Best Meal Delivery Software for Food Businesses for 2024

Updated on November 23, 2023 by Alina Kostukova

In 2024, the food delivery industry is expected to continue its rapid growth, with the online food delivery market projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.67% between 2023-2027.

Whether you're a bustling restaurant, a trendy food truck, or a gourmet catering service, the key to success lies in properly planned and timely deliveries. 

Let's face it - no customer wants a stale lunch delivered when it's time for dinner.

With technology marching forward and hungry customers expecting more, the need for efficient and user-friendly meal delivery software becomes more crucial. 

We've rounded up the ultimate list of meal prep delivery software tools, breaking down the key features you need to upgrade your logistics in 2024.

Jump to comparison

1. Track-POD

2. Route4Me

3. Routific

4. OptimoRoute

5. Tookan

Key features of meal prep delivery software

Managing deliveries can be quite a challenge for meal prep and HoReCa businesses. 

Time, precision, and transparency are the key players in this game.

Now, let's explore the must-have features to keep in mind when choosing meal prep delivery software.

Order management

Order management functionality ensures the seamless orchestration of customer orders and timely deliveries. 

This feature helps meal prep businesses ensure that they have the correct customer and order information and all orders are dispatched to the available couriers on time.

Delivery time slots

The possibility to set up delivery time windows is one of the crucial features when it comes to meal prep deliveries.

Since delivery drivers handle freshly cooked meals, it's crucial to nail down the exact time customers expect their orders, ensuring prompt and on-time delivery.

Route optimization

Beyond just handling orders and dispatching jobs, advanced delivery management software should excel at planning optimal courier routes.

Given the high volume of orders in meal prep delivery services, each driver juggles multiple addresses daily.

Route optimization algorithms can build the fastest and most efficient routes so every meal arrives on time and stays fresh.

Live tracking and ETA

The live tracking feature enables restaurant managers and customers to track the exact location and progress of the couriers in real-time.

With the dynamic ETA feature, restaurants can inform customers about the precise delivery time. It reduces customer anxiety and enables proactive communication in case of delays.

Custom branding tools

Effective meal delivery software should incorporate branding tools, allowing customization of the live tracking page, delivery documentation, and customer notifications.

This gives it a white-label feel and enhances customer service and satisfaction.

Driver app

Meal delivery software should have a driver app that allows couriers to efficiently navigate routes, manage and confirm deliveries, and collect e-signature and other proof of delivery information. 

The driver app and mobile access make it easy for delivery managers and couriers to communicate, simplifying everyday courier tasks and making the whole delivery process smoother.

Use cases for meal delivery software

Meal delivery software can benefit a variety of businesses in the food industry.

The specific features and functionalities of the software can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each type of business.

Here are some types of businesses that can benefit from implementing meal delivery software.

Restaurants and Cafes

Traditional sit-down restaurants, cafes, and any businesses in the HoReCa industry can expand their reach by offering delivery services through meal delivery software.

Cloud kitchens (ghost kitchens)

Virtual or cloud kitchens that operate exclusively for delivery can efficiently manage orders, track deliveries, and optimize routes using meal prep delivery software.

Meal prep services

Businesses specializing in preparing and delivering pre-packaged meals can benefit from delivery management systems. It will help to organize, manage, and deliver meals faster and more efficiently.

Grocery stores

Grocery stores can use meal delivery software to offer online ordering and delivery services for fresh produce, prepared meals, and other grocery items.

Catering companies

Catering businesses can use meal delivery software to manage large-scale food deliveries for events, offices, or private parties.

Subscription box services

Businesses that offer subscription-based meal services can use food delivery software to manage recurring orders, track deliveries, and provide a user-friendly experience for subscribers.

Meal delivery services for older adults

Facilities or businesses that provide meals for seniors can use meal delivery software to plan and schedule deliveries efficiently.

Top 5 meal prep delivery software for 2024

Let's discuss the top meal delivery software options that can make your daily logistics operations smoother.

1. Track-POD

Track-POD is a single dashboard delivery management software solution with powerful route optimization tools. 

Track-POD offers robust out-of-the-box features that make it an excellent fit for handling meal delivery operations of any scale:

• Multi-stop route optimization (from 3000 to unlimited stops);
• Time slots and priorities;
• Whitelabel live tracking with live ETA;
• Custom shipping notifications;
• Easy-to-use driver app;
• Paperless proof of delivery (ePOD) (e-signature, up to 10 photos, timestamp, geotag, PIN code);
• Chat with dispatcher;
• Custom shipping labels;
• QR and barcode scanning;
• 12+ months of analytics;
• 5000+ integrations.

Track-POD pricing

Track-POD offers a flexible pricing system. You can choose between a 'per driver' plans, starting at $29 per month/vehicle, or 'per order' plans, starting from $0.19 per task. A free 7-day trial option is available.

 

2. Route4Me

Route4Me is a route planning and optimization software designed to help businesses efficiently plan and navigate routes. 

It provides a marketplace of free and paid add-ons so that meal prep companies can create a personalized delivery route planner that suits their business requirements.

Let's have a look at the features available on the Route4Me platform:

• Time slots and priorities (paid add-ons);
• Driver app;
• Advanced routing and optimization;
• Customer notifications;
• Barcode scanning;
• Proof of delivery (POD);
• Software integrations.

Route4Me pricing

Route4Me charges $199/mo for the cheapest plan (up to 10 team members). Route4Me provides a 30-day free trial.

3. Routific

Routific is a user-friendly software for planning routes and managing deliveries. It comes with essential features designed to handle meal delivery services efficiently.

In addition to other functionalities, Routific has to offer the following core features:

• Order management;
• Route planning and optimization;
• Driver app and Driver app Lite (web version);
• E-signatures/photo (no proof of delivery documents);
• Customer notifications.

Routific pricing

If paid annually, Routific's cheapest plan costs $39 per vehicle per month - users need to upgrade to get live GPS and tracking functionality. You can try the app for free for 7 days.

4. OptimoRoute

OptimoRoute is a cloud-based software that helps businesses plan and optimize delivery routes. 

It offers a simple interface with many features and shortcuts that can be tailored to your unique workflows:

• Multi-stop route planning;
• Mobile app for drivers;
• Electronic proof of delivery (e-signatures, photos);
• Custom notifications;
• Integrations;
• 1 month of analytics.

OptimoRoute pricing

The most affordable OptimoRoute package includes 700 monthly orders and costs $35.10 per driver (when billed annually). A free 30-day trial is included.

5. Tookan

Tookan is a delivery management software enabling businesses to modernize their day-to-day operations. 

It provides a suite of features that facilitate seamless integration between delivery drivers and managers:

• Route optimization (Mappr integration is required);
• Driver app;
• Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) (e-signatures, photos);
• Barcode scanner;
• Customer notifications;
• 90 days of analytics (Kato integration is required).

Tookan pricing

Tookan prices per number of tasks a month - the lowest plan includes 200 tasks and costs $39 per month (with an annual subscription). A 14-day free trial is included.

Wrapping up

The food delivery industry is buzzing with activity, making efficient and user-friendly meal delivery software more crucial than ever.

The highlighted features, including order management, live tracking, and driver app, emphasize technology's vital role in ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.

All the mentioned software solutions are excellent choices for meal delivery operations. The ultimate decision depends on your specific business needs, the required features, and the budget you're willing to allocate to your logistics.

If you have any questions about Track-POD's meal delivery logistics solutions, feel free to book a free custom demo, and we'll give you a guided tour.