Best Apps for Delivery Drivers 2025 – What’s Changed Thanks to AI?
- MBL Team
- Jun 1
- 13 min read
Introduction: Your Phone Deserves a Promotion Too
At the end of 2024, we published a guide on the MBL Logistics blog covering the best apps for delivery drivers. Not long after, we started hearing from drivers: “I had no idea how much I could manage just from my phone.” And they were right – Google Maps, Waze, and Route4Me got the job done. They helped you drive faster, get lost less, and stay on top of your day.
But just six months later, things look very different: 2025 has brought a true revolution.
What changed? Not just the technology – but the way drivers relate to their tools. Apps are no longer just add-ons. They’ve become partners. Your phone is no longer just a map or a calculator – it’s your second dispatcher, assistant, and sometimes even your advisor.
In a world where every minute counts and every delivery matters, an outdated app is like a dusty old GPS telling you to take the roundabout that got demolished three years ago.
Today’s apps:– predict traffic before it even builds up,– detect when you’re tired and prompt you to take a break,– message the customer about a delay before you’ve even processed what’s happening.
In other words, they’ve evolved... alongside your life on the road.
These aren’t just optimisation tools anymore. They’re support systems. Smart, integrated, and lightning-fast. But here’s the catch: you need to know which ones are worth keeping – and which ones need to go.
Not every app made the cut. Some are stuck in 2024. Others are trying to catch up but can’t match the new generation. And then there are new players – built for what you face every single day:
📦 delivering under pressure,
🔋 charging your vehicle at the right place at the right time,
📲 managing costs, customers and routes – before your workday even kicks off.
This article isn’t just a list.
It’s a guide to help you choose the tools that truly fit you – your van, your pace, your priorities. And the ones that will support you off the clock, too – in your daily life, family trips, or a well-earned weekend break.
Because the app that finds you the cheapest fuel between Manchester and Sheffield today...might help you find the best family-friendly pub with parking tomorrow.
And if there’s one thing we stand by at MBL Logistics, it’s this:
👉 a driver with the right tools – on the job and beyond – always delivers better.
Google Maps 2025: Navigation That Knows Your Route Before You Do
Back in the day, you opened Google Maps, typed in an address, and hoped you wouldn’t hit a road closure, a construction site, or a traffic jam from nowhere. Today? Google Maps in 2025 is like a personal co-pilot with a brain – powered by artificial intelligence that doesn’t just show you where to go, but understands where you’re heading and what you’ll face when you get there.
The 2025 version is built on Gemini AI – a powerful generative model that analyses data from Maps, local reviews, municipal systems, and even your previous routes. What does that mean in real life?
Imagine you have a delivery to a shopping centre you've never visited before – a Click & Collect point hidden somewhere behind the main building. Before you even ask, Google Maps shows you where to park, what the entrance looks like, opening hours, current parking availability, and even reviews from other drivers on the best time to unload. All generated by AI summaries that stay up to date thanks to its grounding feature.
"It felt like someone had already scouted the location for me before I even left the van," said one of our Leeds-based drivers after their first week using the new version.
No more tapping – just drive
Google didn’t stop at the app. In newer vehicles – like Rivian, Ford e-Transit or Mercedes Sprinter EV – Google Maps 2025 is fully integrated into the dashboard system. That means AI-generated summaries are displayed right on your in-vehicle screen. No phone handling, no distractions – just information where and when you need it.
And if you’ve synced your calendar or delivery app (like Onfleet), Maps will auto-adjust your route for upcoming stops – estimating delivery time not just based on traffic, but even average unloading time at the specific location.
Context-aware prompts that actually make sense
In 2025, Maps doesn’t just navigate – it thinks alongside you. If your EV battery is running low, the app will:
– find the nearest charging station,
– check live slot availability,
– and… reserve one for you with a voice confirmation.
If you’re off the clock and your last delivery ran late, it’ll suggest a nearby place to grab coffee or a takeaway – not based on ads, but on real reviews and your own stop history. It works because Google now analyses your driving patterns, daily rhythm, and previous preferences.
Is it worth it? If you’re a courier – you don’t really have a choice
If you work as a delivery driver in Manchester, Warrington or Preston, you already know that every second on the road matters. In 2025, when parcel volumes are high and delivery expectations are even higher, there’s no room for laggy, outdated tools.
Google Maps 2025 isn’t just “navigation” anymore – it’s the command centre for your day. If you’ve been using the standard version and something always felt off, trust us – it wasn’t you getting lost. Your tool just wasn’t up to the job.
With AI and deep system integration, Google Maps becomes your smartest co-driver. It doesn’t talk back, doesn’t complain – but it always knows what to do next.
Best Apps for Delivery Drivers 2025: Why Waze Is Still Ahead of the Game
If you've ever felt like you're not just driving through the city – the city is happening around you – then chances are, you're a courier. And you know that navigation isn’t just a line on the screen. It’s a tool that’s supposed to protect you from surprises: a blocked lane, a fender bender, a school zone, or a speed trap tucked behind a bush.
Waze 2025 doesn’t just improve that idea – it redefines it. For the first time, you talk to the app, and it truly understands you.
Conversational Reporting: You speak, it reacts
In its latest version, Waze introduced Conversational Reporting – a feature that lets you report road events using natural speech.
Instead of tapping through a menu to flag an accident, you simply say:
“There’s a broken-down car on the hard shoulder.”
And Waze:
– understands the context,
– categorizes the event,
– asks follow-up questions if needed: “Do you see any fluids on the road?”
– and immediately alerts nearby drivers.
Not only does this improve road safety, but it also eliminates the need to touch your screen during high-stress moments.
School Zones and Safety Context
Another standout feature in 2025 is the automatic detection of school zones, with real-time alerts adjusted to local schedules.
If you work as a delivery driver in Leeds or Derby, where schools are packed into tight residential areas, this function literally protects your wallet (avoiding fines) and your reputation (customers notice responsible driving).
For drivers doing dozens of stops a day in urban settings, these alerts aren’t “extras” – they’re part of your defensive toolkit.
How does Waze 2025 earn its spot among the best apps for delivery drivers 2025?
Waze has always thrived on community input, but in 2025 those inputs are filtered through AI, making the data more accurate and useful.
If three drivers report the same incident, the system cross-checks their location, time, and descriptions – only then does it decide how and to whom to display the alert.
This means:
– fewer false alarms,
– no duplicate warnings about the same event,
– and a road network that behaves more like a team – even if you’ve never met the other drivers.
That’s exactly why Waze 2025 belongs on any list of the best apps for delivery drivers 2025 – it doesn’t just support your route, it sharpens your reflexes.
Waze vs. Google Maps – Should You Use Both?
It’s a common question. And the answer is: yes – with purpose.
Google Maps is your strategic planner – it maps out your day, learns your habits, and integrates with delivery platforms.
Waze is your tactical responder – it keeps you alert minute by minute, flags unexpected hazards, and warns about risks that logic alone can’t predict.
If your job is a delivery driver job in Sheffield, where streets can surprise you at any hour, it’s Waze that will tell you to reroute before you hit roadworks around the corner.
Waze 2025 – An Assistant That Actually Listens
Let’s be honest – in this line of work, you don’t always have time to stop and assess. Sometimes, you just need someone to think for you. Waze 2025 isn’t human – not yet – but it’s starting to feel like it understands what you’re going through behind the wheel.
MapMetrics 2025: Navigation That Thinks Before You Hit the Gas
Every courier knows that a good navigation app isn’t enough. Even when a route looks perfect on paper, real life has its own plans: traffic lights, accidents, construction, or a sudden road closure because of a local parade or an unexpected event no one told you about.
In those moments, standard apps often react too late. But MapMetrics 2025 does something previously reserved for traffic control centres –it predicts what’s going to happen before it happens.
Predictive routing: Your 10-minute advantage
MapMetrics doesn’t just tell you where to go. It says:
“Don’t take that road – it’s about to get blocked.”
Its AI-powered algorithms analyse:
– historical accident data,
– roadworks (planned and live),
– local event calendars (football matches, concerts, protests),
– weather conditions,
– and real-time input from connected devices.
As a result, when a typical app tells you Route A is faster, MapMetrics quietly suggests Route B – and ten minutes later, you realize it was right.
Features that make a real difference
🔹 Live rerouting with context – The app doesn’t just recalculate; it explains: “Avoiding a crash-related jam near the main junction. Estimated delay: 17 minutes.”
🔹 Intersection ranking – MapMetrics highlights which junctions in your area are traffic hotspots and the best times to avoid them.
🔹 Neighborhood mode – Ideal for the last mile, it considers time spent looking for drop-off spots, number of turns, and stopping zones. It doesn’t pick the shortest route – it picks the smartest.
Tailored for your work style
MapMetrics is powerful, but not overwhelming. The interface is clean, and insights appear only when you need them.
It works beautifully alongside Google Maps (for planning) and Onfleet (for delivery management), so you get a complete view of your day on one screen.
And if you're self-employed and plan your own routes? MapMetrics gives you the edge of an organized fleet without needing to be one.
Where does MapMetrics shine the brightest?
If your route means constant driving through fast-changing urban zones – with traffic restrictions, roadworks, and shifting flows – this app shows its full potential.
Even on intercity routes, it surprises. It can predict emerging delays caused by weather, congestion, or local events before any traditional app notices a thing.
Bottom line? MapMetrics is the future of faster delivery
In a world where navigation apps are starting to feel the same, MapMetrics stands out not for style – but for intelligence. It thinks ahead of you, before you even start wondering which way to go.That’s why it’s increasingly featured on lists of the best digital tools for self-employed delivery professionals.
The app that remembers every mile – even when you don’t: MileIQ 2025
There was a time when tracking mileage meant keeping a soggy notebook in the glovebox — battered by rain, squashed by sandwich wrappers. Or nervously typing in the odometer reading after refueling, hoping you could still recall where you’d been last Wednesday. Especially when one day blurred into the next, and work routes melted into personal ones.
In 2025, a lot has changed — including how we log our journeys. MileIQ is no longer just a digital odometer. It’s your mileage journal, tax assistant, and… sometimes your memory, when your brain is running low on fuel.
What’s new?
The latest version of MileIQ uses AI to analyze the context of your trip. It knows when you're heading to a customer — and when you're just popping out for milk. It cross-references your GPS data with your calendar, the time of day, your usual habits, and previous routes. And if something doesn’t add up, it’ll politely ask whether it was a business trip worth logging.
It runs quietly in the background. No interruptions. And when it’s time for your mileage report — it’s there, one click away. Clean, compliant, ready to send to your accountant.
But why does this matter?
It’s not just about tax returns. MileIQ 2025 also analyzes your driving patterns. It shows when you usually take breaks, how much time you really spend behind the wheel, and how many miles quietly slip away.
Thanks to these insights, drivers plan their workdays better, cut down on dead mileage, and finally see where the time (and fuel) really go.
Integration without the headache
MileIQ syncs with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero — and even your Google Calendar. No need to be a spreadsheet wizard. No complicated settings. Just switch it on once — and drive.
The App That’s Not for Everyone — But Does More Than You Think: Samsara 2025
Just a few years ago, Samsara was a tool mainly used by fleet managers — a system for tracking GPS, managing fleets, and analyzing driving behavior. But that was then. Today, Samsara 2025 plays in a whole different league — and speaks to a very different user.
The new mobile app has been reimagined with independent drivers in mind — especially those who work with various clients and don’t have an operational office backing them up. And it’s this group that stands to gain the most.
Because Samsara has become a personal control panel.
It doesn’t just show your location — it analyzes your route, anticipates delays, suggests optimizations, and... reminds you to take a break before your body crashes.Its AI-powered algorithms learn your work rhythm. They know when you usually refuel, where you get stuck in traffic, and what time of day your efficiency starts to drop.
It works like a second brain on the road — one that never sleeps and draws data from multiple sources. Samsara pulls in GPS, your calendar, your delivery schedule — and, if your van has an OBD system (On-Board Diagnostics), even real-time vehicle metrics.What used to be exclusive to big companies is now in the pocket of any driver who knows that time is money — and predictability is gold in logistics.
What’s New in Samsara 2025?
In 2025, Samsara underwent a major transformation.
The latest version includes a streamlined mobile app, designed specifically for individual drivers — even those not connected to a full fleet platform. Thanks to this update, Samsara is no longer just for enterprises — it's a powerful support tool for everyday delivery work.
You can now use it independently — but of course:
the more your van “sees,” the more the app can show you.
Meaning: the richer your data (from onboard sensors, trip history, or your daily schedule), the better the system performs.
Here’s what Samsara brings to the table:
Tracks your driving behavior (acceleration, braking, stops),
Suggests optimal break times,
Generates weekly driving reports you can review like a digital logbook,
Detects fatigue and overload patterns, even correlating with weather data.
These aren’t just simple alerts.
This is AI that knows your pace, your limits — and when something needs adjusting, before you realize it.
Who Is This App For?
This isn’t an app for everyone.
To unlock its full potential, you’ll need a little more than just a phone.The ideal Samsara user is someone who:
Drives 100–150 miles per day,
Works with a variety of clients or shifts,
Has a van equipped with onboard diagnostics (or is willing to install them),
Wants a clear, real-time view of time, routes, fuel and fatigue.
Samsara also includes cargo safety tools — such as alerts if the van doors open during an unplanned stop — though these features require additional hardware modules.
Still, even in its basic version, the app gives you the feeling that someone has your back — without ever taking control away from you.
Less Stress, More Savings, Smarter Driving
Samsara 2025 is a future-ready app that’s already changing the way independent drivers work.
Savings? Real.
Stress? Lower.
Peace of mind? Higher.
It won’t suit everyone.Not every courier needs it.But if you’re looking to get the most out of what modern tech can offer — Samsara is well worth a try.
The Best Apps for Couriers in 2025 – Summary
It’s only been half a year since our roundup at the end of 2024, but the world of courier apps has already changed radically. Artificial intelligence is no longer a novelty – it’s the norm. Not every feature is for everyone, but the best apps are the ones that quietly support you in your day-to-day work.
Here’s a quick recap of the key tools we covered in detail:
Google Maps – now more of an assistant than just a map. It learns your routes and warns you of issues before they happen.
Waze – still unmatched when it comes to real-time alerts, now with sharper AI and improved voice assistance.
MileIQ – your digital mileage log that knows when you’re heading to a client versus grabbing groceries – and tracks it all for you.
Samsara – once a fleet management tool, now your personal driver dashboard – it supports driving style, plans your breaks, and monitors vehicle condition.
Other apps worth knowing
We didn’t cover these in full, but that doesn’t mean they’re not valuable. These tools can also come in handy:
GasBuddy – helps you fuel up smarter, not farther – by predicting price changes and suggesting the best time to stop.
Everlance – a comprehensive app for tracking mileage, expenses, and receipts – perfect for self-employed couriers.
Route4Me – a great planner for drivers mapping out complex, multi-stop routes.
SimplySend – a minimalist app for creating delivery confirmations – ideal for ad hoc jobs.
Circuit Route Planner – a solid alternative for route optimization if you’re not using a larger system.
Speedometer 55 – an accurate speedometer, especially useful if your van’s display is off.
Parcel – a lightweight app to track shipments from multiple carriers – both those you send and receive.
Final thought: It’s not just about the tech
All of these tools aim to do one thing: save you time and reduce stress. But the truth is – the best app is the one that truly fits your workday.
For some, Google Maps alone will do the job.
Others may need a whole toolkit – for planning, reporting, and invoicing.
One thing is certain:In 2025, being a great courier isn’t just about what’s in your van.
It’s also about what’s on your phone.
So choose wisely. Test boldly.And when the road gets long – let your apps carry some of the load.
Got a favorite app that changed how you work? Share it with us – and let’s keep moving smarter, one delivery at a time.
P.S. This article was brought to you by MBL Logistics – a company supporting over 600 professional couriers across the country.
If you're looking for work that values your time and professionalism, check out our current openings in:
Your next opportunity might be just one route away.
Sources
Google Maps – Gemini AI and New Features (2024) Gemini in Google Maps: AI-Powered Summaries and Navigation Updates Official Google blog post (October 31, 2024) about AI integration in Google Maps.
Waze – Conversational Reporting and School Zones (2024) New Road Reporting Features Coming for Waze Users Waze community forum post confirming voice reporting and school zone alerts.
Waze – AI-Powered Crash Alerts (2023) Waze’s New AI-Powered Feature Notifies Users of Crash-Prone Roads TechTimes article about Waze’s AI algorithm for crash risk analysis.
MapMetrics – AI Route Optimization (2025) How AI-Driven Route Optimization is Transforming Navigation Apps in 2025 MapMetrics blog post about predictive route planning.
Onfleet – Predictive ETA for Deliveries (2024) Improve Your Delivery Experience with Onfleet’s Predictive ETA Onfleet announcement about their AI-powered ETA prediction model.
GasBuddy – Fuel Price Predictions for 2025 What Gas Prices Will Look Like in 2025 GasBuddy report with fuel price forecasts and market analysis.
