Whether you're delivering parcels for Amazon Flex, running your own courier business, or driving for a freight company, the right apps can be the difference between a profitable day and a frustrating one. We've tested dozens of tools and narrowed it down to the apps that actually make a difference in 2026.
Route Planning & Optimisation
Route planning is the single biggest factor in how much you earn per hour. A good route planner doesn't just give you directions — it sequences your stops in the most efficient order, accounts for traffic, and saves you time on every single run.
Routed
Built specifically for delivery drivers in Australia, the UK, US, and Canada. Routed handles up to 180+ stops per route and uses real-time Google Maps data to generate the fastest sequence. The standout features are barcode scanning (point your phone at a label and the stop is added automatically), proof of delivery with photo capture, and instant route sharing with dispatchers. The free tier is generous enough for most independent couriers, and the Pro plan is competitively priced for high-volume drivers.
Best for: Multi-stop delivery drivers who want a clean, fast app without the bloat. Download Routed free →
Circuit
A well-known route planner that's been around for several years. Circuit offers route optimisation, proof of delivery, and a dispatcher dashboard for teams. It's a solid option, though many drivers find the interface less intuitive than newer alternatives and the pricing can add up quickly for teams.
Best for: Small to medium delivery teams needing a dispatcher view.
OptimoRoute
More of a fleet management and logistics planning tool than a driver app. OptimoRoute excels at complex scheduling — time windows, vehicle capacities, driver skills — making it popular with larger operations. The driver-facing mobile app is functional but basic.
Best for: Larger fleets and logistics managers who need advanced scheduling.
Navigation
Your route planner tells you where to go, but you still need solid turn-by-turn navigation. These are the best options for delivery drivers specifically.
Google Maps
Still the gold standard for accuracy. Google Maps has the best real-time traffic data, the most comprehensive business listings, and the most reliable arrival times. Most route planning apps (including Routed) integrate directly with Google Maps for navigation.
Best for: Everyone. It's the default for a reason.
Waze
Community-driven navigation with real-time reports on speed traps, road closures, and hazards from other drivers. Waze is particularly good for avoiding traffic and finding shortcuts. The downside is it can occasionally route you down narrow residential streets.
Best for: Drivers in congested metro areas who want crowd-sourced traffic avoidance.
Earnings & Expense Tracking
Knowing your real profit per delivery — after fuel, vehicle wear, and tax — is essential for any courier who wants to stay in business. These apps handle the numbers so you don't have to.
Stride
Automatic mileage tracking that runs in the background while you drive. Stride logs every kilometre, categorises trips as business or personal, and generates tax-ready reports. It's free and works well for independent contractors and gig workers.
Best for: Independent couriers tracking mileage for tax deductions. Read more about tax deductions every courier should know.
Hurdlr
Goes beyond mileage tracking to give you a full picture of your finances — income from multiple platforms, expenses, and real-time profit calculations. Connects to your bank account and automatically categorises transactions. The premium version estimates quarterly tax payments.
Best for: Drivers working multiple gig platforms who want a clear financial picture.
Safety & Communication
Long hours on the road come with risks. These apps help you stay safe, alert, and connected.
Drivemode
A simplified driving interface that sits on top of your phone. Large buttons, voice commands, and gesture controls let you manage calls, messages, and music without taking your eyes off the road. Especially useful for drivers who spend 8+ hours behind the wheel.
Best for: Full-time drivers who need hands-free phone access. See our full guide on essential safety tips for delivery drivers.
GasBuddy
Crowd-sourced fuel prices updated in real-time. When you're filling up once or twice a day, even saving a few cents per litre adds up fast. GasBuddy also has a pay-at-pump feature in some regions that stacks additional savings.
Best for: Any driver who wants to minimise fuel costs.
Weather & Road Conditions
Weather Underground
Hyper-local weather forecasts down to street level using data from personal weather stations. For delivery drivers, knowing exactly when rain will hit your area — not just your city — helps you plan your day and protect packages.
Best for: Drivers in areas with unpredictable weather who need precise, localised forecasts.
Our Recommended Setup for 2026
You don't need every app on this list. Here's the essential stack we'd recommend for most delivery drivers:
Route planning: Routed — handles optimisation, scanning, proof of delivery, and route sharing in one app
Navigation: Google Maps — most accurate traffic data and integrates with Routed
Expenses: Stride — set it and forget it mileage tracking
Fuel: GasBuddy — saves money on every fill-up
The right tools won't just save you time — they'll directly increase your take-home pay. A driver who plans efficient routes, tracks expenses properly, and minimises fuel costs will always out-earn one who doesn't, even on the same runs.
Final Thoughts
The delivery industry in 2026 is more competitive than ever, but it's also more accessible. The apps available today would have been unthinkable five years ago — real-time route optimisation, instant proof of delivery, automatic tax tracking. The drivers who take advantage of these tools are the ones building sustainable, profitable businesses. Start with the essentials, learn what works for your specific workflow, and build from there.