Running a restaurant is already an adventure. Running deliveries on top of it? That’s a whole other level! Takeout and delivery orders have exploded in popularity, and customers want their food fast and fresh. If you’re an independent restaurant managing your own delivery fleet, you need the right tools to keep things running smoothly.
TL;DR: Independent restaurants with in-house delivery teams need tools to save time, cut chaos, and keep deliveries on track. The best delivery and driver management tools simplify routing, boost communication, track drivers in real-time, and help you deliver piping-hot food faster. Below are six top tools to help you run a stellar in-house delivery team. Each one brings something unique to the table. Pick the one that fits your vibe, your needs, and your workflow best.
Table of Contents
1. Otter – Your Order Traffic Controller
Think of Otter as your delivery dashboard. This tool integrates all of your online ordering systems—from DoorDash to Uber Eats to your own in-house system—and manages them in one place. If you run your own delivery team, Otter shines by helping you:
- See all incoming orders in one system
- Assign deliveries to your drivers easily
- Track performance and delivery times
It cuts down mistakes from juggling tablets and speeds up delivery decisions. It also offers reports you can actually use—like driver performance and average delivery time.
Why restaurants love it: Less tech mess. More food out the door. Plus, it works well with POS systems you already use.
2. Onfleet – Powerful Dispatch & Route Optimization
Onfleet is popular with local businesses that take in-house delivery seriously. It offers full driver and delivery management capabilities and is made for scalability.
Key features:
- Real-time driver tracking
- Route optimization based on traffic and order volume
- Customer notifications via SMS
- Proof of delivery (photo or signature capture)
With Onfleet, dispatchers can quickly assign orders to the right drivers and monitor routes like a boss. It’s also easy to use for drivers. They get a mobile app with turn-by-turn directions and delivery info right at their fingertips.
Why it rocks: Saves time, reduces fuel costs, and keeps customers happy with real-time updates.
3. Bringg – Enterprise-Level Zap for Local Heroes
Bringg is a robust delivery logistics tool used by big brands, but smaller restaurants love its precision and control. It gives you the tech of a big delivery operation, without the overhead.
Bringg lets you:
- Auto-assign delivery based on driver proximity or skill
- Optimize routes in real-time
- Track drivers and deliveries on an interactive map
- Manage multiple deliveries per trip
Plus, it features customer feedback tools so you can get immediate insights after every delivery.
What makes it cool: It truly lets you “Uber-ize” your in-house delivery—even if you’re a local pizza shop or sushi spot.
4. Shipday – Small Restaurant, Big Delivery Vibes
If you’re just getting started with in-house delivery, Shipday is a great place to start. It gives small restaurants affordable, no-fuss driver tracking and order dispatching.
With Shipday, you can:
- Send delivery notifications to customers
- Assign deliveries with one click
- Track drivers on a live map
- Give drivers access to a delivery app on their phones
It connects with many online ordering systems like Square, GloriaFood, and more. You’ll even get ETA predictions and delivery heatmaps to plan better routes or shift changes.
Perfect for: Restaurants that want to start small, test the waters, and grow with confidence.
5. Driveroo – The Digital Driver Clipboard
Driveroo helps you keep tabs on your fleet from maintenance to delivery drops. While it’s not just for restaurants, it’s super helpful for those managing a fleet of vehicles and drivers.
Driveroo helps by:
- Offering pre- and post-shift vehicle inspections
- Tracking driver safety and vehicle health
- Digital checklists that streamline operations
This is great if you own your delivery cars or scooters. It lets you know when maintenance is due and keeps your operation safe and smooth.
Why it’s a solid pick: Adds a layer of pro-level fleet safety you didn’t know you needed.
6. GetSwift – All-in-One Delivery Management
GetSwift is another great all-rounder. It covers everything from order dispatch to analytics. It suits restaurants with growing delivery demand and multiple drivers on shift.
What you get:
- Live driver tracking and order assignment
- Real-time delivery updates to customers
- Smart route suggestions to beat the clock
- Payment management and driver performance tracking
It’s known for its clean, intuitive UI. Even if you’re not a tech wizard, you’ll be up and running fast.
Why restaurants trust GetSwift: It offers reliable delivery logistics with great customer support behind it.
What to Consider When Picking a Tool
There’s no one-size-fits-all in food delivery. The best tool is the one that fits your operations, volume, and growth goals. Here’s what to consider:
- How many drivers do you use? More drivers = more need for automation and dispatch tools.
- Are you using your own vehicles? If yes, tools like Driveroo add true value.
- Do you need integration with your POS? Make sure your delivery management system plays nice with the tools you already use.
- Want to show customers an ETA? Pick a platform with live SMS or GPS tracking for that delivery transparency magic.
Final Bite: Run Smarter, Deliver Happier
Delivery is here to stay. If you’re running your own drivers, the right tech tools can make or break the experience—for both you and your customers.
These six tools were built to help restaurants like yours thrive, simplify operations, and bring more joy to the table (and the doorstep). Whether you’re just adding delivery to the mix or looking to upgrade your system, these platforms offer a powerful boost to your daily journey.
Your move: Sign up for a trial, test some routes, and listen to your drivers. You’re not just delivering food—you’re delivering your brand experience, one order at a time. Why not make it smooth, fast, and unforgettable?
