8 Best TMS for Delivery Partner Allocation and Rider Tracking

Let's get real for a moment: the riders are out on the road, orders are passed left and right, and meanwhile, the ops team has got their noses buried deep in spreadsheets or juggling WhatsApp groups trying to figure out who is going where. Sound familiar?

‍

If manual assignment, static route planning, or "best-guess" dispatching during peak time are still a default setting with your ops team, it's a bleeding hole for operational efficiency, and with every passing day, you are losing customers, partners, and revenue. 

‍

It's a new set of rules now. The recent advent of gig work means that last-mile delivery is no longer a predictable pipeline but a daily logistical battlefield. Get the right partner to the rightful place at the rightful time without chaos; the challenge is the same whether you have five riders or five hundred.

‍

And you just can't do that with old methods. That is where smart rider allocation and real-time tracking, all powered by a Transportation Management System (TMS), come in. I am not just referring to "track your rider" on the map.

‍

Hyper-automated dispatch based on proximity, performance, availability, load, and SLA—with real-time tracking, alerting, and exactly zero guessing. This guide will break down why smart tech is a must-have, what tools are out there, and how a good TMS for delivery partner allocation and rider tracking can completely reform your take on delivery ops allocation, tracking, and scaling.

‍

Let's dive in.

List of TMS tools for partner allocation and rider tracking

• Fynd TMS – Real-time rider tracking
• Locus – Escalation & exception handling
• Shipsy – Multi-vendor logistics
• Onfleet – Real-time dispatching
• FarEye – Hybrid fleet & reverse logistics
• Bringg – Compliance-heavy enterprise deliveries
• Tookan – Modular setup for small/mid fleets
• Routific – Smart rescheduling & route flexibility

‍

{{demo_wms="/styles/components"}}

Rider allocation problems in delivery operations 

Manual dispatching may work on a small scale, but the problem is not sustainable in the long run. The unpredictability of urban traffic or the lack of partners in low-density rural areas brings out the cracks. Low-optimized allocation seeps out in everything: delivery time, partner morale, and your bottom line.

‍

Here is the truth: 

Last‑mile delivery accounts for up to 53 % of total shipping costs, and this cost often spikes during inefficient dispatch and poor routing. If operating in a hybrid environment of scheduled orders and ad-hoc ones, mismatched logic mostly leads to routes that are inefficient and SLAs that cannot be met. The outcomes? Late deliveries, dissatisfied customers, and squandered resources, simply because the right tech hasn't gotten there yet.

Role of TMS in partner allocation and rider tracking 

TMS has become necessary for efficiently allocating riders and partners. The traditional methods of allocation involve manual planning, which causes inefficiencies and is prone to human errors. On the other hand, an up-to-date TMS for delivery partner allocation and rider tracking will completely automate this matching process.

‍

TMS solutions make use of data-driven logic and real-time inputs, and based on that, they assign the right rider or delivery partner for each route or order. Factors such as delivery time windows, traffic conditions, driver availability, etc. are considered. Based on this, you can reroute the assignments when new orders come in or changes affect constraints. This will ensure your SLAs are met.

‍

On the other hand, dispatchers work through a centralized operations dashboard where they get to see and control all operations under a single platform. Furthermore, the delivery partners get real-time job updates through mobile apps. This increases delivery efficiency, whilst the partner experience benefits from fairer job distribution and less uncertainty.

Top 8 TMS for delivery partner allocation and rider tracking

So, if inefficient allocation and blind dispatch are draining your margins, the next question is obvious: what tools can actually fix this?

‍

Here step in modern TMS platforms featuring on-demand rider allocation and live tracking. These are not your mile-marker route planners nor your basic "where is my driver" apps. These are intelligent systems able to deal with a dynamic delivery environment, plug into your existing stack, and scale with you.

‍

Depending on the size of your business, the kind of deliveries you're performing (on-demand or scheduled), and the customization level you need, the right tool can help you:

• automate dispatch decisions in real-time.
• track rider movement down to every stop and delay.
• balance load across fleets or partners.
• handle city-based clustering or geo-zones.
• integrate seamlessly with rider apps, ERP/WMS, and third-party delivery aggregators.

So, let us move on to some of the best TMS for delivery partner allocation and rider tracking that lead in this space.

‍

The best TMS at a glance 

‍

‍

Free for the first 100 orders. Payable from 200 orders onwards.Starts at $150/month.

‍

1. Fynd TMS

Fynd TMS is the best TMS for delivery partner allocation and rider tracking. Designed for handling last-mile execution, it uses a single dashboard to onboard drivers, auto-assign tasks, configure intelligent routes, and provide real-time tracking to customers and the team.

‍

The system allows for same-day, scheduled, and multi-stop delivery with customizations right up to the smallest detail of proof of delivery via the driver's mobile app. The platform fits well for companies intent on automating manual dispatching processes, having in-depth fleet visibility, and engaging a consistent end-customer experience-from order to customer doorstep.

‍

Pros

• Can onboard and handle an entire delivery fleet through a single interface.
• Can do advanced route optimizations for single- and multi-point deliveries.
• Live tracking allows end customers to view ETAs and receive notifications.
• Proof of delivery can be through OTP, photo upload, or geo-tagged location.
• Batch creation and trip management allow for easy fulfillment.
• Supports scheduled or ad hoc fulfillment workflows.

‍

Cons

• During heavy use, some users reported UI performance issues on the mobile app.
• Uploading for proof-of-delivery lags or fails with low network conditions.
• New users noted a steep learning curve during setup and onboarding.

‍

2. Locus 

'Locus' is meant for logistics teams requiring much more than updates on delivery status. It provides real-time visibility into all legs of the delivery journey, enabling businesses to manage any instantaneous changes, cancellations, or reroutes. The tool comes with a centralized control tower so that teams can communicate with each other through a secure app that sends out updates in real-time, even while traveling. 

‍

Faster escalation helps enforcement and reduces wasteful time on calls. Be it a complicated reverse logistics problem or a blip on the screen, weathering daily drop-offs, from overt delivery chaos, it scales down this operational clarity.

‍

Pros 

• Let the ops teams track driver availability in real time and immediately assign new tasks.
• Notifying the customers about the delivery status in real time to reduce support tickets.
• A secure branded chat to prevent leaks and miscommunication.
• To address delivery exceptions fast with visibility of escalation.
• Increase driver engagement by sharing history and updates in a consistent manner.

‍

Cons 

• Custom workflow setup may need some tech support.
• The control dashboard might have a learning curve for new users.
• Real-time tracking might lag in poor network zones.

‍

3. Shipsy 

The next tool I would like to talk about is Shipsy. If you operate multi-vendor, multi-leg, or multi-modal delivery operations and wonder if there's a way to do away with the constant WhatsApp chats, spreadsheets, or frantic phone calls, this is the tool you need!

‍

The system automatically assigns loads to your own fleet, 3PLs, or market vehicles based on rules that can weigh cost, turnaround time, or SLA urgency. Vendor indents can be dispatched automatically via email, SMS, or even WhatsApp. 

‍

Real-time SIM/GPS/App-based tracking ensures that the movement can be witnessed from start to finish by the operator and, indeed, the customer. With a simple drag-and-drop UI and a 3PL network already integrated, you're halfway ahead with setup; AI-powered load consolidation and route planning help eliminate unnecessary drives and minimize underutilization. 

‍

Pros 

• Fully automates the vendor indenting and booking with exception handling in real-time.
• Live-track activity with multiple data sources in SIM, in GPS, in App, even.
• Selects vehicle combination automatically, based on order constraints and freight profile.
• Consolidates PTL full truckload shipments to turn away from dependence on the TAT and market vehicle.
• Allows customer map tracking with real-time ETA through SMS/WhatsApp.

‍

Cons

• The UI can be heavy for lean ops teams that have limited technical maturity.
• Data and SLA rule configurations might require some upfront effort.
• Tracking performance variedly holds off in geographically low connectivity areas.

‍

4. Onfleet 

‍Onfleet promises to be the mainstay TMS for delivery partner allocation and rider tracking, and it's easy to understand why. This tool lets you reassign jobs in real time, thereby eliminating delays caused by the manual assignment of drivers, and it integrates live communication so that all parties are kept in the loop regarding the delivery.

‍

The software sets an ideal balance between automation and manual control. Features like AI route optimization, proof of delivery, and customer notification make Onfleet much more than just a delivery management platform; in other words, it is a true customer experience engine.

‍

This will particularly benefit companies involved in urgent and large-scale deliveries such as grocery, retail, food, and pharmacy. Analytics cover performance tracking, while API integration ensures a smooth fit in your current stack.

‍

Pros 

• Reassignment of tasks in real time makes the dispatch agile and responsive.
• Auto-dispatch makes the choice of the most-suited driver based on various inputs live.
• Driver tracking in live mode and live ETA updates offer better visibility to all the stakeholders.
• Proof of delivery is established with in-built photo and signature capturing, to build trust.
• Supports hassle-free integrations to widely used e-comm and logistics platforms.

‍

Cons 

• The analytics dashboards are somewhat limited in customization options.
• Pricing can go really high with growing team size.
• Some users say that the mobile app lags or glitches when there is high load.

‍

5. FarEye 

FarEye is tailor-made for enterprises straddling multiple fleet types—be they owned, outsourced, or a happy hybrid of the two—and thrives in high-complexity logistics environments. The TMS is highly effective in the management of forward and reverse logistics at scale.

‍

Route-based load planning, along with real-time driver safety monitoring, gives the platform the power to truly afford granular control over every single task. The icing on the cake is the ability to orchestrate fleets effectively by enabling smart dispatching and plug-and-play integrations with ERP, WMS, and even IoT devices. It is one of the few systems that enable active carbon footprint, which is a relevant matter for global supply chains. 

‍

Pros 

• Dynamic routing dispatching, adjusting in real-time with traffic and delivery windows.
• Load sequencing packs vehicles for total efficiency in deliveries, stop by stop.
• In-built driver management accounts for skill, rest availability, etc., before making an assignment.
• Supports hybrid fleet setups: in-house, 3PL, and gig drivers.
• Track vehicles in real time along with deep driver-level insights.

‍

Cons

• Sometimes, dispatch or route updates fail to sync immediately due to errors on backend servers.
• On certain occasions, mismatches happen between the assigned driver and delivery location when rules are either not set or not configured properly.
• Due to lagged integration with some third-party tools, there could be synchronization delays.

‍

6. Bringg

Bringg is uniquely designed for the satisfaction of bigger organizations that want control in their driver and fleet at every level. From the onset, everything goes through real-time delivery. Its native Android/iOS driver applications take care of everything in dispatching for the dispatcher.

‍

Use cases would include fast-scan videos, age verification, check-ins, and floating inventory, and Bringg is essential for a reliable and very precise delivery platform with smooth communication.  Be it for multi-carrier coordination or managing fleets and gig drivers, the Bringg system ensures clear instructions for drivers, immediate updates regarding couriers' status, and maintains levels of compliance—all under a single digital workflow.

‍

Pros

• A natural mobile app for routing updates and real-time tasks.
• Efficient activity—pre- and post-office checks can be applied by the dispatcher to prepare the driver readiness for duty.
• Dynamic resource tagging and upselling through the floating inventory feature.
• Achieved accuracy of SLA through check-in message and arrival notification. 
• Custom tools like video fast-scan and age verification enhance delivery compliance.

‍

Cons

• Users have reported a high difficulty level because of the intricacies of the automation setup.
• Also, the default mapping being reliant on Google Maps has performance-related issues.
• Delays occur due to tracking inconsistencies and general platform complexity.

‍

7. Tookan by Jungleworks 

Tookan is a delivery orchestration platform aimed at granting businesses power over rider assignment and on-ground tracking in real-time. Dynamic routing, auto-dispatch, and batch assignments are combined such that delivery partnership is assigned with respect to location, capacity, and priority.

‍

The mobile driver app supports live GPS tracking, geofencing alerts, proof of delivery (PoD) capture, including images and signatures, and customer communication. Dispatchers get scheduling tools, performance dashboards, and automated ETA notifications for increased operational efficiency and transparency.

‍

If you have some small start-ups or probably mid-sized fleets, the ideal solution would be modular and scalable, but Tookan lets you buy add-ons like route optimization or ETA generation as needed.

‍

Pros

• You can keep your customers informed through live updates on agent location and status.
• Smart task assignments based factors like proximity, agent status, etc.
• Gels perfectly with the Tookan Agent App and offers real-time updates on routes and delivery.
• Geofencing and arrival detection allows for tighter SLA monitoring.
• Offers bulk dispatch and multi-delivery workflow support.

‍

Cons

• Support delays paired with unresolved tickets frustrate users during critical downtimes.
• The system starts dipping under load, especially during high-volume hours.
• Essential features like ETA tracking or analytics take stages behind paywall, so the price grows the longer you stick around.

‍

8. Routify 

Last-mile logistics teams interested in delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction should check out Routific, one of the best TMS for delivery partner allocation and rider tracking. The software assigns routes clean of any overlap between the delivery points, accounting for live traffic, constraints imposed by driver schedules, and delivery times.

‍

Dispatchers use a drag-and-drop timeline interface to assign routes or modify an existing one, while drivers receive their jobs on a highly specialized app that integrates GPS navigation, PD capture, and real-time updates. 

‍

Customers are provided with live tracking links, thus keeping it transparent, right from the warehouse to their doorstep. With options to retry a delivery that has failed and the ability to re-prioritize a high-priority delivery while en route, Very flexible for dispatchers yet very autonomous for drivers.

‍

Pros 

• Lets dispatchers visualize any route and driver status in real time through a live map view.
• Drivers can "skip" a delivery and re-attempt it later, where the delivery will automatically be repositioned at the most efficient spot in the route.
• Drivers can go "out of sequence," meaning an urgent stop gets prioritized technically without breaking the route essence.
• Supports complex deliveries with multiple orders at one stop (e.g., apartments or offices)
• Route history and driver behavior logs are available post-delivery for better performance review.

‍

Cons

• Limited customization on driver reports and analytics, more so if scaling operations
• No native integrations with popular e-commerce platforms , and requires custom API development
• Limited offline capabilities, thereby troubling performance in restricted connectivity areas.

How to choose the right TMS for delivery partner allocation and rider tracking

Now you know the solutions—but the big question still remains: how does one select the right TMS when each vendor claims to be the best?

‍

Not all platforms are equal. Here is what you should look for:

1. Real-time driver visibility: The first thing you must check is a TMS that comes with GPS tracking. This will help dispatchers track the riders, their ETA, and any delays in real time.

2. Smart allocation engine: Search for automation that helps track real-time traffic, rider capacity, delivery windows, and rider proximity.

3. Dynamic route optimization: Another essential feature to look for is intelligent route optimization. The system should be able to adjust the route dynamically in case of any changes/delays in orders to avoid overlaps and maximize efficiency.

4. Mobile app for drivers/partners: The driver app must be intuitive. It should offer real-time updates on jobs, navigation, and communication with dispatch in a single platform.

5. Drag-and-drop dispatcher interface: With dashboards, dispatchers can be given the choice of task reassignment or overriding analogy allocations.

6. Scalability and support for multiple hubs: Your TMS has to support scaling, depending on whether you have 10 or 100 riders on a payroll or two sites within the city. 

7. Integration with existing systems: Ensure it integrates well with your POS, warehouse, CRM, or order management software; anything less would create data silos. 

8. Performance analytics: Have insights into delivery times, rider productivity, failed orders, and SLA breaches just so you can fine-tune your options.

9. Fair load balancing: Give preference to systems that prevent excessive overloading of certain riders and fairly distribute jobs.

10. Support and customization: The vendor should be such that it can provide you with the resources for onboarding and support locally, but able to cursorily customize features for your business model.