The logistics industry has undergone a digital transformation, with logistics mobile applications playing an important role in optimizing freight management, vehicle tracking, and supply chain operations. Many logistics mobile apps have revolutionized the sector, making transportation and fleet management more efficient.
Among them, Vahak stands out as a powerful platform that easily connects transporters, truck owners, and shippers, managing logistics operations like never before.
If you are considering developing a logistics app like Vahak, one of the key questions is: How much does it cost to develop a logistics app? The logistics app development cost varies based on factors such as features, mobile app complexity, and the location of the mobile app development team.
In this blog, we will explore the cost to build a logistics app like Vahak, the factors influencing pricing, and a detailed cost breakdown to help you plan your budget for logistics app development effectively.
Types of logistics mobile apps
Before understanding the logistics mobile app development expenses, it is important to know the different types of logistics applications and their functionalities.
Below is a breakdown of different types of logistics mobile apps, along with examples to illustrate their functionalities:
| Type of Logistics App | Description | Examples |
| Freight Booking Apps | This mobile app connects shippers with transporters for smooth freight booking and management | Vahak,Convoy,Uber,Freight |
| Fleet Management Apps | This will help you to track and manage a fleet of vehicles, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules | Fleet Complete, Samsara |
| Warehouse Management Apps | This type of mobile app optimizes inventory control, order fulfillment, and stock tracking | Fishbowl Inventory, NetSuite WMS |
| On-Demand Delivery Apps | Used for last-mile delivery and real-time tracking of goods | Lalamove,Delhivery |
| Supply Chain Management Apps | Manages end-to-end supply chain operations, from procurement to delivery | Oracle SCM ,SAP SCM |
The logistics app pricing for startups totally depends on the type of mobile app, as each requires different features and mobile app development efforts.
Key features of a logistics app like Vahak
The logistics mobile app development expenses depend largely on the features you incorporate.
Below are some essential features that impact the cost to build a logistics app like Vahak:
1. Real-time GPS tracking & route optimization
The real-time GPS tracking feature in a logistics mobile app like Vahak allows transporters and shippers to monitor vehicle movement easily while optimizing routes for maximum efficiency.
By integrating this feature, businesses can reduce fuel consumption and travel time by identifying the most efficient routes, minimizing delays, and increasing overall logistics operations.
The cost of integrating real-time tracking in logistics apps depends on third-party API services like Google Maps or Mapbox, which charge based on usage and features.
2. Fleet & vehicle management
A fleet management feature helps businesses to track and manage vehicles, monitor fuel consumption, and schedule maintenance. This feature ensures smooth operations and prevents unexpected breakdowns. The fleet management app development cost varies based on the level of data integration, automation, and real-time tracking required.
3. Load matching & fright booking
This feature allows shippers to find available trucks for their shipments, optimizing freight management. By integrating this feature in the logistic mobile app, transporters can easily accept or reject loads based on real-time availability, ensuring efficient utilization of resources. Instant freight booking manages logistics operations and helps businesses maximize revenue.
4. Driver & vendor management
Efficient driver and vendor management ensures that the right drivers are assigned to shipments while keeping track of their performance.
This feature also helps manage vendor payments, ensuring timely settlements. A well-structured system reduces operational delays and increases coordination between logistics partners.
5. Payment gateway integration
This feature allows transporters and shippers to complete financial transactions within the logistic mobile app. Integrating payment gateway solutions in your mobile app ensures smooth invoicing, transaction tracking, and instant payments.
However, payment gateway integration for logistics applications increases mobile app development costs due to security compliance requirements like PCI-DSS and data encryption.
6. Push notifications & alerts
This feature allows users to be informed about what is the shipment status, payment reminders, and new freight opportunities. This feature increases user engagement by providing real-time updates and improving communication between shippers, drivers, and logistics providers.
7. In-app chat & customer support
An in-app chat system allows easy communication between transporters, drivers, and shippers. It improves operational efficiency by resolving queries in real-time and minimizing delays. Additionally, a customer support system ensures users receive quick assistance, increasing their overall experience.
The more advanced these features are in the logistics mobile app, the higher the logistics software development cost in India or any other region.
Cost breakdown of a transportation management app
To understand logistics app pricing for startups, Below we break down the logistics app development cost into key components:
1. UI/UX design costs
A well-designed UI/UX mobile app should have smooth navigation that increases the user experience.
A basic mobile app design with standard elements costs to build a logistics app like Vahak around $5,000 – $10,000, while an advanced mobile app design with custom visuals and interactive elements can go up to $15,000+.
Investing in an intuitive design improves usability and user engagement.
2. Frontend & backend development costs
The core development of the logistic mobile app includes building the frontend development (user interface) and backend development (server-side logic and database). The cost is based on the tech stack used, such as React Native, Flutter, Swift, or Kotlin.
Developing a robust logistics app can cost between $20,000 – $50,000, depending on its complexity and features.
3. Database & cloud storage expenses
A logistics mobile app requires a secure and scalable database to store user data, shipment details, and tracking information.
Using cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud are commonly used for reliability and mobile app performance.
The estimated cost for database and cloud storage ranges from $5,000 – $15,000, depending on the data volume and hosting requirements.
4. API & third-party integration costs
You can integrate third-party services into your logistics mobile app to increase the app’s functionality.
The GPS tracking in logistics app cost varies based on the API provider, such as Google Maps or Mapbox, with an estimated cost of $2,000 – $7,000.
Additionally, payment gateway integration for logistics applications (Stripe, PayPal, or Razorpay) can cost between $3,000 – $10,000, depending on security and compliance requirements.
5. Testing & quality assurance
Before launching a mobile app, thorough testing and quality assurance (QA) is essential to ensure the mobile app is bug-free and performs well across different devices and platforms.
Proper QA testing increases functionality, improves stability, and delivers a smooth user experience, ultimately increasing user satisfaction and retention.
Testing includes functional, usability, security, and mobile app performance testing. The estimated QA and testing costs range from $5,000 – $15,000.
Each of these components significantly impacts the overall budget for logistics app development.
A well-planned cost breakdown helps businesses allocate resources efficiently and build a high-quality logistics application.
| Development Component | Estimated Cost Range |
| UI/UX Design | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Frontend & Backend Development | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Database & Cloud Storage | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| API & Third-Party Integrations | $5,000 – $17,000 |
| Testing & Quality Assurance | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $40,000 – $100,000 |
Factors affecting the cost of a logistics mobile app
Several factors influence the cost to build a logistics app like Vahak, and understanding these key elements is important to determine the overall budget for logistics app development.
Each factor impacts pricing, from mobile app complexity to third-party integrations, so careful planning is essential.
Here are the key factors to consider before starting your logistics app development:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
| App complexity & features | More features lead to higher development costs |
| Mobile app development team & location | Logistics software development cost in India is lower than in the USA or Europe |
| Technology stack used | Native apps cost more but offer better mobile app performance compared to cross-platform mobile apps |
| Third-party services & APIs | The cost of integrating real-time tracking in logistics mobile apps and payment gateways adds extra expenses |
| Regulatory compliance & security | Ensuring compliance (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS) increases mobile app development time and cost |
Estimated budget for logistics app development
You can plan your budget for logistics app development depending on your logistic business needs and mobile app feature requirements
Below we are providing different logistics app levels along with their estimated costs and mobile app development timelines:
1. Basic Logistics Mobile App (MVP Version)
A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is ideal for startups looking to test their logistics app with essential features before investing in advanced functionalities.
This basic level of mobile app typically includes features like user registration, freight booking, GPS tracking, and payment integration. It offers a simple interface with core functionalities to validate the business model.
Estimated cost to build a basic logistics mobile app: $40,000 – $60,000.
Timeline to build a basic logistics mobile app: 3-4 months.
2. Mid-Level Logistics App
A mid-level logistics mobile app is designed for businesses that need more advanced fleet management, real-time tracking, vendor management, and push notifications.
These features increase operational efficiency and improve the user experience. This version integrates better analytics and automation, making it suitable for growing logistics businesses.
Estimated cost to build a mid-level logistics mobile app: $60,000 – $80,000.
Timeline to build a mid-level logistics mobile app: 4-6 months.
3. Advanced Logistics App Like Vahak
An advanced logistics app includes AI-driven route optimization, predictive analytics, in-app chat, and multiple API integrations.
This level is built for large-scale logistics companies that require high-level automation, real-time data insights, and easy integrations with third-party services.
The complexity of these features increases the logistics app development cost, but it provides a competitive edge in the market.
Estimated cost to build an advanced logistics mobile app: $80,000 – $150,000
Timeline to build an advanced logistics mobile app: 6-9 months.
It is important to invest in the right version to ensure scalability and long-term success in the logistics industry.
Cost comparison: developing in-house vs. outsourcing
| Development Approach | Pros | Cons | Estimated Cost |
| In-House Team | Full control, better collaboration | High salary costs, requires hiring | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Outsourcing to India | Lower cost, access to expert mobile app developers | Communication barriers | $40,000 – $80,000 |
Many startups prefer outsourcing to India due to the lower logistics software development cost in India without compromising on quality.
Conclusion
With the proper planning and investment, you can develop a logistics mobile app like Vahak. The cost breakdown of a transportation management app depends on the features, mobile app development team, and technology stack you select. While the logistics app development cost can range from $40,000 to $150,000, outsourcing to India can help reduce expenses significantly.
If you are searching for expert logistics app pricing for startups and want a cost-effective solution, investing in a skilled mobile app development team can ensure a high-performing mobile app. You can plan your budget for logistics app development wisely to build a competitive logistics application.
Before starting, consulting a mobile app development company can provide valuable insights based on your business requirements and desired features. If you need expert guidance, Alphaklick Solutions offers an experienced team of mobile app developers who can turn your logistics business vision into a fully functional mobile app.
Contact us for detailed information on the budget, project timeline, and mobile app development process.
