An in-depth comparison: the best multi-stop route planner tools for delivery drivers
Figures from 2020 showed that there were 72, 500 delivery drivers working in Australia alone. And one of the most critical aspects of their job is to deliver fast while stopping in multiple places.
To ensure all packages are delivered efficiently, drivers must use a multi-stop route planner.
If you’re a delivery driver, you know how easy it can be to lose time when you don’t have your route planned in advance. Route planners ensure you’re delivering packages in the most straightforward way possible.
But which one suits your business and your runs best?
To make your choice easier, we’ve performed an in-depth review of the top multi-stop route planner tools out there. When you’ve finished reading, you’ll be a lot closer to deciding which one to use.
What is a multi-stop route planner app?
Before we jump into our assessment of each app, let’s look at what a multi-stop route planner tool is. The route planner takes every stop and optimises it to ensure you’re driving the most efficient route possible.
Essentially, it’s used to get you from point A to point B, and then onto point C, D and beyond without wasting any time. When using multi-stop route planner tools, they’ll consider factors such as:
- location of each stop on the route
- number of stops the delivery driver has to make
- traffic between stops.
The tool will then produce the best route for your driver to use that day. You’ll save time and lower your costs by avoiding backtracking, using less fuel and delivering more.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? Here are the multi-stop route planner tools you need to think about using in your day-to-day delivery job.
1. Transvirtual
If you’re looking for the best multi-stop route planner, look no further than Transvirtual. This planner goes beyond route optimisation and can help you streamline your operation from the inside out when you use its platform.
The application provides support for drivers no matter which depot they’ve arrived at, and it makes it easy to scan the barcodes f packages that have been delivered.
Another benefit of planning your routes with TransVirtual is that you don’t have to worry about the number of carriers you use. With extensive EDI and API capabilities, it’s easy to integrate them into one system. From transport management to accounting, TransVirtual doesn’t miss a beat.
Pros:
- 14-day free trial
- Driver GPS tracking
- Electronic proof of delivery
- Easy to use
2. Speedy Route
The next multi-stop route planner tool on our list is Speedy Route, but keep in mind that this one isn’t 100% free to use compared to other tools we’ll feature. To use the app for free, you’ve got to keep the number of locations you’re travelling to under 10.
Once it goes over 10 locations, you’ll need to upgrade to a subscription plan to continue optimising your route. This app is better for flight managers because you can use it to calculate the routes of various delivery trucks.
When using the app, once you input all of the locations to be visited, it will calculate the best route possible and provide each driver with the directions needed to complete the route.
Pros:
- Variety of subscription packages
- Route optimisation
- Available in the US, UK, Canada, AUS, New Zealand
Cons:
- Subscription packages can be expensive
- You only receive 10 stops if you’re using the free version
- Not compatible via smartphone
3. Upper Route Planner
This tool works perfectly no matter the size of your business or the daily tasks your delivery drivers need to complete.
The app helps to streamline all business processes, and the best part is it can be configured to consider the personal preferences of each of your delivery drivers.
Not only does it offer personalisation features, but the app will also save stops that drivers frequently make on their regular routes. It optimises each route, and gives you the ability to keep a record of each delivery made by your drivers, which is useful if any disputes arise.
Pros:
- Driver customisability
- Setting adjustments for specific vehicles
- Delivery proof features
- Free trial
Cons:
- The free trial is only 3 days
- Too many price packages
4. Google Maps
One of the most commonly used GPS platforms worldwide, it’s known for providing accurate and up-to-date information about travel issues. But its functions are limited.
When using maps, your drivers can only put in 10 different addresses, which must include the place they’re starting from.
Unlike the other apps on this list, maps force the driver to plan the route they’ll take themselves, which can be really time consuming. Google will simply take the addresses given and the order they were given in and launch the route.
If the driver orders their routes inefficiently, they’ll spend time backtracking to places they’ve already been earlier in their delivery route.
Pros:
- Smartphone compatible
- Free
- Considers traffic problems and reroutes
Cons:
- Causes frequent backtracking
- It doesn’t compute the route for you
- Wastes time (which means wasted money)
5. Routific
The last route planner tool to make our list is Routific. If you don’t need help with any internal business processes, this may be the one for you. It functions solely to optimise and plan out delivery routes.
If you’re a fleet manager, you can stop using multiple tools to manage your fleet. Instead, you just need this one because of the number of features it provides for teams of drivers. The app allows the driver to message customers directly about when their packages will be delivered.
Pros:
- Good for fleet businesses
- Customer package messages about delivery and potential delays
Cons:
- Potentially expensive monthly package
- Package rates are charged per month/vehicle
- Extra features mean higher subscription package prices
Top multi-stop route planner apps
When it comes to multi-stop route planner apps, there are several out there that can help get the job done. From Google maps to Speedy Route, the options are endless. If you are looking to find out more about best delivery driver GPS options, TransVirtual has got you covered.