The 6 Best Route Calculators for Delivery Teams

Find out how Circuit for Teams revolutionizes last-mile package delivery with live tracking, automatic customer notifications, and seamless integrations.

Ever felt like you're running in circles trying to get your deliveries done? Hey, I get it. 

As a business owner, you've got packages to move, places to be, and a tight schedule to stick to. But here's the good news: there are tools out there that can give you a hand. 

In this article, I'll walk you through some of the best route planning software options out there. Whether you're a solo courier, a growing business, or just someone planning a road trip, there's something here for you. 

We'll dive into the pros, cons, and who each tool is best for. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Key takeaways

• Circuit Route Planner is a versatile tool tailored for couriers, offering real-time updates and compatibility with popular map apps like Google Maps and Waze.
• Circuit for Teams is ideal for businesses managing multiple drivers, providing real-time tracking, route adjustments, and seamless integration with platforms like Shopify.
• Speedy Route is a straightforward route optimizer for both driving and running but lacks a mobile app for on-the-go adjustments.
• MapQuest is a long-standing route planner with the ability to avoid specific roads but limited to 26 stops, and may display ads during use.
• RouteXL is a simple interface for multi-stop route optimization, great for delivery drivers and road trippers, but might lack some advanced features of other tools.

1. Circuit Route Planner

If you're on the move and need a trusty sidekick to help you find the best route, Circuit Route Planner might be just what you're looking for. 

The pros: You can punch in a bunch of addresses and get an optimized route in just a few seconds. And the best part? It works with your favorite map apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. 

Plus, real-time updates and a hands-free voice entry keep you on the move without any hiccups or unscheduled stops.

The cons: Honestly, it's hard to find any when it comes to delivery tasks. But Circuit Route Planner is designed with solo couriers in mind, so stick around for the next section if you have a larger team.

Who’s it best for? 

Is Circuit Route Planner the right pick for your business needs? Let’s find out: 

• Individual delivery drivers and couriers. If you're out there delivering packages, Circuit Route Planner has your back. It's tailor-made for couriers, helping you get from one stop to the next in the quickest way possible.
• Small to medium-sized businesses. Circuit Route Planner is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses since it’s affordable, easy to use, and it can grow with your business. It’s perfect when you have limited resources and complex delivery tasks.
• Field service professionals. If you're visiting clients, fixing things, or making sales, Circuit Route Planner can help you plan your day efficiently. No more guessing or wasting time.
• Rideshare and taxi drivers. Even though its main focus is on deliveries, if you're a rideshare or taxi driver with multiple pickups and drop-offs, Circuit Route Planner can help by optimizing your routes and saving time.
• Travelers and road trippers. Planning a big trip? Circuit Route Planner can help you hit all your waypoints without any fuss.
• Event planners. If you're running around, checking out venues, or meeting suppliers, Circuit Route Planner can make sure you're taking the shortest distance every time.

So, if you're looking for a route planning software that's easy to use, works on both iPhone/iOS and Android, and keeps up with real-time changes, Circuit Route Planner might be your new go-to. Give it a try and see how it can make your day a whole lot smoother.

How Circuit Route Planner helps Sagar Khatri double his daily deliveries 

Sagar Khatri, a sub-contracted courier paid for each package he delivers, started using Circuit’s Route Planner mobile app to optimize delivery routes and lower his fuel costs. And Sagar quickly found he could deliver twice as many packages.

His work day starts as he loads his truck and adds delivery addresses to the Route Planner app. The app calculates the best route and shows him how long it will take. After adding an extra hour for potential delays, traffic, and longer stops, Sagar can then decide if he can add more packages to his route.

Sagar also organizes packages in his truck based on the delivery order of Circuit’s optimized route. He notes the physical details of each package in the app so he can identify it at the stop and loads the packages in order of delivery to save extra time.

Since he started using Circuit Route Planner, Sagar can now make around 50 deliveries in 4 hours. Without Circuit, the same number of stops took him almost 8 hours.

2. Circuit for Teams

Managing a team of drivers can be a handful, right? You've got packages to deliver, routes to plan, and drivers to keep track of. That's where Circuit for Teams steps in. 

More than a route planner, it puts a whole shipping command center right at your fingertips. Whether you're coordinating multiple drivers, keeping customers in the loop, or just trying to make sure everything runs smoothly, Circuit for Teams is here to help.

The pros: You can quickly set up the best routes for all your drivers, keep an eye on them in real time, and even adjust routes on the fly. And if you've got a long list of addresses? No worries. Just import them from Shopify, Excel, or wherever you have them. 

Plus, your drivers get optimized driving directions right on their phones, and they can use their favorite GPS app to get around. And with instant updates and a voice-activated entry option, your journeys will always be smooth and uninterrupted.

The cons: Again, we really don’t see any. Circuit for Teams is built for businesses like yours with delivery teams to manage.

Who’s it best for? 

Is Circuit for Teams the best option for you? If any of this sounds familiar, it just might be:

• Delivery businesses with multiple drivers. If you've got a team of drivers delivering packages all over town, Circuit for Teams is a game-changer. It helps you split up the work and make sure everyone's on the best route.
• Logistics and distribution companies. Got a bigger operation with lots of moving parts? Circuit for Teams can help you keep track of everything, making sure your deliveries are on point.
• Field service companies. If your business is more about services than packages — think plumbers, electricians, or repair folks — Circuit for Teams can help you manage your crew and make sure they're where they need to be.
• Retail chains offering delivery. If you've got multiple stores and offer delivery, Circuit for Teams can help you manage and optimize all those delivery routes.
• Management and supervisors. If you're the one in charge, Circuit for Teams gives you a bird's-eye view of everything. You can track your drivers, adjust routes, and make sure everything's running smoothly.

So, if you're looking to move your delivery game to the next level, give Circuit for Teams a try. It's designed to make your life easier, your drivers happier, and your customers satisfied.

How Circuit for Teams helps Burd Eggs save time and payroll costs

Zac Burd, of Melbourne-based free-range egg supplier Burd Eggs, initially started using Circuit’s individual route planner to optimize his drivers’ delivery routes and give accurate driving directions on their preferred GPS navigation app.

When orders from residential customers increased on the back of the COVID-19 lockdown, Zac spent more time fielding calls from direct customers wondering where their order was. He needed a solution that would calculate the best routes for several drivers at once and monitor them as they drove. That solution was an upgrade to Circuit for Teams.

Circuit’s route optimization has saved Zac roughly an hour per day on route planning. Calls from customers are down because recipient notifications mean their questions have been answered by Circuit. On top of this, each driver’s delivery route has been cut by an hour each day.

In total, Zac is saving around 30 hours per week in payroll by using Circuit for Teams.

3. Speedy Route

Looking for the best route planner to move your packages quickly? Speedy Route might just be your answer. Head to their website, set your starting point, add your waypoints, and hit “optimize route.” In real time, you'll get the quickest and most optimized route with all your stops.

The pros. Speedy Route is your go-to for the best and quickest routes. Whether you're calculating routes for driving or running, it's got you covered. And yes, you can even print out directions or view them on another device.

The cons. Here's the catch: while it offers top-notch route optimization, there's no mobile app for Android or iOS. So, if you're out and about, you might miss that real-time flexibility.

Who’s it best for? 

Sound like a good fit so far? See if any of this rings a bell to find out for sure:

• Travelers or road trippers. Planning a new route for an adventure? Whether it's an off-road escapade or a running route, Speedy Route can help. It's user-friendly and offers a clear elevation profile. But, without an Android or iOS app available in the app store, real-time changes might be a challenge.
• Business owners with multiple couriers. Need to redo your delivery routes? Speedy Route's functionality is top-notch. It can optimize routes based on how many couriers you have. But, if you're used to Google Maps or Garmin tools, this one might have a learning curve. It looks very different.
• Folks looking for short-term route planning. If you just need occasional route planning help, Speedy Route is a yes. They offer daily, weekly, or monthly subscriptions. But, if you're an Apple or Android fan, the lack of a mobile app might be a letdown.
• People with simple route planning needs. Speedy Route is pretty straightforward, giving you the best routes from sources like OpenStreetMap contributors. But, if you're after GPX exports or advanced features, you might want to look elsewhere.

4. My Route Online

My Route Online gives you optimal routes with real-time route calculations. Start by setting your starting point, add your waypoints, and let the magic happen.

The pros: Whether you're calculating routes for a delivery or planning a new route for a running adventure, MyRoute Online has your back. And if you're a Garmin fan, you'll be happy to know you can send your optimized routes straight there!

The cons: While it's fantastic at route optimization and offers route directions that can rival Google Maps, it's primarily a tool for route calculations. So, if you're hoping for elevation profiles, off-road shortcuts, or OpenStreetMap contributors' insights, keep scrolling.

Who’s it best for? 

Let’s see if you fit the bill for this option:

• Business owners with multiple couriers. Got couriers zooming around town? My Route Online lets you plan delivery routes that make the most sense. Send your routes to GPS, mobile, or even devices like Garmin. But, if you're used to Google Maps or Apple Maps, this might feel a tad different.
• Logistics and distribution companies. Moving packages is an art, and My Route Online helps you master it. With its route optimization functionality, you'll always know the best way to go. But, if you're after GPX exports or other fancy features, you might want to look elsewhere.
• Field service professionals. Out and about visiting clients? My Route Online can help you plan out your day. And with routes that can go straight to your phone or GPS, you're always on track. Just remember, it's all about those routes, so it can be a little light on other features.
• Travelers or road trippers. Planning a trip with lots of stops? My Route Online can help you figure out the best way to see it all, especially if you're using a Garmin for navigation. But, if you're just after a simple map, save your money — this might be more than you need. 

5. MapQuest

Remember MapQuest? It's been around for a while, helping folks like you find their way. 

Whether you're planning a road trip or figuring out the best route for your deliveries, it’s a handy tool. You can add up to 26 stops, decide if you want the shortest time or distance, and even dodge pesky toll roads or busy highways. But heads up, you might be annoyed by some ads popping up as you plan.

The pros: MapQuest has been giving driving directions long before many of the new kids on the block. Now, you can import stops from an Excel or CSV file, copy and paste them, or type them in one by one. It’ll even let you avoid ferries and certain roads you’re just not a fan of.

The cons: While it's a solid route planner, those ads can be a real downer. And if you've got more than 26 stops or need some specialized delivery features, this isn’t the tool for you.

Who’s it best for? 

This route planning tool might suit your needs if you check these boxes:

• Individual travelers or road trippers. If you're hitting the road for some fun, MapQuest can be a great roadie. It's been helping travelers for ages. But, if you're planning a mega trip with more than 26 stops, you might feel a bit limited.
• Small delivery drivers or teams. Got packages to deliver? MapQuest lets you plan out your route, and you can even avoid those roads that always slow you down. But, if you've got a long list of stops, you might hit that 26-stop ceiling.
• Business owners or professionals visiting a few clients. If you're hopping from one client to the next, MapQuest can help you get there. Just remember, it's a fairly basic tool, so some fancy business features might be missing.
• Everyday users needing directions. Just need to get from A to B? MapQuest has been helping folks do just that for years. But, if ads aren't your thing or you're after some advanced features, you might want to check out other options.

6. RouteXL

If you're juggling multiple stops and need a quick way to figure out the best route, RouteXL might be your new best friend. It's a super-simple interface designed to help you move from one place to the next in the quickest way possible. 

Whether you're delivering packages, visiting clients, or just trying to hit all the best spots on your road trip, RouteXL can get you on the fastest route.

The pros: RouteXL shines when it comes to multi-stop route optimization. Whether you're using Google Maps, Apple's map, or another tool, RouteXL can help you find shortcuts and the quickest path. It's like having a co-pilot who knows all the best routes.

The cons: While it's great for calculating routes, it might not have all the bells and whistles of other, more robust route planning software options. If you're looking for more advanced features or integrations, you might need to look somewhere else.

Who’s it best for? 

• Individual delivery drivers and small teams. If you're delivering packages or have a small team that needs to make multiple stops, RouteXL can help. But, if you're looking for more advanced tools or integrations, you might hit a roadblock.
• Business owners with multiple delivery vehicles. Got more than one vehicle on the road? RouteXL can help you optimize routes for all of them. But if you've got a big operation with complex needs, you might need something a bit more robust.
• Field service professionals. If you're out in the field visiting clients, making sales, or fixing things, RouteXL can help you get to each appointment on time.
• Travelers or road trippers. Planning a big trip? RouteXL can help you hit all your waypoints. But if you're just looking for a simple map to get from A to B, it’s gonna be overkill.

Which route calculator is right for you?

Route planning can feel like navigating through a maze, but as we've just explored, there are tools out there designed to make your journey smoother. From individual couriers to growing businesses, the right software can transform the way you operate. 

And while each tool has its strengths, Circuit for Teams truly stands out. It offers comprehensive features such as live tracking and route management, an easy-to-follow app interface, and automatic customer notifications. Plus, it lets you automatically import delivery data, optimize routes with custom stops, and integrate with your other platforms Shopify and Zapier.

The delivery business is competitive. You can’t just keep pace — you need to lead the charge. If you're ready to revolutionize your delivery game, give Circuit for Teams a try. The right routes can make all the difference.