SMS Benchmarks for Logistics and Supply Chain

Understanding SMS benchmarks helps logistics and supply chain teams refine communication, from shipment updates to partner coordination. This guide explores core SMS performance metrics that shape effective messaging strategies across complex networks.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in logistics and supply chain is typically around 25 to 35 percent, reflecting how often recipients reply to operational SMS updates.

Response rate is the proportion of contacts who answer a text, found by dividing replies by the number of successfully delivered messages.

In freight coordination, warehouse management, and last mile delivery, this metric reveals how well teams connect with drivers, suppliers, and customers about ETAs, exceptions, and slot bookings.

When response rates remain strong, status information is more complete and timely, which supports smoother flows and fewer avoidable bottlenecks across the network.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate is 0.5–1.0 percent, which is considered a moderate level for logistics and supply chain communication.

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

It is calculated by dividing the number of opt-outs by the number of successfully delivered messages, then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage.

In logistics and supply chain, this metric signals how customers and partners feel about shipment alerts, delivery windows, and status notifications.

Tracking opt-out rate helps teams fine tune message timing, frequency, and relevance so information flows smoothly across the entire network.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in logistics and supply chain is 14–22% and reflects how frequently contacts tap links inside SMS messages that share updates or service information.

Click-through rate expresses the portion of successfully delivered texts that generate at least one recorded visit to a tagged URL.

To work it out, divide the total number of tracked link clicks by the total number of messages delivered, then multiply the result by 100.

In logistics and supply chain, a strong click-through rate shows that recipients value content like shipment tracking, appointment confirmations, and status changes, guiding smarter communication and resource planning.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate for logistics and supply chain is 1.5–2.5%, reflecting how many recipients complete a specific outcome after receiving a message.

Conversion rate shows the share of people who act compared with everyone who got the communication.

It is calculated by dividing completed outcomes such as shipment bookings, portal sign ups or delivery confirmations by the total number of messages delivered.

This figure is vital in logistics and supply chain because it reveals how effectively communication supports capacity planning, on time deliveries and coordination across partners.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for logistics and supply chain is 98–99%, which means nearly every SMS update successfully reaches the intended recipient.

This level of reliability supports clear coordination between warehouses, carriers, and customers.

Delivery rate is calculated by taking the total number of messages that arrive on valid devices and dividing it by all attempted messages, excluding those that fail because of incorrect numbers or carrier filtering.

In logistics and supply chain, this metric is crucial because teams depend on dependable SMS for dispatch confirmations, route changes, customs notifications, delivery time windows, and incident alerts.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, which means text messages almost always get seen in logistics and supply chain.

This figure reflects how reliably drivers, warehouse teams, and partners are actually reading the information sent to them.

Open rate is the percentage of delivered messages that recipients open.

It is calculated by taking the number of opened texts, dividing by the total delivered texts, then multiplying that result by 100.

In logistics and supply chain, a strong open rate matters because routing changes, shipment alerts, and time critical updates must be read quickly to keep goods moving smoothly.

Average Time to Read

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

Time to read describes how long it takes recipients to open and view a message once it has been delivered to their device.

It is calculated by tracking the interval between delivery and first open across many communications, then averaging those results.

This metric is important in logistics and supply chain because delayed reading can slow dispatch decisions, truck routing, dock scheduling, shipment alerts, and exception handling.

When partners and teams read updates quickly, they can respond faster, cut confusion, and make sure goods keep moving on schedule.

Average Response Time

The average response time for logistics and supply chain is 90 seconds, which shows how quickly recipients usually respond after an SMS arrives.

Response time is the gap between when a text is successfully delivered and when the first reply is sent.

It is calculated by tracking that interval for every conversation and then finding the average across all messages.

In logistics and supply chain this metric is crucial because fast replies support timely dispatch updates, carrier coordination, and inventory adjustments.

A lower response time indicates that partners and teams are actively engaged, which helps make sure operations stay aligned and disruptions are handled quickly.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate is 1–2% in logistics and supply chain, which indicates that only a tiny portion of SMS updates never get through to recipients.

This small percentage points to reliable data quality and consistent message routing between partners, carriers, and warehouses.

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

In logistics and supply chain, this metric matters because dependable delivery underpins shipment tracking alerts, customs or compliance notifications, and coordination across complex distribution networks.

Why Are SMS Metrics Important?

SMS metrics matter deeply for businesses in logistics and supply chain because they show how clearly and quickly updates reach customers and partners.

From delivery alerts to pickup confirmations, reliable SMS performance keeps shipments visible and expectations aligned.

Tracking delivery rate, open rate, and response rate helps reveal how attentive recipients are and where messages might be getting lost.

Watching conversion and click through rates shows whether texts actually drive actions such as schedule changes, proof of delivery, or issue resolution.

By studying these numbers, companies make sure communication is sharper, delays are reduced, and operations run more smoothly.

Overview of Logistics and Supply Chain

The logistics and supply chain sector relies on precise, time critical communication to coordinate inventory, transportation, and delivery across multiple partners.

Information often needs to move faster than goods themselves, with teams and customers expecting real time updates, quick resolutions, and minimal disruption.

Traditional channels can be slow, fragmented, or overlooked, which increases the risk of delays, errors, and avoidable costs.

SMS offers immediate reach, very high open rates, and a direct path to the people responsible for keeping operations on track.

By keeping communication timely and reliable, SMS helps logistics and supply chain organizations maintain efficiency, protect service levels, and support a more transparent customer experience.

SMS Use Cases in Logistics and Supply Chain

SMS is valuable to logistics and supply chain because it delivers immediate, trackable messages to drivers, carriers, warehouse staff, and customers.

Short messages reduce phone tag and help make sure pickups, handoffs, and last-mile deliveries stay on schedule.

Send automated ETA updates and real-time tracking links to customers and consignees so recipients can plan unloading windows and avoid failed deliveries.

Notify carriers and drivers of dock appointment slots, gate codes, and late slot changes to cut wait times and improve yard throughput.

Push exception alerts for delays, route deviations, or damaged goods to operations and shippers with actionable steps and links to claim forms.

Deliver proof-of-delivery confirmations and links to signed PODs to streamline billing and speed payment cycles.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Logistics and Supply Chain

How can SMS improve delivery coordination in logistics and supply chain?

SMS helps drivers, warehouse teams, and customers stay aligned on delivery times and location details. It reduces confusion, cuts down on phone calls, and supports faster decisions when plans change.

What role does SMS play in managing supply chain disruptions?

SMS allows operations teams to quickly notify partners and customers about delays, route changes, or inventory issues. Fast, clear messages help everyone adapt and keep goods moving despite unexpected problems.

How can logistics companies use SMS to support drivers on the road?

Logistics companies can send SMS updates with route changes, pickup instructions, and safety alerts directly to drivers. This keeps drivers informed in real time and reduces the need to return calls while on the move.

Why is SMS useful for warehouse communication in logistics and supply chain?

SMS lets warehouse managers share urgent updates with staff, such as rush orders, priority pallets, or dock changes. It supports quick coordination between shifts and helps avoid bottlenecks during busy periods.