Mobile Computers for Transport & Logistics
Rugged handheld computers for depots, distribution centres, yards, vehicle operations, parcel networks and delivery teams.
Transport and logistics workers need to capture information wherever goods actually move – from goods-in and sorting through loading, dispatch, collection and final delivery.
Tek Direkt supplies professional Android mobile computers with integrated 1D/2D barcode scanning, Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity and enterprise applications from Zebra, Honeywell, Datalogic and other established mobility manufacturers.
Choose the device around where the worker operates, what needs to be scanned, scanning distance, ruggedness, battery requirements and whether Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connectivity is required.
Mobile Data Capture Across Transport & Logistics
Goods Receiving
Scan cartons, parcels, pallets and consignments as goods enter the operation.
Sorting
Identify items and interact with suitable sorting and routing applications.
Staging
Capture goods as they move towards loading, dispatch or onward distribution.
Vehicle Loading
Verify parcels, pallets or consignments as they are loaded onto the correct vehicle.
Yard Operations
Provide mobile access to suitable applications beyond the walls of the depot.
Collections
Scan consignments and capture information at collection locations.
Delivery
Combine barcode scanning with delivery applications, status updates and navigation.
Returns
Identify returned goods and complete appropriate reverse-logistics workflows.
From Depot to Delivery
The right mobile computer can stay with the worker as goods move through the logistics operation.
1
Receive
Scan incoming parcels, pallets and consignments.
2
Process
Sort, stage and update the appropriate logistics workflow.
3
Dispatch
Verify goods during loading and vehicle departure.
4
Deliver
Scan, confirm and record delivery at the destination.
Which Type of Logistics Mobile Computer Do You Need?
Depot Handheld
Rugged mobile computing for receiving, sorting, inventory and dispatch.
Look for: enterprise scanning, replaceable battery, Wi-Fi and rugged construction.
Yard & Loading Device
Ultra-rugged hardware for workers moving between buildings, loading bays, yards and vehicles.
Look for: ruggedness, outdoor readability, cellular connectivity and appropriate scan range.
Driver & Delivery Handheld
Touchscreen device combining scanning, 5G, GPS, camera and delivery applications.
Consider: Zebra TC58, TC78 or other cellular enterprise handhelds.
Scan-Intensive Device
Traditional rugged mobile computer for repetitive barcode capture and demanding depot operations.
Look for: physical keypad or pistol grip where appropriate, extended battery and advanced scan engines.
Quick Transport & Logistics Device Guide
| Operation | Device Type to Consider |
|---|---|
| Goods receiving | Rugged Wi-Fi mobile computer with integrated 1D/2D scanning |
| Parcel sorting | Fast enterprise handheld designed for repeated barcode capture |
| Warehouse / depot picking | Warehouse mobile computer with appropriate scan range and ergonomics |
| Loading bays | Rugged handheld with suitable Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity |
| Yard operations | Ultra-rugged cellular handheld with outdoor-capable display |
| Delivery drivers | 5G touchscreen mobile computer with scanning, camera, GPS and suitable applications |
| Proof of delivery | Cellular enterprise handheld capable of scanning, photographs and suitable signature workflows |
| Long-range pallet / rack scanning | Mobile computer with appropriate extended-range scan engine |
Mobile Computers Worth Considering
Zebra TC58
Connected transport & delivery
Touchscreen enterprise handheld with 5G connectivity for proof of delivery, parcel collection, route operations and mobile logistics.
TC53 / TC58 →Zebra TC78
Ultra-rugged logistics mobility
Designed for more demanding transport, yard and field environments where ruggedness and cellular connectivity are priorities.
TC73 / TC78 →Zebra TC501
Next-generation connected handheld
Modern enterprise platform with Wi-Fi 7 and 5G options for logistics, delivery and mobile workforce applications.
Zebra TC501 →Datalogic Memor 30 / 35
Enterprise logistics handheld
Rugged enterprise PDA family designed for retail, transportation, logistics and manufacturing workflows.
Datalogic Memor 30/35→Mobile Computers for Depots & Distribution Centres
Depot operations can involve intensive barcode scanning across receiving, sorting, staging, loading and returns.
Repeated Scanning
Dedicated enterprise scan engines are designed around operational barcode capture rather than relying solely on a device camera.
Rugged Construction
Choose protection appropriate to repeated handling, drops, dust and the actual working environment.
Shift Battery
Consider battery capacity, removable batteries and charging arrangements around real working shifts.
Accessories
Cradles, pistol grips, holsters and multi-slot chargers can materially affect the complete deployment.
Mobile Computers for Drivers & Delivery Teams
A driver's device needs to do considerably more than scan a parcel.
Barcode Scanning
Identify parcels, consignments, collections and other suitable logistics items.
5G Connectivity
Maintain access to suitable business applications when the worker moves beyond company Wi-Fi.
Camera
Capture appropriate delivery, condition or location photographs where required by the workflow.
GPS & Navigation
Support suitable route, location and navigation applications through device positioning capabilities.
Proof of Delivery
Electronic proof of delivery is a good example of why transport operations often need a mobile computer rather than a conventional barcode scanner.
1
Identify
Open the appropriate delivery or consignment record.
2
Scan
Capture the parcel or consignment barcode.
3
Confirm
Record appropriate delivery information, photograph or signature through the business application.
4
Update
Synchronise the delivery status with the organisation's system.
The mobile computer provides the hardware platform. Proof-of-delivery functionality depends on the software and systems deployed by the business.
Zebra TC58 for Transport & Mobile Operations
The Zebra TC58 is particularly relevant where workers need enterprise barcode scanning and applications while operating away from fixed Wi-Fi networks.
5G Connectivity
Suitable for connected transport, delivery and mobile workforce applications.
6-Inch Display
Large touchscreen for route, delivery, inventory and operational applications.
Enterprise Scanning
Integrated 1D/2D data capture for parcel and logistics workflows.
Camera
Supports suitable proof-of-condition, proof-of-delivery and operational image capture.
Zebra TC78 for Yards & Demanding Logistics
Where the working environment is more demanding, the Zebra TC78 moves into an ultra-rugged enterprise handheld platform while retaining cellular connectivity.
Transport
Connected mobile computing for wider logistics and transport workflows.
Yard Operations
Relevant where employees move between warehouses, loading areas, yards and vehicles.
Extended-Range Options
Appropriate scan-engine configurations can support applications requiring greater barcode working distance.
Ultra-Rugged
Designed for more demanding operational environments than lighter-duty enterprise handhelds.
Next-Generation Zebra Mobile Computing
Zebra TC501
A modern touchscreen enterprise handheld bridging facility-based mobile computing and connected field operations.
Available capabilities within the platform include Wi-Fi 7, 5G, enterprise scanning, GPS and modern wireless connectivity.
Explore Zebra TC501 →Zebra TC701
A next-generation ultra-rugged platform for demanding warehouse, logistics, yard, transport and industrial operations.
Particularly relevant where businesses want modern connectivity in a more rugged frontline device.
Explore Zebra TC701 →Mobile Computers for Yard Operations
Yard environments can create a very different hardware requirement from an indoor distribution centre.
Weather
Consider sealing and environmental protection around the actual outdoor conditions.
Screen Visibility
Outdoor workers need a display suitable for the lighting conditions in which the device will actually be used.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi coverage may not extend reliably across large yards, making cellular connectivity useful in suitable deployments.
Scan Distance
Pallet, rack, vehicle and location labels may require different working distances from parcel scanning.
Wi-Fi or 5G?
Wi-Fi Mobile Computer
Often appropriate where the device remains inside a depot, warehouse or distribution centre with suitable wireless coverage.
Good for: receiving, sorting, picking, inventory and indoor dispatch operations.
Cellular Mobile Computer
Useful where workers move outside the organisation's Wi-Fi network and still require access to applications and data.
Good for: drivers, delivery, collections, yards, transport and wider field operations.
Don't pay for cellular automatically. If the device genuinely never leaves a well-covered depot, a Wi-Fi configuration may be sufficient.
Barcode Scanning for Logistics
Parcel Labels
Capture 1D and 2D identifiers used throughout parcel and consignment workflows.
Cartons
Scan product, shipment and logistics identifiers during receiving and dispatch.
Pallets
Choose appropriate scan range where pallet labels cannot always be approached closely.
Location Labels
Capture depot, warehouse and staging-location identifiers as part of operational workflows.
Standard or Extended-Range Scanning?
Standard Range
Suitable where workers normally scan parcels, cartons and labels from conventional handheld distances.
Typical applications: receiving, parcel sorting, delivery and close-range inventory.
Extended Range
Useful where suitable barcodes need to be captured from greater distances.
Typical applications: pallet locations, higher racking, yards and selected loading operations.
Real-world read distance depends on the scan engine, barcode size, symbology, print quality, angle, lighting and environment.
Touchscreen or Keypad?
Touchscreen
Works well for graphical applications, route information, photographs, signatures and modern Android workflows.
Good for: drivers, delivery, field logistics, yard applications and general touchscreen-led operations.
Physical Keypad
Can remain useful for repetitive numeric or structured data entry and scan-intensive warehouse or depot operations.
Good for: intensive distribution, warehouse and structured data-entry workflows.
How Rugged Does the Device Need to Be?
Transport and logistics equipment can experience repeated handling, drops, dust, vibration and changing environments.
Drop Rating
Compare the manufacturer's stated drop specification against the real working environment.
IP Rating
Consider protection against dust and moisture where devices are used in demanding or outdoor locations.
Temperature
Check operating-temperature specifications for outdoor, yard and vehicle environments.
Accessories
Protective boots and appropriate carrying accessories can add further protection to suitable devices.
Battery & Charging for Logistics Operations
A powerful mobile computer is little use if the battery strategy does not match the working shift.
Replaceable Batteries
Useful where devices operate across long or multiple shifts.
Multi-Slot Charging
Charge multiple devices or batteries at a central depot location.
Vehicle Charging
Consider suitable vehicle charging for driver and mobile-worker deployments.
Spare Batteries
Can reduce device downtime in high-intensity operations where supported by the chosen hardware.
Accessories for Transport & Logistics
Charging Cradles
Single and multi-device charging for depots and distribution centres.
Vehicle Cradles
Secure compatible devices in suitable vehicle-based deployments.
Pistol Grips
Improve ergonomics for repeated barcode capture on compatible handhelds.
Holsters & Straps
Keep devices accessible while allowing workers to handle parcels and other goods.
Mobile Computer or Barcode Scanner?
Choose a Barcode Scanner When...
The worker simply needs to capture barcode data and send it to a nearby computer, terminal or other host.
Typical examples: fixed dispatch station, packing bench or workstation.
Logistics Barcode Scanners →Choose a Mobile Computer When...
The worker needs to scan and interact with applications while moving around the depot, yard, vehicle route or customer location.
Typical examples: parcel processing, loading, proof of delivery, collections and yard operations.
Warehouse or Transport Mobile Computer?
Warehouse & Distribution
Wi-Fi, extended-range scanning, physical keypads, pistol grips and high-capacity batteries may be priorities for intensive facility-based operations.
Warehouse Mobile Computers →Transport & Delivery
5G, GPS, cameras, large touchscreens and mobile applications become increasingly important as workers leave the facility.
Mobile Computing & Logistics Printing
Data capture often works alongside barcode and label printing.
Shipping Labels
Identify cartons, parcels and consignments for onward movement.
Pallet Labels
Produce suitable logistics and warehouse identification for palletised goods.
Mobile Printing
Produce suitable labels or documents closer to the point where the work takes place.
Warehouse Printing
Use desktop or industrial label printers where labels are produced from fixed packing and dispatch locations.
Warehouse Label Printers →Transport & Logistics Mobile Computer Brands
Zebra
Enterprise touchscreen, rugged and ultra-rugged mobile computers for warehouses, transport, delivery, yards and field operations.
Explore Zebra →Honeywell
Mobile computers covering connected frontline work through to demanding distribution-centre, warehouse and yard applications.
Explore Honeywell →Datalogic
Enterprise mobile computing for transportation, logistics, manufacturing and wider operational data capture.
Explore Datalogic →How to Choose a Mobile Computer for Transport & Logistics
1. Where Is It Used?
Depot, warehouse, loading bay, yard, vehicle, customer location or several of these?
2. What Is Scanned?
Parcels, cartons, pallets, locations, assets or a mixture?
3. At What Distance?
Standard handheld scanning or extended-range pallet and location capture?
4. Wi-Fi or 5G?
Will workers remain within business Wi-Fi or move into yards, vehicles and delivery locations?
5. How Rugged?
Consider realistic drops, dust, moisture, vibration and temperature.
6. Touch or Keypad?
Choose around the applications, scanning intensity and data-entry requirements.
7. How Long Is the Shift?
Consider battery capacity, spare batteries and charging opportunities.
8. Which Accessories?
Include cradles, chargers, vehicle mounts, holsters and trigger handles in the deployment plan.
Why the Exact Mobile Computer MPN Matters
Two devices carrying the same family name can have substantially different capabilities.
Scan Engine
Standard and extended-range configurations may use different MPNs.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi-only and 4G/5G configurations can differ within the same family.
Memory
RAM and storage can vary between otherwise similar-looking devices.
Configuration
Battery, keypad, camera, RFID and other capabilities can vary by exact model.
Already know the device you need? Send the complete manufacturer part number and quantity so we can price the exact configuration.
Transport & Logistics Mobile Computer FAQs
What is a logistics mobile computer?
An enterprise handheld that combines barcode scanning, a display, operating system, wireless connectivity and business applications in one portable device.
What can mobile computers be used for in logistics?
Applications can include receiving, sorting, parcel scanning, loading, dispatch, yard operations, collections, delivery, returns and asset tracking.
Do delivery drivers need 5G?
Cellular connectivity is useful where drivers need access to applications and data beyond company Wi-Fi. The exact requirement depends on the organisation's software and workflow.
Can a mobile computer be used for proof of delivery?
Yes. Suitable devices can provide the scanning, touchscreen, camera and connectivity required by proof-of-delivery applications. The actual workflow is provided by the software.
Do I need extended-range scanning?
Usually only where workers need to capture suitable pallet, rack or location barcodes from greater distances. Parcel and delivery scanning is normally a closer-range workflow.
Touchscreen or keypad for logistics?
Touchscreens work well for modern graphical applications, delivery and field workflows. Physical keypads can remain useful for repetitive structured data entry and intensive warehouse operations.
Can a mobile computer replace a barcode scanner?
It can where the worker needs both scanning and mobile access to applications. A conventional scanner may still be more appropriate at a fixed workstation.
Can Tek Direkt quote an existing mobile computer?
Yes. Send the complete manufacturer part number and quantity. If you already have another supplier quote, send the same MPN and quantity for another price to compare.
Transport & Logistics Technology from Tek Direkt
Mobile Computers
Enterprise handhelds for depot, yard, transport and delivery operations.
Barcode Scanners
Handheld, cordless, rugged and extended-range scanners for fixed and mobile logistics workflows.
Label Printing
Desktop, industrial and mobile printers for parcel, shipping, pallet and logistics identification.
Leading Brands
Zebra, Honeywell, Datalogic and other professional data-capture manufacturers.
Need Mobile Computers for Transport & Logistics?
Tell us where the devices will be used, what needs to be scanned, whether you need Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity and how many devices you require.
If you've already selected the hardware, send the manufacturer part numbers and quantities and we'll price the exact configurations.
Already have another supplier quote? Send the same MPNs and quantities and we'll give you another price to compare.
No calls. No meetings. No messing about. Just straightforward hardware and a price.