Having a supply of gas for heating, cooking, and other needs is something most of us take for granted. We expect the gas delivery truck to show up promptly when the tank is running low without much effort on our part. However, behind the scenes, traditional gas delivery services face a number of challenges that can lead to inefficiencies, wasted time and added costs.
The good news is that mobile app technology has the potential to revolutionize the gas delivery process, offering benefits for both customers and providers. Let’s take a closer look at how mobile apps can enhance the effectiveness of gas delivery services.
The Need for Improvement in Gas Delivery Services
Currently, arranging for gas delivery looks something like this: you notice the tank is getting low so you call up the gas company to schedule a refill. They give you a broad delivery window on a certain date. You then have to take off work and wait at home for hours for the gas truck to show up. Sometimes deliveries get rescheduled or delayed without notice, leaving you without gas.
From the provider side, coordinating deliveries is hugely labor intensive. Dispatchers take calls and juggle driver schedules and routes. Drivers deal with traffic delays and have no efficient way to alert customers of schedule changes. The whole process is ready for an upgrade through modern technology.
Mobile Apps Provide the Ideal Solution
Mobile applications offer the perfect platform to address the many pain points in traditional gas delivery. Apps enable direct communication between customers and drivers. They allow real-time coordination of schedules.
Customers can complete the entire ordering process through their smartphones. Drivers can access customer info, directions, and process payments on the go. Apps also facilitate safety and security features, benefiting all parties.
Specific Benefits of Mobile Apps for Gas Delivery
Let’s explore some of the biggest advantages mobile apps bring to gas delivery services:
Convenience for Customers
Customers can use a gas company app to easily order refills, see upcoming deliveries, receive notifications of driver arrival times, and more. Apps make scheduling effortless and provide visibility into the process.
Improved Communication
Direct coordination between customers and drivers means no dropped calls or game of phone tag with the dispatcher. Delivery issues can be handled promptly through in-app messaging. Both sides stay fully informed of changes.
Enhanced Safety
Mobile apps allow gas companies to implement important safety features. Customers can use the app to double check appliance and leak safety. Apps provide easy access to emergency response resources in the event of an incident.
Apps Streamline Operations
On the operations side, apps enable more efficient routing, loading, real-time inventory, and access to customer info for drivers. Dispatchers see the full view of the schedule and delivery status. Apps significantly improve logistics and resource management.
Key Capabilities of Gas Delivery Apps
Now let’s explore some of the key capabilities gas company apps can provide to supercharge deliveries:
Ordering and Scheduling
Customers can use the app to request refills, schedule or reschedule deliveries, and specify delivery windows. Data is synchronized in real-time across customer, dispatcher, and driver apps.
Real-Time Route Tracking
Customers can follow along with the gas truck on a map as it travels to their location. ETAs are clearly displayed so customers know when to expect the driver.
Payment Processing
Apps allow drivers to easily accept credit card payments on site from customers. Billing and payment information is integrated and handled digitally through the app.
Safety Information Access
Important safety materials are readily available to customers right in the app. This includes appliance maintenance tips, leak checklists, emergency contact info, and more.
Emergency Features
Apps provide quick connects to emergency response personnel in the event of a gas leak or other safety incident. Alerts can also be sent out in response to severe weather or natural disasters.
Large and Small Companies Can Benefit
Mobile apps offer advantages for gas delivery companies of all sizes. Smaller local providers can level the playing field and provide the same conveniences as large national chains. Larger companies can improve operations at scale. Apps bring value across the board.
Successful App Case Studies
Several gas providers have already implemented mobile apps and seen stellar results. Here are a few real-world examples:
AmeriGas – This propane delivery giant rolled out their new AmeriGas2Go app in 2020. Customers have raved about the ability to schedule deliveries 24/7 and track their driver’s location in real time.
Superior Plus Energy – This large Canadian propane supplier launched an app in 2018. They reported a 10% increase in customer satisfaction scores following the transition to app-based delivery coordination.
Sharp Gas – A regional gas company based in Michigan, Sharp Gas introduced their app in 2016. The app enabled more efficient routing and loading, leading to an 8% increase in daily delivery capacity.
Overcoming Potential Hurdles
While the benefits are too big to ignore, migrating to mobile apps for gas delivery does come with some challenges. Here are a few concerns providers should consider:
Privacy and Security
Apps must be designed from the ground up with ironclad security. Customer data must be kept private and safe from breaches. Adhering to regulations and best practices is essential.
Accessibility
The usability and interface design of the app must accommodate users of all ages and comfort with technology. Important features of gas delivery app should also work offline when needed.
Legacy System Integration
Tying the app into your existing back-end systems takes careful planning and execution. The right technical partner is key for seamless integration.
What’s Next for Gas Delivery Apps
This is just the beginning of leveraging mobile apps to enhance gas delivery. Here are a few ways we can expect gas company apps to continue evolving:
Next-generation Route Optimization – More advanced algorithms will enable even smarter routing and scheduling for drivers.
Fleet Telematics Integration – Direct linkage of delivery truck telemetry data into the apps will help further streamline operations.
Home Automation Ties – Apps could integrate with smart home platforms, allowing automatic reordering when the tank hits a certain level.
Drone Deliveries – We may see autonomous drones handle gas deliveries to remote areas or supplement truck-based delivery.
At-the-pump Ordering – Customers could use apps to request a refill when they are already filling up at the gas station pump.
The possibilities are endless as apps and new technologies continue to intertwine with the gas business.
Fuelling the Future with Gas Delivery Apps
As mobile applications revolutionize industries, gas and propane delivery is one field ripe for optimization through app adoption. For customers, gas company apps provide unparalleled visibility and convenience. Drivers and back-office staff benefit from apps’ ability to streamline scheduling, routing, safety procedures and more.
Despite early growing pains, gas providers who embrace the change and commit to mobile app deployment stand to see huge dividends through improved customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and cost savings.
The technology exists today to build next-generation delivery apps tailored specifically for the gas industry. Together, we can fuel the future of gas delivery services. The road ahead looks bright and more connected thanks to the power of mobile apps.
Author Bio:- Hemang Trambadia
Hemang is a skilled digital marketing expert at Peerbits who has worked with a variety of businesses, from small startups to large corporations, helping them increase their online presence and drive more traffic to their websites. His expertise lies in search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (PPC), social media marketing, and email marketing. He is skilled at creating data-driven marketing campaigns that deliver results and is always up-to-date on the latest digital marketing trends and techniques. When he’s not working, Hemang enjoys watching movies and traveling.
