Routing, Mobile, Telematics

Last-Mile Software for
Foodservice Distribution


A single platform built for foodservice distributors with private fleets—combining route planning, mobile proof of delivery, and real-time tracking to meet time windows and deliver more with every mile.

Rising costs, driver shortages, and customer demands are squeezing foodservice distribution. Missed windows and overpromised deliveries cost more than ever.

More Cases Per Hour. One Last-Mile Solution


Video demonstrating foodservice challenges solved by Descartes software

Foodservice distributors rely on Descartes to get more from every mile.

  • Cut costs by reducing miles, time, fuel, and re-deliveries.

  • Hit every stop on time, in full, and at temperature.

  • Give customers full visibility.

Total Last-Mile Visibility


  • Keep track of stops, drivers, and customer requirements.

  • Learn from data to create effective route plans. 

  • Reduce costly credits and speed up invoicing.

Satisfied chef receives food delivery, with icons illustrating proof of delivery and fast invoicing.

Reduce planning time by

75

%

Reduce driver labor by

5

%

Cut planned miles by

10

%

End-to-End Optimization for Foodservice Distribution

Plan and Optimize


Navigate tight delivery windows, multi-temperature loads, and compartment constraints across frozen, refrigerated, and dry sections. Adjust routes instantly for late orders, seasonal spikes, or customer priority changes. 

Strategic Planning

Make long-term decisions on routes and fleets.

Daily Planning

Optimize routes to reduce miles, time, and cost.

Execute and Engage


Deliver on time and maintain product integrity while keeping dispatch, drivers, and customers connected in real time. Reduce inbound calls and improve the customer experience with real-time delivery updates on everyday devices. Proactively manage exceptions and accelerate cashflow.

Route Execution

Centralized view to track and improve.

Mobile Apps

Proof of Delivery, tracking and driver workflows.

Customer
Engagement

Real-time ETAs, tracking and feedback.

Fleet Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Use data to improve planning and execution.

Train and Protect


Establish a strong safety culture and maximize driver and vehicle performance. Keep compliant compliant with integrated driver safety training, telematics, vehicle inspection, and regulatory reporting, including electronic logging device (ELD), hours of service, (HOS), International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) and EU Working Time Directive.

Fleet Driver Safety

One platform for training, telematics, and compliance.

Trusted by the Best in Foodservice Distribution

US Foods

Descartes has enabled us to better manage our resources and, most importantly, our people’s time. Efficiency and accuracy are two of the qualities our customers expect from U.S. Foods—every delivery, every day. This technology has enabled us to uphold these qualities more strongly than ever before.”

Federico Masais, Sr. Director, IT Supply Chain Systems

U.S. Foods

With Descartes Customer Engagement, sales reps now see exactly where orders are, cutting back on ETA calls and emails. Drivers also have direct contact with sales reps, eliminating delays caused by phone tag between multiple departments.”

Patricia Carlsen, Assistant to the Director of Transportation

Halperns Steak and Seafood
Edward Don

“In addition to helping us generate savings of close to $100,000 in the first year alone through increased route productivity and delivery efficiency, Descartes has been a great business partner.

Tom Wydra, Corporate Fleet Manager

It’s been eye-opening and an amazing chance to look at our business closely and make changes where we need to–taking the question mark out of ‘is a stop [or route] profitable?’ And being able to boil it down to dollars is incredibly valuable.”

Fortune Fish & Gourmet

Fortune Fish & Gourmet
IFDA member

Dedicated to Foodservice


Descartes is a member of the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), the organization committed to strengthening the supply chain that keeps America’s foodservice sector thriving.

Built for Last-Mile Success 


Trusted by foodservice distributors worldwide, Descartes helps you deliver on time and in full with one end-to-end platform for route planning, dispatch, and customer engagement.

  • Over 40 years' experience in logistics.

  • Dedicated foodservice support team.

  • Industry partnerships and integrations.
Video: Why choose Descartes?

Our Technology Partners & Integrations


We work with the most advanced technology partners. Our network of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), telematics and geospatial data partners seamlessly integrate into our solutions.

Partner and integration logos: Zebra, Lytx and Geotab.

Ready to improve delivery performance?

Connect with our team to get started and see how Descartes can help you streamline routes, reduce costs, and consistently deliver on time and in full.

Featured Resources


Discover foodservice delivery trends and tips
Foodservice distribution success stories
Insights from foodservice leaders