain computer or paper files. Thus, it saves time, money, and storage space.

5. Rating And Reviewing

Users need to rate and review their experience. These rates and reviews give an insight into customers’ real experience and whether they like the app, driver, etc., or not. It helps them, and others make decisions accordingly. The feedback provided can also help the business improve.

6. App Navigation And Scheduling

The app must have a user-friendly and easy-to-navigate interface. It must not be confusing to the users. The navigation must be seamless with appropriate graphic placements.

Also, after the booking takes place, users must have the complete schedule details. Enabling them to reschedule time, date, pickup, or delivery date are plus features.

For Drivers

Drivers are the ridge between business and user. They must maintain professionalism throughout their job. The freight booking application for drivers include:

1. Order Requests

A shipment booking application must enable the driver to view, accept, or reject an order request like a ride-sharing app. They must receive the notification based on the geographical location.

2. Onboarding Attendance

The application must provide the drivers with a feature to give their attendance. It shows whether a particular driver is available to take the order or not. The application can also track the hours put in by a driver and deliveries made.

3. GPS Integration

The primary use of GPS integration is to calculate estimated time of arrival. Not every driver is familiar with routes for freight pickup and delivery. Therefore, GPS integration is necessary to save time and effort. They can use the maps to plan their route.

The application can also suggest the most optimal route, which is safe and takes less time. It prevents getting lost or stuck in traffic. The GPS must also be available offline.

4. Order Details And Payments

The driver must have all the necessary order details in a panel. It must include information like Order ID, schedule date, pickup and delivery location, payment details, etc.

The app must include a bill approval feature for reimbursements and the order details. The app must also have online payment features. Uploading and scanning invoices can offer transparency for both businesses and drivers.

For Business

A business owner must know about the cargo details, order, shipment, revenue, warehousing, etc. Features in their application must include:

1. Dashboard

The application must have a dashboard where information is available for details related to a warehouse, placed orders, and shipment information. One-stop information allows the admin to plan and make decisions accordingly.

2. Driver And Fleet Management

The application must enable owners to manage their drivers. It must give them information related to:

• Drivers’ personal details- name, age, availability status, etc
• History- Number of deliveries, routes, etc
• Ratings and feedback from users

It helps them make decisions regarding their drivers, promotions, etc.

Similarly, they must know where their fleet is for appropriate allocation. It involves the status of orders shipped, inquiries, etc.

1. Bills And Tariffs

The app must integrate with other third-party applications for billing and tariffs. It enables businesses to keep a streamlined record of all the invoices, transactions, bills, etc. A one-stop solution saves considerable time, money, and resources.

2. Notifications

Businesses can benefit by sharing personalized messages and push notifications. They can alert the related parties about any new launch, offers, discounts, etc. The control allows them to keep healthy and long-term relations with drivers, users, and intermediaries.

3. Complaint Management

The administration application must develop an adequate complaint management system. It must address the doubts, suggestions, complaints, disputes, and any queries from users, drivers, and related parties.

It enables a business to maintain extended and healthy relations. Also, addressing and resolving these issues timely can prevent any long-term adverse implications.

Wrapping-Up

Like other on-demand apps, a freight booking application has become a necessity to streamline the operations of the industry. It changes the way goods get transported from one place to another.

An application integrates various processes and offers a one-stop solution for all. Having an app with the necessary functionalities, an easy-to-use design, layout, and seamless procedures is beneficial for all parties.

A business invests money initially. But the rate of returns from such an application exceeds the costs. It enables them to provide efficient and reliable services and maintain excellent relations with the parties. Analyze your business requirements with experts today and develop an enriched application.