The Best Delivery Route Planner for Businesses

The status quo has changed quickly in recent years. Businesses that didn’t previously offer delivery have needed to adapt quickly to survive and thrive as delivery becomes a staple in many industries. Delivery can be a huge revenue driver, but it can also come with its fair share of headaches if you don’t have a handle on the planning process.

That’s why most successful businesses utilize online route planner software to make the process a breeze. Some food businesses have even been able to go from zero deliveries to delivering 1,000 meals a week in less than 48 hours, thanks to a specialized route planner app. 

If you run a business that needs to wring as much efficiency out of your delivery operation as possible, then you’ll want to keep reading, but feel free to jump to a section that most interests you:

• The Best Free Route Planner App for Delivery Drivers
• What Is the Best Route Planner App for Delivery Drivers?

The Best Free Route Planner App for Delivery Drivers

Which route planner is best and which free route planner is best are two very different questions. Free tools usually lack many features that delivery drivers need most for an efficient operation. 

So, if you’re wondering, “can Google Maps do route planning?” then the answer is yes, but with some significant caveats. Tools like Google Maps have fairly low stop limits (just ten in the case of Google), and inputting orders can be a real hassle. Plus, many route optimization features, like managing time window constraints, driver skills, vehicle capabilities, etc., are unavailable. You also won’t get any real time tracking or management capabilities.

MapQuest is probably the best free route planner app for delivery drivers thanks to its bulk import option and more flexible stop limits (up to 26). However, it’s still more of a stopgap option during the very early stages of a business. 

As your delivery business grows and you look to unlock more efficiency and create a better customer experience, you’ll likely want to seriously consider a dedicated route planning app. Even though it won’t be free, using an app built with delivery operation efficiency in mind can create far more savings than costs, meaning you’ll save a lot more than you spend. 

What Is the Best Route Planner App for Delivery Drivers?

The best delivery route planner app will come down to the features you need most, the price you can afford within your budget, and your specific use case. For example, if you run a delivery business with 100 drivers, you’ll likely have different requirements than an operation with two drivers. 

Regardless, you’ll want to make sure that the software you choose offers both a web-based platform and a mobile app for drivers. Fleet operators and delivery dispatchers are more likely to be in an office where they can easily use a web-based platform on their computers, but drivers in the field need a handy, easy-to-use app that gives them order details along with accurate directions while allowing them to communicate important information to their managers. 

You’ll also want to ensure that the software you choose makes it possible to integrate GPS for delivery drivers so that you can keep track of your drivers while they’re completing their routes. Real time tracking will enable you not only to keep an eye on your drivers and give accurate updates to your customers but it will give you the ability to make adjustments on-the-fly as challenges arise. 

Even if you run a smaller delivery operation right now, you’ll want to select software with capabilities you can grow into, like importing thousands of stops at once and planning your routes weeks in advance. That way, you won’t have to switch software to accommodate your new needs constantly. OptimoRoute caters to businesses of all sizes, so you can start small and grow big, all while using the same software.

So, is there an app to plan delivery routes? Yes, there are effective apps and web-based platforms like OptimoRoute that can turn your delivery business into a well-oiled machine. Evaluate your specific needs and choose the right option for your budget. Then, you can start reaping the benefits of using specialized route planning software. But planning routes is only half the battle. When you start optimizing your routes,  you can quickly see transformational progress in your business. Check out this detailed guide to delivery route optimization if you want to learn more.