Mobile UI mockup showing shipping cost calculator, real-time shipment tracking, and order dashboard screens for a shipping app like Unship

How Much Does It Cost to Develop Shipping App Like Unship?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

In the era of global trade and e-commerce, reliable and user-friendly shipping apps have become a cornerstone of logistics operations. With the success of platforms like Unship, many businesses are now exploring the idea of launching their own shipping applications. But one of the most critical questions that arises early in the process is: how much does it cost to develop a shipping app like Unship?

This blog dives into the key cost factors, features, development stages, and market considerations associated with creating a robust shipping application. Whether you’re a startup, logistics company, or investor, this guide will give you a clear understanding of what it takes to bring a shipping app to life.

Why Develop a Shipping App?

Three mobile screens displaying a shipping app's key features: shipment overview with status counts, live delivery tracking with estimated arrival, and customer satisfaction analytics with ratings and chart.

Shipping apps streamline the end-to-end delivery process by offering features such as real-time tracking, automated dispatching, customer notifications, and payment integration. With more businesses shifting to digital platforms, there’s a growing demand for shipping solutions that are mobile, scalable, and user-friendly.

Creating a shipping app allows businesses to:

  • Improve operational efficiency
  • Enhance customer satisfaction
  • Monitor shipments in real-time
  • Reduce human error
  • Integrate with eCommerce platforms and ERP systems

The increasing reliance on apps like Unship underscores the market potential for new players who bring innovation and reliability to the logistics sector.

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Core Features of a Shipping App Like Unship

Three mobile screens showing core features of a shipping app: sign-in with email or Google, user role selection for admin, courier, or customer, and registration success confirmation.

Before diving into development costs, it’s important to understand what goes into a shipping app in terms of functionality. Here are some of the essential features:

 

1. User Registration and Authentication

    • Sign up via email, phone, or social accounts
    • Role-based access (admin, courier, customer)

Three mobile screens showing core shipping app features: address input with map integration, delivery preferences like same-day or scheduled, and a booking summary with estimated delivery time and package details.

2. Shipment Booking Module

    • Schedule pickup and delivery
    • Set delivery preferences (same-day, overnight, etc.)

Three mobile screens showing real-time shipment tracking, delivery status updates including in transit and out for pickup, and a countdown timer for estimated delivery time.

3. Real-Time Tracking

    • GPS integration for live location tracking
    • Estimated delivery time updates

Three mobile screens showing shipping app features: real-time delivery notifications, express delivery discount popup, and a delivery issue alert with support contact option.

4. Push Notifications & Alerts

    • Status updates (picked up, in transit, delivered)
    • Promotional messages and delivery issues

Three mobile screens showing payment workflow in a shipping app: selecting payment method, entering checkout details with shipping and tax, and final payment success confirmation.

5. Payment Gateway Integration

    • Multiple payment options (credit/debit cards, wallets, UPI)
    • Invoicing and transaction history

       

Three mobile screens displaying shipping rate calculator features including package weight and size input, distance-based delivery cost, and a cost comparison of standard, express, and same-day options.

6. Rate Calculator

    • Dynamic shipping cost estimates based on weight, distance, and delivery speed

Three mobile screens highlighting admin features of a shipping app: user management for couriers and customers, shipment performance analytics with delivery efficiency, and a revenue report with order, cancellation, and profit data.

7. Admin Dashboard

    • User management
    • Shipment tracking and analytics
    • Revenue reports

Three mobile screens showing customer support features in a shipping app: live chat assistance, new support ticket submission form, and a FAQ section with common shipment-related questions.

8. Customer Support Integration

    • In-app chat or call support
    • FAQ and ticketing system

Three mobile screens showcasing integration features in a shipping app: API integration with ERP, CRM, and logistics tools, automated workflows for order and shipment tracking, and an integration dashboard with toggles for webhooks and data logs.

9. API Integration

    • Sync with ERP, CRM, and third-party logistics tools
    • Enables seamless communication between different platforms for real-time data sharing
    • Facilitates automation of tasks like order import, shipment updates, and customer notifications

Three mobile screens displaying localization features in a shipping app: language selection with flags, a shipment summary screen showing delivery details, and currency selection options including USD, EUR, and INR.

10. Multi-language and Multi-currency Support

    • Essential for global scalability
    • Allows users to switch languages based on their region or preference
    • Supports real-time currency conversion for transparent pricing across geographies

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Technology Stack Options

Tech stack with React Native, Node.js, Django, AWS, REST APIs, MongoDB, and Stripe

The technology stack you choose will significantly impact your app’s performance, scalability, and development cost. Here are some recommended options:

  • Frontend (Mobile):
    • React Native
    • Flutter
    • Swift (iOS)
    • Kotlin (Android)
  • Backend:
    • Node.js
    • Django
    • Ruby on Rails
    • Laravel (PHP)
  • Database:
    • PostgreSQL
    • MongoDB
    • MySQL
  • Cloud & Hosting:
    • AWS
    • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
    • Microsoft Azure
  • APIs & Services:
    • Google Maps API
    • Twilio for SMS
    • Stripe, PayPal for payments
    • Firebase for real-time data and push notifications

Choosing the right stack depends on your business goals, budget, scalability requirements, and existing infrastructure.

 

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Development Process Overview

Three mobile screens showing app wireframes, deployment in progress, and currency selection UI as part of the development process.

Creating a shipping app involves several stages. Here’s a step-by-step outline:

  1. Market Research & Feasibility Analysis
    • Analyze competitors (like Unship)
    • Identify user pain points and expectations
  2. UI/UX Design
    • Wireframing and prototyping
    • Design of user-friendly and intuitive interfaces
  3. App Development (Front-end & Back-end)
    • Choose technology stack (e.g., React Native, Flutter, Node.js, Firebase)
    • Develop APIs and server infrastructure
  4. Quality Assurance and Testing
    • Functional, UI, and security testing
    • Cross-platform and performance testing
  5. Deployment & Launch
    • Release on the Android and iOS stores
    • Cloud setup and domain configuration
  6. Post-launch Maintenance & Updates
    • Monitor performance
    • Roll out bug fixes and new features

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Cost Breakdown by Component

Three mobile screens showing cost estimator sliders, project timeline by phases, and a billing dashboard with budget details.

The overall shipping app development cost depends on a variety of factors. Here is a detailed breakdown:

  1. UI/UX Design
    • Estimated Cost: $3,000 – $10,000
    • Factors: Number of screens, design complexity, animations
  2. Frontend & Backend Development
    • Estimated Cost: $20,000 – $60,000
    • Factors: Number of platforms (iOS, Android), tech stack, third-party integrations
  3. Admin Panel Development
    • Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $15,000
    • Factors: Analytics, user management, feature access controls
  4. API Integration & Third-party Services
    • Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $8,000
    • Examples: Payment gateways, map services, SMS & push notifications
  5. Testing & QA
    • Estimated Cost: $3,000 – $10,000
    • Includes: Functional, security, and load testing
  6. Deployment & DevOps
    • Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $5,000
    • Includes: App store fees, cloud services, CI/CD pipelines
  7. Maintenance & Updates
    • Estimated Ongoing Cost: $1,000 – $3,000 per month

Factors Influencing Shipping App Development Cost

Three mobile screens showing hourly rates by region, feature complexity sliders, and project scope with platform and key features.
  1. Location of Development Team
    • Developers in North America charge more compared to Eastern Europe or Asia.
  2. Choice of Platform
    • Developing for both iOS and Android increases costs.
  3. Technology Stack
    • More robust and secure stacks come at a premium.
  4. Complexity of Features
    • Real-time tracking and AI-based route optimization require advanced development.
  5. Time to Market
    • Expedited timelines mean higher costs due to team scaling.
  6. Design Requirements
    • Customized design elements or animations also add to the cost.

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How to Optimize Development Costs

Three mobile screens illustrating cost-saving strategies: starting with an MVP, outsourcing to skilled remote teams, and using cross-platform and open-source tools like Flutter and React Native.

Here are a few tips to manage your budget effectively:

  • Start with an MVP and add features over time.
  • Outsource to experienced but cost-effective regions.
  • Use open-source libraries where applicable.
  • Opt for cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native.
  • Prioritize must-have features in the first release.

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Tips to Keep Costs Under Control

Three mobile screens showing tips to reduce development costs, MVP feature toggles, and a comparison of project quotes from different companies.

Here are a few tips to manage your budget effectively:

  • Start with an MVP and add features over time.
  • Outsource to experienced but cost-effective regions.
  • Use open-source libraries where applicable.
  • Opt for cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native.
  • Prioritize must-have features in the first release.

Conclusion

Developing a shipping app like Unship requires thoughtful planning, the right technology, and a clear understanding of your budget. From market research to post-launch support, every stage involves investment not just in terms of money, but time and expertise as well.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to develop a shipping app like Unship, the answer lies in your app’s scope, features, and business strategy. By working with an experienced development partner and carefully prioritizing your app’s features, you can ensure a successful launch while keeping costs in check.

Have questions or ready to bring your shipping app idea to life? Contact us today SDLC CORP we’d love to hear from you.

FAQ's

How Long Does It Take to Build a Shipping App Like Unship?

The development timeline depends on the complexity and feature set. An MVP version typically takes 3 to 5 months, while a fully-featured app can take 6 to 12 months or more.

Yes, using templates or low-code/no-code tools can lower initial development costs. However, they might limit customization, scalability, and long-term performance for enterprise-level logistics apps.

 A typical team includes:

  • Project Manager
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Frontend & Backend Developers
  • QA/Test Engineer
  • DevOps Specialist
    Optionally, a Business Analyst and Marketing Specialist can add more strategic value.

Outsourcing can be more cost-effective and faster, especially if you choose a skilled team in regions like Eastern Europe, South Asia, or Latin America. In-house development offers tighter control but usually comes at a higher cost.

Some often-overlooked expenses include:

  • Third-party API licensing (maps, SMS, etc.)
  • Cloud hosting and storage fees
  • Ongoing maintenance and updates
  • App store publishing fees
  • Marketing and user acquisition costs
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