What is a logistics app?
A logistics application is a web, mobile, or desktop application that enables companies to coordinate their shipments. Logistics apps usually include features for users to view the status of their shipments in real time and track shipments through GPS history.
Logistics apps share features with many other commerce and business management apps like accounting apps and inventory management apps. Popular logistics app examples include Instacart, Uber Eats, and Postmates.
Examples of logistics apps built with Crowdbotics:
- An AR app for a logistics company. The user receives a quote based on information imputed by the carrier on his log in. If accepted, the carrier receives a notification with all the information including the AR image. Carrier and user can then chat through the app.
What is the typical cost to build a logistics app?
A logistics app usually costs about $37,500 to build. However, the total cost can be as low as $25,000 or as high as $50,000. A logistics app with a low number of features (also known as a minimum viable product, or MVP) will be more affordable than an app that includes all intended functionality.
For example, here are some previous logistics app price quotes from Crowdbotics:
How long does it take to build a logistics app?
A logistics app usually takes 300 hours to build. However, a logistics app can be built in as few as 133 hours, or in as many as 467 hours. The exact timeline mostly depends on how complicated your specific app is. As a general rule, it will take longer if you require highly custom designs, niche features, complex logic, or non-standard release platforms.
For example, some previous logistics apps build with Crowdbotics received the following hourly estimates:
Not seeing what you’re looking for?
Crowdbotics has quoted and built hundreds of applications for teams of all sizes. Browse our historical estimates by industry and app type to understand possible costs and considerations.
How to successfully grow your logistics application
A logistics app can grow by creating incentives for users to request deliveries from their peers, such as offering discounts for using the app, or by opening up new markets that the user may not have considered. The app needs to attract a large number of both drivers and passengers in order for it to be sustainable.
Risks and challenges of building a logistics application
Logistics apps that connect drivers and riders or customers and service providers through a third-party platform face legal risks associated with the handling of personal information, the classification of workers as contractors or employees, and regulatory compliance.
