# eCommerce Logistics Solutions The COVID-19 epidemic solidified eCommerce's position as many consumers preferred means of purchasing. It is a significant segment of retail that has been rapidly expanding in recent years. Although online order numbers are increasing, purchasing options are increasing for consumers. Maintaining a competitive advantage is crucial, and customer experience significantly influences buyer behavior. eCommerce logistics play an important part in overall satisfaction. Here are some key challenges that can be overcome with the right eCommerce solutions. ### Visit Descartes at the Commercial Vehicle Show NEC, 21st-23rd April 2026 ## Overcome eCommerce Logistics Challenges ### Increasing need for delivery efficiency Today, consumers are in charge. As internet rivalry rises, many firms provide similar items. Retailers must offer competitive prices and cost-effective delivery options at the moment of sale. Using the correct logistics software, merchants can provide costed delivery options based on existing commitments, delivery capacity, and new orders. [Optimise Fleet](https://routinguk.descartes.com/route-planning-and-scheduling) ### Proof of delivery Predictability becomes increasingly important as the quality of the customer experience during delivery improves. Among other benefits, cutting-edge proof of delivery software guarantees that drivers adhere to set procedures, providing a dependable customer experience every time. [Learn More](https://routinguk.descartes.com/mobile-applications-for-delivery-routing/proof-of-delivery) ### Warehouse & Yard Management Busy yards require tight control to avoid delays and risks. Real-time tracking, audit trails, and mobile tools improve efficiency, security, and visibility of trailer movements. [Gain Foresight](https://routinguk.descartes.com/transportation-management/yard-management) ### Last mile delivery eCommerce merchants must boost productivity and save money to meet delivery costs in order to stay competitive. By offering costed delivery options, customers can choose what's convenient for them, and retailers can charge accordingly for deliveries. Reducing costs while improving service will depend upon a company's approach to last-mile deliveries. [Learn more](https://routinguk.descartes.com/route-planning-and-scheduling/last-mile-delivery) ### Real-time tracking Real-time tracking is now a must-have requirement. Failing to provide it will place businesses at a competitive disadvantage. Customers want to know when their deliveries will arrive; the more precise the information, the happier the customer. [View Software](https://routinguk.descartes.com/transportation-management/visibility-tracking-and-performance) ## Route Planning and Optimisation An introduction to the Descartes Scheduling and Routing optimisation tools that can create and execute plans, increasing efficiency, providing greater visibility and streamlining communications. ## Descartes' eCommerce Solutions The best eCommerce software depends on individual business goals and needs. Some of the best eCommerce solutions include: - **eCommerce companies with their own delivery vehicles**: Descartes’ [Routing and Scheduling](https://routinguk.descartes.com/route-planning-and-scheduling) solution utilises continuous route optimisation to enable delivery slots based on orders and available resources. - **eCommerce companies who use Couriers or 3rd Party carriers**: Descartes’ [Transportation Management](https://routinguk.descartes.com/transportation-management) software assists by automatically identifying the smartest way to deliver products. - **eCommerce Warehouse Management Systems**: We assist thousands of eCommerce companies with their warehouse management systems to streamline operations. - **Proof of Delivery**: The Descartes [Proof of Delivery](https://routinguk.descartes.com/mobile-applications-for-delivery-routing/proof-of-delivery) system allows for contactless proof of delivery and includes recording losses or damage. - **Collections and returns**: Our [delivery optimisation](https://routinguk.descartes.com/route-planning-and-scheduling) software accounts for collections from consumers, helping improve return handling. - **Customer delivery tracking**: Descartes [Mobile Applications](https://routinguk.descartes.com/mobile-applications-for-delivery-routing) provide solutions for customers to track their deliveries. - **Cloud-based Software as a Service**: Descartes offers [SaaS](https://routinguk.descartes.com/resources/the-advantages-of-saas) solutions for route planners to operate from any location. ### Customer Successes "After extensive research, we partnered with Descartes to help transform our distribution management practices because it proved to be a real benchmark in the market. Their tools are very effective. The routing solution has been a resounding success resulting in lower costs and greater customer satisfaction." Nicolas Tellier - Chairman Operational costs reduced 5% Customer Net Promoter Score (NPS) Increased Fleet size 250+ "Descartes Reservations™ and Route Planner™ solutions were integral to our strategy of offering a more extensive, but unified delivery service." Andrew Gay - Systems Manager Fulfilment costs reduced £1.8m Increased delivery productivity 35% Delivery windows provided at POS "Overnight our business was transformed. Since introducing Descartes, Stop Start’s daily delivery volume has increased 50%." Andrew Bayne, Managing Director Daily planning time reduced 75% Annual distribution costs saving £450k Delivery capacity Increased 12% "Descartes has allowed us to optimise our vehicle usage and minimise CO2 emissions." Rachel Hopkins, Chief Information Officer "Investing in Descartes has been a game changer. Their last mile delivery solution enabled us to win two major contracts without increasing headcount." Matt Shields, Director, PBO Logistics Delivery Capacity Increased 8x Operations headcount No Increase Saving on driver's hours 10% "Since having the Descartes system our jobs per route have improved by just short of 10%." Martin Alldritt - Planning & Optimisation Manager Jobs per route has increased 9.9% Average mileage between jobs reduced Improved Customer Service "Descartes' Route Planner™ On-demand helps us have more efficient delivery operations to better serve our customers." Nimmoo Adam, IT Manager Delivery temperatures recorded Delivery costs analysed Proof of delivery collected