Summary- This blog spills the beans on how to successfully develop a logistics app like Porter, its benefits, cost, monetization strategies, and more.
Digital transformation in the logistics sector and the need for on-demand deliveries among people have increased the demand for applications like Porter. Before Porter people were bound to use traditional ways of shipping with delivery times ranging from a couple of days to weeks.
However, the arrival of Porter and other instant delivery applications have disrupted the market by enabling users to book trucks, bikes, and other vehicles right when they need to facilitate intracity and intercity transfers.
If you are interested in creating an app like Porter, this guide is for you. Here, we have provided step-by-step processes needed for Porter-like app development. But before proceeding to the same, let’s read a little more about logistics or on-demand delivery apps.
How Does an App Like Porter Work?
Porter is an on-demand logistics mobile application that enables its users to follow a series of steps to make deliveries of goods from one place to another. Here is what they follow:
- The user opens the app, chooses delivery services, and enters required details such as length and weight of goods, vicinity, destination, etc.
- Once all the details are filled in, the app searches for nearby drivers with the required vehicle type to make that particular delivery.
- In the next step, the app shows the estimated delivery cost and time. Finalize the booking by making an advanced payment or choosing cash on delivery. 4. Once you proceed and the driver picks up the product, you get an option to monitor the status of the delivery.
- You will get a notification after the successful delivery.
How to Develop a Logistics App Like Porter?
Here is the stepwise procedure for building a successful application like Porter. We have provided these steps considering the development process followed by top logistics app development companies.
Please note that creating a Porter-like application requires in-depth expertise in top frameworks, required programming languages, databases, and technologies like AI, ML, blockchain, and more. If you don’t have the required technical expertise, connect with a mobile app development company in USA or any other region.
Step 1: Market Research and Planning
Before you begin with the development of your logistics application, it is crucial to explore the market trends, competitors’ offerings, and customers’ expectations. Plan your app’s USPs, features, technology stack, and other crucial aspects. Also, focus on what challenges it will overcome.
Step 2: UI/UX Design and Wireframing
The next step focuses on your Porter-like app’s design. Make sure it is appealing to attract new users and engage existing ones. Moreover, pay attention to the navigation; it should be clear and simple enough to enable all types of users to navigate through the app to find and avail of desired delivery services. Create wireframes to visualize the app’s layout, structure, and flow.
Step 3: Development
Developing the application using an optimal technology stack builds a strong foundation for any application. Therefore, write each piece of code carefully with a vision to create an app that is not only flawless but performs exceptionally well and serves its intended purpose. Make sure you choose the right technologies based on your native or cross-platform logistics app requirements.
Step 4: Third-Party Integration
Creating APIs to enable the app to use third-party services, such as payment gateways, GPS services, and more, is what this step is all about. These services extend your logistics app’s capabilities while enhancing user experience.
Step 5: Testing
Testing the app’s security, usability, functionality, accessibility and performance ensures its successful submission on the App Store or Play Store. It also empowers you to deliver an unparalleled user experience. Collect necessary user feedback and make adjustments accordingly.
Step 6: Launch
Deploying the logistics application on Android’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store comes under this step. Adhere to each platform’s respective submission guidelines to ensure the successful launch of your application.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance
Keep a tab on users’ feedback and make changes to your logistics app accordingly. Besides, regularly update your app with the latest features and functionalities and troubleshoot any error if occurs.
Technologies to Implement to Make Your Logistics App Stand Out
Now that you know the Porter-like app development process, let’s look at the technologies that you can integrate to increase the likelihood of its success.
AI/ML
ML and AI in logistics can be used in route optimization, predictive analytics, demand forecasting, image recognition, and other operations to improve efficiency, enhance accuracy, and speed up the entire delivery process.
Blockchain
Blockchain enhances transparency with immutability. Use this technology to bring transparency among stakeholders and streamline and secure processes like invoicing, payment management, and more.
IoT
The Internet of Things technology can help with real-time tracking, asset management, and smart packing to save time, resources, and cost.
Cloud Computing
Cloud-powered logistics mobile applications are easy to access from multiple devices. It enhances scalability, cost-efficiency, and data storage and management.
Besides those mentioned above, you can use many other technologies to differentiate your logistics app from the ones already in the market. An experienced technology partner will help you figure out those features and create the best use case of top technologies for your logistics mobile application.
Tips to Find the Best Logistics App Development Company
If you want to partner with a professional on-demand delivery app development company, then keep the following tips in mind. But before you do so, remember to prepare a list of your app requirements beforehand. It will help your potential partner to understand your exact requirements and pave the way for successful app development.
- Conduct thorough research and shortlist trusted and experienced logistics app development companies.
- Check the company’s technical expertise and experience by browsing its portfolio and case studies section. If you want to build a cross-platform on-demand delivery app, then check their expertise in React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, and other technologies. Similarly, if you need a native app, then review the expertise accordingly.
- Prepare a list of questions about project methodology, pricing structure, development process, communication and collaboration mediums, data security techniques, adherence to compliance, and more. Schedule a demo call to get the answers to these questions and understand their domain know-how.
- Make sure the company offers customizable and scalable delivery app development services.
- Verify the company has complete know-how of the compliance that needs to be adhered to for the successful development and launch of the logistics app such as Porter.
- Ensure they offer after-launch support and maintenance services to keep your app updated and successful.
Apart from hiring a logistics app development company, you can hire mobile app developers who can build your dream application. Hire from a reliable source or a reputed company that vouches for their developers’ strong technical skills and proven experience in building Porter-like applications.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Porter-Like Mobile Application?
There is no simple answer to this question as the total cost of Porter-like app development depends on several factors, including the following:
- App development company’s experience
- Features to be added to the logistics app
- Complexity of the app
- App deployment platforms
- The technology stack required for the development
- Design of the app
- Third-party services you want to integrate
- Adherence to specific regulatory compliance
Bottom Line
Porter-like applications have revolutionized the way people used to use delivery services. These apps facilitate efficient and faster delivery of products within and in nearby cities. This blog is a complete guide to building a logistics application such as Porter. Check it out to learn the stepwise development process, tips to find a reliable technology company, and features to add to make it successful.