SMS Benchmarks for Logistics

Logistics teams rely on SMS to keep shipments moving and customers informed, so understanding current benchmarks is key to refining communication strategies and performance in this fast paced environment.

In this guide, we explore core SMS metrics that reveal how logistics brands connect with their audiences.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in logistics is typically around 25 to 35%, showing how often customers or partners reply to SMS messages.

Response rate captures the portion of delivered texts that receive a reply, found by dividing the number of responses by the total number of successfully delivered messages.

In logistics, this measure reflects how clearly and reliably dispatchers, drivers, warehouses, and recipients are communicating about pickups, delivery windows, delays, and confirmations.

When response rates hold steady at a strong level, teams can react faster to changing conditions, reduce missed connections, and keep shipments moving with fewer surprises.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate for logistics is typically around 0.4–0.8 percent, reflecting a moderate level of recipient churn in this operational environment.

Opt-out rate is the percentage of contacts who text STOP or otherwise remove themselves from your SMS list after receiving your messages.

It is calculated by dividing the total number of opt-outs by the total number of successfully delivered texts, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.

In logistics, this measure highlights how drivers, warehouse teams, partners, and customers react to dispatch notices, tracking alerts, and delivery updates.

A stable opt-out rate helps logistics operators refine timing, frequency, and relevance of messages so that communication supports smooth, predictable movement of goods.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in logistics is 14–22% and reflects how often recipients interact with tracked links in SMS messages.

A click-through rate shows the proportion of delivered texts that generate at least one tap on a monitored URL.

It is calculated by dividing the number of link clicks by the number of successfully delivered messages, then multiplying by 100.

In logistics, this metric indicates whether shippers, drivers, and customers consider message content useful for tasks like tracking freight, confirming delivery details, or updating instructions, helping teams make sure communication stays relevant and timely.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate in logistics is 1.5–2.5%, reflecting how many people follow through after receiving a message about tracking updates, delivery options, or service changes.

Conversion rate compares the number of completed actions such as confirmed deliveries, scheduled pickups, or signed contracts to the total SMS messages successfully delivered.

This percentage matters in logistics because it reveals whether communication is actually moving freight, parcels, and information in sync.

By watching conversion rate closely, operators can make sure their messaging supports route planning, reduces missed deliveries, and keeps supply chains flowing smoothly.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for logistics is 98–99%, a sign that almost every status update and alert reaches drivers, warehouses, and customers reliably.

This level of performance supports smooth routing, fewer missed drop offs, and clearer expectations across the entire supply chain.

Delivery rate in logistics is calculated by taking the number of messages successfully delivered and dividing it by all texts sent, excluding those that bounce due to wrong numbers or carrier filtering.

It matters because dispatchers, drivers, and recipients depend on accurate SMS to track shipments, confirm time windows, handle exceptions, and respond quickly when something goes off schedule.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, indicating that text messages in logistics are almost always viewed by the people who receive them.

An open rate describes the proportion of successfully delivered texts that recipients actually open and read.

It is figured out by taking the count of opened messages, dividing that by the total number of messages delivered, then multiplying the result by 100 to get a percentage.

This metric matters in logistics because alerts on dispatch timing, route changes, proof of delivery, and warehouse coordination must be seen quickly.

High open rates make sure time sensitive information reaches drivers, planners, and partners when decisions are being made.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read an SMS in logistics is 3 minutes.

Time to read describes how long it takes a dispatcher driver or warehouse manager to open and view a text once it is delivered to their device.

It is calculated by tracking the time gap between message delivery and the first open across many texts then averaging those results for a reliable benchmark.

This metric matters in logistics because quick reading affects route changes dock assignments delivery confirmations exception handling and coordination across partners so teams can make sure shipments keep moving with fewer delays.

Average Response Time

The average response time for logistics is 90 seconds, showing how quickly customers typically respond after a text message reaches their phone.

Response time is the span between when a text is delivered and when the first customer reply is recorded.

It is calculated by taking that time gap for every conversation and finding the average across all messages.

In logistics, response time matters because quick replies help coordinate pickups, delivery updates, and exception handling with fewer delays.

Faster responses also make sure drivers, dispatchers, and customers stay aligned when shipments change unexpectedly.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate is 1–2% in logistics, showing that only a very small portion of SMS status messages never make it through to recipients.

Bounce rate is calculated by dividing undelivered texts by the total number of messages sent, then converting that fraction into a percentage.

In logistics, this metric highlights how reliably dispatch notices, tracking links, and delivery confirmations reach drivers, warehouses, and customers.

A consistently low bounce rate signals accurate contact data, strong routing practices, and fewer communication gaps across the supply chain.

Why Are SMS Metrics Important?

Sms metrics play a crucial role for businesses in logistics because they show how well time sensitive updates reach shippers, drivers, and customers.

Whether sharing dispatch details, delivery windows, or delay alerts, strong sms performance helps make sure critical information is received when it matters most.

Metrics like delivery rate, open rate, and response rate reveal how engaged recipients are with operational messages.

Conversion and click through rates highlight how effectively texts prompt actions such as confirming pickups, updating addresses, or approving schedule changes.

By tracking these metrics, logistics companies can refine communication, reduce missed deliveries, and create smoother, more predictable supply chain experiences.

Overview of Logistics

The logistics industry relies on fast and accurate communication to keep goods moving smoothly across complex networks.

Customers expect real time visibility, quick updates, and clear responses when plans change or disruptions occur.

Internal teams and external partners also need reliable channels that cut through noise and help them coordinate without delay.

SMS meets these demands by providing immediate delivery, near universal reach, and engagement rates that far exceed email.

Messages are read quickly, which supports rapid decision making and helps prevent minor issues from escalating.

By using SMS, logistics providers make sure communication stays timely, transparent, and aligned with operational expectations.

This strengthens efficiency, reduces friction, and supports a more predictable customer experience.

SMS Use Cases in Logistics

SMS is valuable for logistics because it delivers immediate, high-open-rate updates that keep carriers, warehouses, and customers aligned.

It helps reduce dwell times, avoid missed handoffs, and speed decisions across the supply chain.

Dispatch and ETA texts with live links let drivers and receiving docks stage resources and make sure loading windows are met.

Proof-of-delivery texts collect signatures and photo evidence or capture damage flags via quick reply to speed claims.

Exception alerts notify shippers and recipients of delays or route changes and offer simple rebooking options to avoid failed deliveries.

Yard coordination texts send arrival codes and slot assignments to drivers to cut congestion and speed gate-to-gate moves.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Logistics

How can logistics companies use SMS to keep customers informed about deliveries?

Logistics teams can use SMS to update customers on shipment progress, estimated arrival windows, and any unexpected delays. This helps reduce inbound support calls and keeps recipients confident that their orders are being handled properly.

What role does SMS play in coordinating drivers and warehouse staff in logistics?

Dispatchers can send SMS instructions to drivers about route changes, pickup locations, and loading priorities in real time. Warehouse staff can also receive time-critical alerts so they can prepare shipments before trucks arrive.

How can logistics businesses use SMS to improve customer support interactions?

Customers can reply directly to SMS messages to confirm delivery details, provide gate codes, or reschedule drop-offs. This two-way communication helps resolve issues faster and reduces confusion for both drivers and recipients.

Why is SMS useful for handling exceptions and disruptions in logistics operations?

When weather, traffic, or operational issues disrupt normal routes, SMS lets logistics teams quickly notify affected customers and drivers. This rapid communication helps adjust expectations and coordinate alternative plans without lengthy phone calls.