Ultimate Guide to Route Planning
Route planning is the easiest and quickest way for last-mile delivery businesses to cut costs and create efficient routes.
Delivery Operations 101
Route Efficiency
Free vs Paid
Types of route planning
Find out how route planning technology can make your operations more efficient
Route planning can help delivery professionals save time and stress, making work easier. Find out how route planning technology works and discover top products.
If you’re in the delivery business, a route planner can help you save time and make your job easier. Circuit for Teams checks all the boxes for a great route planning software.
If you’re a delivery driver, you know how important it is to hustle.
Getting deliveries done fast keeps your customers satisfied and your bosses happy. Plus, it means you get to finish your workday and kick back on the couch — or pick up more jobs to make some extra money, depending on your preference!
Looking for a way to get through your days even faster?
Route planning is the answer.
Delivery pros use this technology to figure out the fastest and easiest way of transporting goods. Good route planning focuses on delivering packages fast and in the most cost-effective way possible.
For example, you might plan routes based on location, putting stops that are in the same neighborhood together.
This way, you can target all stops in one area at once — instead of having to complete stop No. 1 in neighborhood A, stop No. 2 in neighborhood B across town, and then stop No. 3 back across town in neighborhood A again!
This kind of route planning saves time since you’re not backtracking. This means less wasted time, giving you more hours in the day to spend however you’d like.
It can also help save your hard-earned cash by cutting fuel expenses.
While route planning is definitely useful, it can be time-consuming.
And it can be hard to adjust your routes in real time once you’re on the road. Plus, you might not be aware of things like traffic jams or construction, which can lead to delays — keeping you working even later.
Like pretty much everything else these days, there’s an app to help.
Smart delivery drivers rely on route planning software like Circuit Route Planner to figure out the most cost-efficient and fastest routes.
Route planning apps update routes based on real-world situations, like construction blocking a road.
Plus, these apps often come with additional features like delivery time windows, proof of delivery, and driver tracking.
Best of all, a lot of route planning tools are free, so you can put the money you make as a delivery driver toward more fun things.
This article explains what to look for in a route planning tool and highlights the best free and paid route planners.
We discuss dome of the advantages of effective route planning
Before we dive into the good stuff and start recommending apps, it’s helpful to understand why you should bother with a route planning app as a delivery driver.
After all, you probably have loads of apps cluttering your phone — do you really need one more?
Here are some advantages of effective route planning:
Save time: The main purpose of route planning is to map out a sequence of delivery stops that is both practical and fast. Route planning saves driving time, helping you avoid time-wasters like doubling back to make stops. Some route planners also link up to mapping tools like Google Maps to get up-to-date data on traffic conditions. This increases efficiency by helping you avoid hurdles like traffic jams.
Make more money: If you’re paid on a per-delivery basis, being able to make your deliveries faster means you can make more in less time. This allows you to net more cash with each shift. Maximizing deliveries can also be valuable if you get cash tips for your work. More deliveries = more opportunities to get a tip!
Reduce expenses: Route planning can help you reduce overhead costs by creating faster delivery routes. For example, a route planner can help cut fuel costs by helping you avoid needless miles and roadblocks like traffic jams. Reducing vehicle mileage can also reduce wear and tear on your delivery vehicle in the long term, helping keep maintenance costs low. This is a big plus if you use your own car for deliveries.
Better customer experience: Route planners don’t just make life easier for delivery drivers. They can also enhance the customer experience. For example, real-time tracking makes it possible to set delivery time windows and ETAs for package deliveries, so your customers know exactly when to expect their goods. This can boost customer satisfaction. If you’re employed, your boss will be happy too!
A route planner organizes deliveries in a way that makes the most sense, prioritizing efficiency.
But how does the technology work?
First, you have to download a route planning app. You then add the delivery addresses you need to hit.
The route planner then uses an algorithm and map data to organize the delivery addresses in a logical sequence, with the goal of saving time and effort.
The best route planning tools allow you to add or delete stops as needed, and the technology then reoptimizes the route based on each stop addition or deletion.
That said, a route planner doesn’t just consider delivery stop locations on a map. Route planning technology considers many factors to prioritize efficiency.
Find out what they are below.
You might think you can simply look at your delivery stops on a map and create your own fast routes based on geographic area.
However, route planners take into account more than each stop’s physical location.
Route planners also use up to date mapping data and road conditions to help avoid hurdles like dense traffic areas and construction.
They don’t just pick the shortest route based on distance alone.
A route planner takes into account details like speed limits, helping you avoid routes likely to slow you down. One-way streets are another possible time-waster that a route planner considers when charting a driving path.
Finally, you can prioritize stops according to special needs.
For example, if a package needs to be delivered fast (for instance, within 24 hours), you can mark it as “priority” and the route planner will make sure to prioritize the stop.
Some route planners also have cool features like proof of delivery, a package finder, delivery notes, and delivery time windows.
Above, we discussed how route planning can benefit you as a delivery driver.
Here, we explain some key benefits of a route planning apps. With these tools, you can:
Plan routes quickly: Creating routes manually using tools like GPS is really time-consuming. Route planning software speeds up the process, relying on algorithms to quickly map out the fastest order of stops. All you have to do is upload the delivery addresses that need to be covered.
Prioritize important deliveries: Sometimes, a package needs speedy delivery — for example, if a customer paid for overnight shipping. Route planners can mark priority packages and make sure they’re placed first in the delivery lineup, reducing the risk of delays.
Add delivery time windows: Real-time tracking makes it easy to set delivery time windows, giving customers an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for their packages. This makes life more convenient for you and your customers. For example, if a package needs a customer’s signature, it’s helpful if they know when they should be home to sign.
Get proof of delivery: Some route planning apps offer proof of delivery. This could involve recording a customer’s digital signature or taking a photo of the delivered package. Having proof protects your liability and can clarify any questions the customer has.
Send customers notifications: Customers appreciate transparency when it comes to their packages. Getting notifications about when they can expect their packages, potential delays, or a successful delivery can bring customers peace of mind, keeping them happy.
All of these perks add up to easier workdays that are less stressful and more streamlined. Plus, greater efficiency means less wasted time.
And isn’t that what everybody wants?
There are many route planners on the market.
Needless to say, they aren’t all created equally.
There is no one best route planner. The right route planner for you depends on your unique needs.
So, what should you consider when picking a route planner?
First, there’s capacity. How many packages do you deliver in a day?
Some tools only offer free route planning for a certain number of routes with a set number of stops. These free apps usually let you upgrade to include more drivers, routes, and stops.
Next, it’s important to consider the purpose.
Some route planners are created for specific industries. For example, a route planner that’s targeted at long-haul truckers will consider things like highway tolls and bridge clearances when planning routes for big trucks.
While this is essential for a trucker, it’s not usually needed for last-mile delivery.
Beyond size and scope, it’s up to you to determine your needs and wants. For example, you may want additional perks.
Do you want to protect your personal liability with an integrated proof-of-delivery function?
Do you want to save time digging for packages in your delivery vehicle with a package finder feature?
Is it important to be able to give customers real-time alerts and delivery time windows or ETAs?
Could you benefit from being able to market priority packages?
There are also technical points to consider, such as compatibility with your current mobile phone.
Plus, you want to make sure that whatever tool you use is OKed by your employer. If they have their own route planning tool, they may not want you turning to a third-party app.
The benefits of free and paid route planning apps
You don’t have to pay big bucks to benefit from route planning. Here are some of the best free tools for mapping the quickest routes.
Our app, Circuit Route Planner, is a handy mobile app for iOS and Android that caters to the most important person in last-mile delivery: the driver (that’s you!).
It does this by optimizing for the shortest and fastest routes and even monitors your routes, so you can see everything at a glance.
You can plan up to 10 stops for free.
Access optimized routes in the palm of your hands and get the best routes data by using Circuit with popular mapping tools like Waze and Google Maps.
And if you have an Android device, you can upload a CSV file to add your addresses all at once.
There’s also no tricky contract to deal with.
We even offer a Premium plan if you need more stops (so there’s really no limit to how many stops you can make).
In fact, you can use the Circuit app to optimize up to 500 stops in minutes! Talk about a busy day.
Plus, with features like a fast package finder (no more scrambling around your vehicle), delivery time windows, and proof of delivery, you’ll be home before you know it.
You pay monthly (or pay annually to save money) and can cancel at any time. It’s rated five stars by over 5,000 drivers.
Pros:
Hands-free functionality
Add and delete stops while on the go
Perks like proof of delivery, ETA, and a fast package finder
Cons:
Free version only allows you to optimize routes with up to 10 stops
Needs regular updates for best functionality
No master search bar option
Google Maps is a basic mapping tool you can use to plan optimized routes, adding a starting point plus nine other waypoints for drop-offs.
Street view can also be useful for those stops where you’re just struggling to find an entry. (Who designed these streets anyway?)
However, Google Maps isn’t a routing tool created with delivery driving in mind. It’s better suited for simple tasks, like planning a road trip.
You can use Google’s My Maps if you need to add more stops, though the process can be pretty complicated. You’ll also still have to plan the route yourself, and there’s no guarantee that it will be the most efficient route.
It also doesn’t offer potential perks like a fast package finder to notify you where each package is in your vehicle before you get to the stop.
Pros:
Real-time map updates based on satellite and GPS details
Includes traffic issues like construction and traffic jams
Mobile app available
Cons:
Not made for delivery drivers
Limited offline functionality
Restricts the number of stops you can add
Speedy Route offers a free option that offers route optimization for up to 10 stops. The program guides you through each location and then takes you back to the start, showing you the shortest and quickest route.
It also offers directions between stops.
Although you can get more stops with the paid version, it doesn’t have useful features like a package finder or proof-of-delivery capability.
Speedy Route has a straightforward and simple interface but has some challenges with usability. For example, you have to add addresses manually.
And you’ll get hit with the subscription service if you have more than 10 stops or are planning over three routes.
Pros:
User-friendly interface
Multi-stop route optimization
Scalable model with varied pricing tiers
Cons:
Can be slow at peak hours (7-9 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.)
No option for upgrades like package finder
Have to enter addresses manually
You’ll get more advanced technology, additional routes, and extra features if you’re willing to invest in a route planner.
*For the purposes of our comparison, we’re highlighting features and pricing for individual drivers, not options for teams.
The Upper route planner is easy to use — just add your delivery addresses and the tool automates your route optimization.
It also works with popular GPS apps like Google Maps.
You can even save regularly repeated routes, cutting down on time and effort in the future since you won’t have to reenter stops.
You can add multiple stops per route and even include special instructions (such as priority stops).
Upper also allows you to change settings like your driving preferences, service time, and vehicle type. If you use a nonstandard vehicle, like a large truck, being able to designate vehicle type is useful.
For example, you’ll be able to avoid routes that take you under bridges with low clearance.
Pros:
Straightforward to use
Multiple stops can be added
Faster than manual route planning
Cons:
Bugs can result in freezing and incorrect driving directions
Doesn’t support route capacity or driver workload optimization
Multiple plans can make it hard to choose
Route4Me is a comprehensive route planner that allows you to quickly create routes by uploading delivery addresses in bulk.
You could hypothetically add thousands of stops and get an optimized route listing .
It also offers an integrated platform for dispatchers to plan out routes for drivers. The platform has telematics integration, which means it can also be used to monitor vehicles in real time.
This makes it more ideal for businesses than individual drivers.
You can also save routes with this tool, saving time in the future.
Dynamic routing also makes it easy to change routes, adding and deleting stops as needed.
Pros:
Seamless integration with GPS apps
User-friendly and reliable
You can plan multiple routes
Cons:
Extracting large amounts of data for historical reviews is challenging
Seems to be buggy when used with Android devices
Bugs can result in missed stops
Road Warrior offers multi-stop route optimization that takes everything from speed limits to construction sites into account.
The free version only offers up to eight stops, so you’ll have to pay if you need more.
Routes are pretty flexible and can be adjusted based on personal preferences, like whether you want the fastest versus shortest route, want to avoid tolls, and more.
And rather than proof of delivery, it has a “Check In” option that records when you arrive and marks that stop as complete.
Route Warrior is available in several countries, like Italy, Sweden, and South Africa — making it ideal for international drivers.
The app also has some great integrations, such as FedEx.
Pros:
Simple to set up
Versatile routing preferences
Useful integrations like FedEx (so you can import your FedEx manifests)
Cons:
Route optimization updates can be delayed
Adding notes to stops is time-consuming
Bugs include disappearing buttons
OptimoRoute is a driver tool that goes well beyond route planning.
This tool also includes perks like real-time order tracking and route modification, ETA notifications, and proof of delivery.
It’s also possible to get feedback from customers.
The all-in-one tool is also lightweight and doesn’t need a lot of data, so you can use it even if you have a small data plan.
Pros:
User-friendly app is fast to download and compatible with iOS and Android
Various API integrations available
Get analytics to improve your workflow
Cons:
Doesn’t function well in rural areas
Mapping integration isn’t always up to date, resulting in GPS flaws
Last-minute route changes experience lag time
RouteXL is a straightforward and simple routing tool made for desktop use.
To use it, just add an address, click the “Search” button, and plan your optimized routes.
There is a free version, but you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan if you want more than 20 stops per route.
RouteXL doesn’t have an app, which is a real drawback.
You have to optimize your routes on a computer and then print out the instructions to take on the road.
And you can’t update routes in real time meaning you’re vulnerable to changes in traffic, or other hazards on the road causing delays.
There are also no perks like proof of delivery.
Pros:
Clear interface and easy to use
Capable of accommodating multiple destinations
Easy to import many addresses with spreadsheets
Cons:
No app functionality
Lacks perks like proof of delivery and delivery windows
No real-time updates or tracking
Success in last-mile delivery hinges on speed, accuracy, and adaptability. This guide offers practical tips and strategic recommendations to enhance your delivery operations, boosting both driver productivity and customer satisfaction.
Key Strategies for Streamlined Delivery Execution
Invest in Pre-Route Planning: Meticulous preparation is essential. Take a few minutes to meticulously verify that you have the correct parcels for your designated route.
Embrace Technology: Route optimization apps like Circuit are invaluable. Features like optimized routing, real-time tracking, and smart package location save substantial time.
Be Proactive at Delivery Attempts: If a customer is unresponsive, promptly follow company protocol to return the package and maintain your schedule.
Building Strong Delivery Habits
The following habits form the foundation of a well-executed route:
Loading Verification: Collaborate with depot staff to ensure you have the correct packages and manifest.
Organized Vehicle: Systematically organize your vehicle using tools like Circuit's Fast Package Finder. This reduces search times for each delivery stop.
Route Evaluation: Critically analyze your suggested route. Utilize Circuit's route optimization to customize for factors like timed deliveries or business hours to minimize backtracking.
Address Precision: Before leaving your vehicle, take a moment to double-check the address. This eliminates costly mis deliveries.
Customer Communication (Optional): If available, use a feature that allows customers to specify preferred delivery windows, reducing unnecessary wait times.
Additional Tips for Efficiency
Communicate Expectations: Clearly communicate with dispatch about your assigned route and any specific delivery requirements.
Adaptive Routing: Utilize apps like Circuit that offer live updates and route adjustments, allowing you to respond dynamically to unexpected delays.
Conclusion
By combining careful planning, powerful technological tools, and meticulous execution, you'll consistently complete routes with improved speed and accuracy. These practices translate into higher earnings potential, reduced fuel expenses, and greater customer satisfaction.
Find out when is the right time to upgrade to paid route planning software
For businesses heavily reliant on delivery or service routes, the transition from free to paid route planning software is not merely a luxury but a necessity. Free route planners, while useful for small-scale operations, fall short when it comes to handling complex logistical demands. Here’s why upgrading to a paid route planning software is crucial for businesses looking to optimize efficiency and drive growth.
Limitations of Free Route Planners
Free route planners often come with significant limitations that can hamper business efficiency. Most free applications restrict the number of stops per route, usually capping it at around 10 to 20 stops. This limitation can become a significant bottleneck for businesses with more extensive delivery requirements. Furthermore, free tools typically do not support multiple vehicles, making them unsuitable for larger operations.
Solo delivery drivers might find mobile apps for delivery routes beneficial, but even these options require payment to unlock full features. Essentially, as your business grows and the complexity of your operations increases, the constraints of free route planners will likely start to outweigh their benefits.
Indicators to Upgrade to a Paid Route Planning App
Efficiency Demands: When you need to enhance route efficiency, paid software offers advanced optimization algorithms that can handle complex routing scenarios effortlessly.
Multiple Vehicles: Managing more than one vehicle necessitates a robust system that free planners can't support.
High Volume Stops: Exceeding 20 stops daily requires sophisticated planning to avoid inefficiencies.
Time-Consuming Planning: If route planning consumes a significant amount of time, paid software can reduce this task from hours to minutes.
Fuel Cost Reduction: Optimized routes reduce travel distances and fuel consumption, directly impacting your bottom line.
Stress Reduction: Paid software simplifies the planning process, reducing stress and potential errors.
Avoiding Additional Costs: Efficient route planning software can help avoid the need for hiring extra drivers or purchasing additional vehicles by maximizing the use of current resources.
By investing in professional route planning software, businesses can save hours of manual planning weekly, translating to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
Benefits of Professional Route Planning Software
Route Optimization
As delivery or service stops increase, routes become more complex. Without effective route optimization, planning can become a time-intensive process. Paid route planning software employs sophisticated algorithms to streamline route creation, cutting planning time from hours to minutes. This efficiency allows businesses to reallocate resources to other critical areas, enhancing overall productivity.
Improved Delivery Experience
Customer satisfaction hinges on reliable delivery times. Many companies struggle to provide precise delivery windows, often resulting in vague commitments like "arriving on Tuesday." Advanced route planning software enables businesses to offer specific delivery time windows and keep customers informed about their delivery status in real-time, enhancing the overall delivery experience and customer satisfaction.
Mobile Driver Apps
Effective route planning is only part of the equation. Ensuring that drivers have the necessary tools to execute these plans is equally crucial. Mobile driver apps provided by paid software offer features such as accurate Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs), integration with popular navigation apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze), and detailed driving directions. Additionally, these apps often include functionality for collecting proof of delivery, a feature typically absent in free software, thus providing a comprehensive solution for delivery management.
Free Route Planners for Startups
While free route planners are beneficial for startups, especially those with a single driver and a limited number of stops, they are best seen as a temporary solution. As the business scales, the need for a more robust, feature-rich route planning tool becomes evident. Paid route planning software provides the necessary tools to handle increased complexity and ensure sustained growth and efficiency.
No, there are many different types of route planning, we explain the most common ones below
Businesses can significantly enhance their services by using route optimization software. This software helps in creating efficient routes, saving time, reducing costs, and improving overall service quality. Here are several ways businesses can leverage different types of route planning to achieve these benefits:
1. Dynamic Route Planning
Dynamic route planning adjusts for real-world conditions like traffic and weather. By considering these variables, businesses can create routes that adapt to changes after each delivery. This flexibility allows for the reassignment of delivery vehicles as needed, ensuring timely and efficient service.
2. Multi-stop Route Planning
Multi-stop route planning is essential for businesses with numerous delivery stops. This method calculates the best routes for the maximum number of stops a driver can handle in one trip, optimizing the delivery schedule and ensuring accurate estimated times of arrival. This helps businesses deliver more efficiently and meet customer expectations.
3. Open Path Routing
Open path routing is ideal for reaching the most stops in the shortest time. Although it does not consider the endpoint's location relative to the depot, it is beneficial for businesses focused on maximizing delivery coverage quickly. However, careful planning is required to manage the return journey costs.
4. Closed Path Routing
Closed path routing creates a U-shaped route that brings vehicles back to the starting depot efficiently. This type of routing ensures that the final stop is near the depot, making the return journey shorter and more cost-effective. It may take slightly longer to complete, but it is strategically designed to minimize return trip expenses.
5. Reverse Open Path Routing
Reverse open path routing starts from the farthest stop and works back to the depot. This approach is advantageous for heavy-loaded vehicles, enhancing fuel efficiency and ensuring quicker returns to the depot. It reduces the chances of errors and improves overall delivery efficiency.
6. Depot to Depot Routing
Depot to depot routing is perfect for planning routes between depots. This method optimizes travel for vehicles moving from one depot to another, whether starting with a full or empty load. It is especially useful for businesses with multiple distribution centers.
Methods for Planning Delivery Routes
Businesses can plan their delivery routes using several methods, including pen and paper, Excel, Google Maps, and specialized route planner applications. Each method varies in efficiency and accuracy, with route planner applications offering the most sophisticated and dynamic solutions.
Key Factors in Route Planning
When planning routes, businesses should consider distance, vehicle capacity, delivery time, cost, special customer requests, and potential delays due to road closures and traffic. These factors ensure that shipments are delivered on time and cost-effectively.
Daily vs. Strategic Route Planning
Daily route planning involves predefined territories and schedules for same-day or next-day deliveries. In contrast, strategic route planning focuses on long-term strategies, policies, and capacity to meet demand. Both methods can utilize static and dynamic routes, depending on the business's needs.
By incorporating these types of route planning and key considerations, businesses can optimize their delivery operations, leading to improved service quality and customer satisfaction.
Here are the most asked questions about route planning
Still confused about route planners? These frequently asked questions can help clear things up.
Google Maps can be used for route planning, as you can use it to find the fastest driving directions when planning stops.
However, Google Maps isn’t made to be used for large volumes of stops — it quickly becomes complicated if you have more than three stops to make.
On top of that, Google Maps doesn’t have the full functionality of an actual route mapping app or route planning software.
It doesn’t allow for real-time tracking of driver routes, for example, and lacks perks like being able to capture proof of delivery or set delivery time windows and ETAs.
Yes, it’s possible to plan routes yourself by looking at a map and checking current traffic conditions.
But why would you want to do that?
It’s time-consuming and difficult! For example, traffic conditions are always changing — which is why route optimization tools like Circuit exist.
Route Optimization minimizes fuel usage by plotting the most efficient routes for your trucks, which leads to lower emissions and better use of resources. Using route optimization can help your business save money and support a more sustainable environment.
Absolutely, Route Optimization can be adapted to fit the needs of any business, regardless of its size or industry. From small local delivery services to large global logistics companies, and even retailers with their own fleets, route optimization offers cost savings, increased efficiency, better customer satisfaction, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Circuit for Teams offers a powerful delivery management solution that simplifies the entire delivery process. It provides your team with a prioritized list of delivery stops, complete with accurate route times, and optimizes routes across multiple drivers and deliveries. With real-time tracking, turn-by-turn navigation, and dynamic route adjustments, drivers can stay focused on their tasks. The software also allows for bulk address imports, minimizing errors, and sends automatic, real-time notifications to keep customers informed throughout the delivery process.
Combined with a comprehensive set of route management tools, Circuit for Teams ensures an efficient, seamless customer experience. For an all-in-one solution to streamline your deliveries, sign up for a free trial today.
Route planning isn’t just a “nice to have” for delivery drivers.
If you want to keep up with the competition and improve your day-to-day workload, it’s a must-have.
Optimizing your route planning saves time, hassle, and money.
You can also improve your customer service. For example, perks like being able to set delivery time windows and updated delivery details (such as ETAs) are great for keeping customers happy.
The great news is that there’s no need to pay huge sums for a fancy route planning tool.
There are plenty of useful free models available. And if you want more advanced functionality, there are also many paid models with various different benefits.
