Still at the Desk After 5? Automate your Admin with an Affordable Last-mile Solution

Be honest… How many times have you stayed late at the office just to catch up on admin work?

Between assigning delivery runs, updating routes, chasing down proof of deliveries, and sending out invoices — before you know it, it’s well past 5pm (again). 😴

In transport, late nights at the desk are just a part of the routine for many, a feeling that Emily Harris, Owner of  Motus Transport knows all too well.

“All day long, it was all night long, it was on the weekends. I couldn't go out to dinner, I couldn't go out with friends. I couldn't watch TV, because I would be sitting at the desk filing things, routing things. I was literally at work one night to 1:00AM doing it.”

It’s time to reclaim your day — and yes, even your evenings too!

Using CartonCloud’s easy-to-use TMS, you can automate your entire workflow, cut down on admin time and equip your drivers with the tools they need to get more done — all at a cost that works for you!

TL;DR: You shouldn’t need a second shift just to finish your admin work. We will walk you through how you and your drivers can manage your entire transport operation right from the CartonCloud TMS mobile app, so you can get more time back in your day.

But before we dive in, let’s explore some top considerations when choosing the best transport management software in Australia and North America.

Q: What is the best transport management software for last-mile?

A: The best transport management software depends on your business needs — but for many transport and logistics operators across Australia and North America, the ideal solution is one that’s easy to use, automates time-consuming admin, and grows with your operations.

CartonCloud’s transport management software is built with powerful features like route optimization, electronic proof of deliveries, driver route optimization, and automated invoicing — all in one easy-to-use system that can connect seamlessly with your WMS for end-to-end visibility.

See more on why CartonCloud is consistently rated as an exceptional customer service leader in logistics software for 2025 here.

Q: How can I use my freight management software to improve customer service for my business?

A: Customers love being kept in the loop when it comes to the status of their orders — and with CartonCloud’s transport management software, it’s easy to give them peace of mind with full transparency. Instead of having to call or email for order updates, your customers can simply log into the CartonCloud customer portal to track their orders and view consignment progress in real-time. 

It’s a simple way to boost trust, reduce admin, and offer next-level customer service that keeps your clients coming back!

Q: What pricing structure should I look for in a last-mile solution? 

A: The best pricing structure is one that works with you as you grow! Look for a last-mile solution that offers flexible, usage-based pricing — so you’re only paying for what you actually need.

You also want the freedom to scale up when you’re ready, without being locked into a contract. At CartonCloud, we offer no lock-in contracts, so you can get exactly what you need, when you need it. 

Book a free demo with our friendly team to learn more!  

Stay ahead of the day’s deliveries without lifting a finger

Your deliveries should run like clockwork — from the moment a consignment enters your transport management software, to when a package is signed for at its final destination.

When you use a last-mile solution like CartonCloud’s TMS, this process is all automated for you.

Once you receive a consignment, CartonCloud immediately allocates it to the most suitable delivery run, taking into account your pre-set logic (like postal codes or delivery zones). CartonCloud also considers key details like driver zones, vehicle access points (think one-way streets or low-clearance zones), and delivery preferences to build the most efficient route, every time. Now how easy is that!

Once your delivery run is built, assigning it to a driver is as simple as a tap!

Your drivers will receive their updated routes instantly through the CartonCloud TMS app along with full consignment details. While out taking care of deliveries, they can capture electronic proof of deliveries, upload delivery images, add notes, and even report any issues in real-time — giving your team improved visibility of what’s happening on the road and ensuring deliveries run smoothly from start to finish.

Put powerful delivery tools right in your drivers’ hands.

When it’s time for delivery, your drivers have everything they need at their fingertips to deliver faster, smarter, and with fewer delays — all within CartonCloud’s TMS mobile app.

CartonCloud’s delivery software is packed with powerful features that make life easier for your drivers on the road, including:

• Route optimization for smoother, more efficient runs
• ETA text messages for quick customer updates
• Access to all important delivery details (like entry codes, special instructions like where loading docks are located — or even notes to “bring treats for the dog!”)
• Real-time delivery updates and driver tracking
• Electronic Proof of Deliveries with e-signatures and photo capture

From the moment they hit the road, drivers can fine-tune their route, stay in touch with customers, and handle deliveries efficiently with all the info they need in one place. Drivers can even share a heads-up via SMS when they’re close — giving customers time to prepare the delivery zone and avoid any delays. 

Once the delivery is complete, they can capture signatures, snap photos, and upload everything straight into the CartonCloud TMS. It’s a complete last-mile solution for streamlined deliveries — helping your team stay connected, efficient, and always one step ahead.

Learn more about how you can optimize more than driver routes with your TMS here.

Get paid faster with automated invoicing

A powerful TMS means you don’t need to stay after hours just to get paid. When you automate your invoicing process, you save time, get paid faster and can wrap up your workday without the late night paperwork.

‍Here’s how it works in CartonCloud’s transport management software: As soon as your driver uploads the ePOD, an invoice is automatically generated and sent to your customer. You can configure rate cards and custom triggers ahead of time, so CartonCloud knows exactly how to apply each charge — whether it's a custom rate, a surcharge, or an adhoc charge.

Each charge is listed clearly, giving your customers full transparency (and helping to reduce any billing disputes). What’s more, your invoices are synced directly with your accounting software (like Xero, Quickbooks, or MYOB), so everything flows through smoothly. That means fewer admin hours and faster payments from your customers.

For Emily Harris, bringing a transport management software into her business meant finally getting some time back in her day — something that once felt impossible.

“I would say absolutely, no doubt, CartonCloud is the absolute best system. Being able to finish like a normal person at 5:00 — we've done all the allocating, we've printed all of the paperwork for the next day. It's just you can't really put a price on it.

“It saves on cost, it saves on having to employ more staff, because if I didn't have [CartonCloud], I would have to have probably two admin people with me, because there's no way that I'd be able to do the volume of work that we do with [CartonCloud].” — Emily Harris, Owner of Motus Transport

Connect your warehouse & transport data seamlessly

Now, if you also run a warehouse operation, having the ability to connect your transport management software directly with your WMS can simplify your operations even further. 

An integrated WMS and TMS system helps to keep your warehouse and transport teams on the same page, ensuring there is a seamless data flow between both of your operations for easy management.

Streamline your CartonCloud data between warehouse and transport to;

• Only enter customer details once
• Generate one single invoice for both your warehouse and transport services
• Map your warehouse products into transport products
• Automate complex rate card calculations
• Use one login to access both platforms
• And most importantly — give more to your customers!

When you use an integrated WMS & TMS like CartonCloud, your customers get a smoother experience too. That means they can use one login to view their inventory, orders, and dispatch information from warehouse to final delivery all in one spot.

You can even generate one single invoice that includes both of your warehouse and transport services for customers, simplifying admin for you and your customers even further.

For Drink Distribution, having a transport management software that can integrate with their CartonCloud WMS was key to having a streamlined operation.

“We chose CartonCloud, which allowed us to manage both the warehouse and our transportation – from our warehouse, last-mile delivery, right to the end user.” 

“Anything from using the desktop app to using the app on their phone, tracking their parcels while on delivery and getting signed proofs of delivery right at the store and sending emails off to the producer and to the customer within seconds has really shaped how we run our business,” — Dave Dallin, General Manager/Co-owner, Drink Distribution 

Find out more on why a TMS software should integrate with your warehouse here.

Get your team up to speed—fast

Whether you’re ready to get onboard with a new transport management software, or are looking to train your new drivers, CartonCloud is built to be intuitive and user-friendly, so your team can jump in and get going right away.

And with our CartonCloud Academy, learning is even easier! The online Academy is packed with step-by-step trails, helpful guides and video tutorials, so you (and your team) can master the system with confidence all at your own pace.

‍“When we have our employees using it, it's quite simple to teach them… It's intuitive and it allows them to do exactly what they need to do to get the business done as fast as possible,”  — Dave Dallin, General Manager/Co-owner, Drink Distribution

“It's simple, I think for anyone to come on board with us now to learn our system, to be able to teach a new driver [or] a new warehouse person our system through CartonCloud, they'll download their app, they'll use it.” — Kierden Buchanan, Delivery Specialist, Drink Distribution

Key Takeaways

• Save time with automation. CartonCloud’s TMS helps you cut down on admin work and streamline your invoicing — so you can spend less time behind the desk.
• Support your drivers on the go. With the CartonCloud mobile app, drivers can optimize routes, send ETA updates, and capture ePODs — all from their phone.
• Transparency is key for top-notch customer service. You can keep your customers in the loop with real-time order tracking and delivery updates through the CartonCloud customer portal.

Want to know more?

Start reclaiming your time today! Whether you’re managing transport, warehousing, or both, CartonCloud’s integrated WMS and TMS is everything you need in one powerful, easy-to-use system.

Book your free demo with our friendly team and see how CartonCloud’s last-mile solution can work for your business.