15 Best Multi Stop Route Planners
Discover the top 15 multi stop route planners for efficient delivery management. Compare features and benefits - find your perfect solution.
If you operate a delivery team or manage logistics for your business, you know that route planning is crucial. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about doing so efficiently and cost-effectively. In this guide, we’ve researched and compiled the best multi stop route planners that can streamline your operations, save you time, and reduce costs.
Whether you own a courier company or deliver products directly to consumers, efficient route planning is a must to maintain productivity and customer satisfaction. Thankfully, there are dedicated multi stop route planners available that leverage technology to optimize your routes.
Each business is unique, and so are their route planning needs. In this blog, will walk you through the best solutions on the market, detailing their capabilities and limitations to help you choose the best option for your business.
What is a Multi Stop Route Planner?
15 Best Multi Stop Route Planners
What is a Multi Stop Route Planner?
A multi stop route planner is a sophisticated software tool designed to streamline and optimize the planning of delivery routes involving multiple stops. For businesses that handle a high volume of deliveries, such as courier services, logistics companies, and direct-to-consumer businesses, these tools are indispensable.
Multi stop route planners calculate the most efficient routes by evaluating all possible combinations, taking into account delivery windows, vehicle capacities and driver skills & availability, to avoid delays. This not only minimizes travel time and fuel costs but also ensures that deliveries are made promptly and within specified time frames. By balancing loads across multiple vehicles and dynamically adjusting routes, these planners significantly enhance operational efficiency and allow businesses to handle more deliveries in a shorter period.
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15 Best Multi Stop Route Planners
We've compiled a list of the top 15 multi stop route planners, covering free, paid, and business-specific options to suit a variety of needs.
1. SmartRoutes
Best Suited For: Any business doing multi stop deliveries
SmartRoutes is a comprehensive solution designed to manage every aspect of multi stop route planning. It offers a platform for organizing your delivery teams and mobile apps for drivers, available on both Android and iOS. With SmartRoutes, you can create optimized routes for multiple vehicles and drivers in seconds. The software supports bulk import of delivery stops from an Excel file or through integrations with eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, making it extremely flexible and user-friendly.
The SmartRoutes driver app allows drivers to view detailed route information, re-sequence their routes as needed, and capture proof of delivery. The app also provides real-time updates to the desktop planner, reducing customer queries and improving delivery times. This solution starts at €29 per month, offering a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes. The trial period gives users a full feature experience for seven days, allowing them to evaluate its fit for their operations.
Advantages: Desktop & mobile app solution, unlimited stops, full delivery functionality
Limitations: Free solution available only on a 7-day trial
2. Google Maps
Best Suited For: Individuals with limited deliveries for a new business
Google Maps is a widely used tool, perfect for individuals or new businesses with limited delivery needs. It allows users to quickly plan routes and navigate efficiently, leveraging Google’s extensive mapping data. However, it is not designed specifically for delivery operations and lacks advanced route optimization features. Google Maps caps the number of stops at 10 per route, which can be a significant limitation for businesses as they scale up their operations.
Despite these limitations, Google Maps' ease of use and accessibility make it an excellent starting point for small-scale delivery operations. Its integration with other Google services and the ability to quickly input and navigate to addresses are valuable for those looking to manage a modest number of deliveries without additional costs.
Advantages: Free, easy-to-use, available on desktop and mobile
Limitations: Only allows up to 10 stops per route, no route optimization
2. RouteXL
Best Suited For: Small and new businesses that outgrow Google Maps
RouteXL is a web-based route planning tool that offers more flexibility than Google Maps, making it suitable for small businesses that are outgrowing basic mapping solutions and need a route planner with multiple stops. The free tier allows up to 20 stops per route and includes route optimization, which is a significant upgrade for those handling a moderate number of deliveries. Users can easily import addresses in bulk, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
The primary drawback of RouteXL is that it operates solely as a web application, meaning there is no mobile app for on-the-go route adjustments. This could be inconvenient for businesses with drivers who need to modify routes dynamically. Despite this, RouteXL’s free tier and ease of use make it a great tool for businesses starting to expand their delivery capabilities.
Advantages: Free tier available, allows more stops than Google Maps
Limitations: Capped at 20 stops, no mobile apps, lacks advanced features
4. Waze
Best Suited For: Drivers looking for a quick and free way of routing on the road
Waze is a popular navigation app, known for its real-time traffic updates and user-submitted data on road conditions. It is an excellent choice for drivers looking for a free tool to help them navigate efficiently. The app’s community-driven data provides up-to-the-minute information on traffic, accidents, and road hazards, which can be very useful for avoiding delays.
However, Waze is primarily a navigation tool and does not offer features specifically designed for multi stop route planning or delivery management. This makes it less suitable for businesses with complex delivery needs, although it remains a great option for individual drivers or those seeking an additional navigation tool with real-time traffic updates.
A little known fact about Waze, is that it is actually owned by Google.
Unfortunately, it is limited in its use as a multi drop route planner, but the user-influenced nature of it makes it a favorite among drivers looking for a free solution.
Advantages: Up-to-date road information, easy-to-use mobile app
Limitations: Lacks delivery-specific features, basic navigation functionality
5. SpeedyRoute
Best Suited For: Small business owners planning routes for multiple drivers
SpeedyRoute offers a simple yet effective solution for small businesses needing to optimize routes for multiple vehicles. It allows users to plan and optimize routes for several drivers, making it easier to manage delivery schedules. The free tier supports up to 10 drops, and users can upgrade to daily, weekly, or monthly plans for more extensive needs, providing flexibility for businesses with varying delivery volumes.
The main limitation of SpeedyRoute is the lack of a mobile app, which means drivers cannot access routes on-the-go. Additionally, the free tier’s cap of 10 drops per route and max. 3 routes per day may be insufficient for businesses with larger delivery loads. Despite these limitations, SpeedyRoute’s affordable plans and multi-vehicle optimization make it a practical choice for small businesses.
Advantages: Free tier allows multi-vehicle route optimization
Limitations: No mobile app, limited to 10 drops on free tier
6. Onfleet
Best Suited For: Large businesses with extensive delivery operations
Onfleet is a robust route planning solution tailored for large-scale delivery operations. It offers a wide range of features, including route optimization, proof of delivery, and customer communication through desktop planning and mobile apps. Onfleet’s API allows for integration with other platforms, making it a versatile tool for businesses with complex logistics needs.
The pricing structure, which increases with the number of drops, can become costly for businesses with high delivery volumes. Additionally, features like barcode scanning and customer SMS notifications are add-ons that increase the overall cost. Despite the higher price, Onfleet’s comprehensive feature set and scalability make it an ideal choice for large businesses with significant delivery requirements.
Advantages: Comprehensive features, desktop planner, and mobile app
Limitations: Expensive pricing for full feature set, costs increase with drop volume
7. Circuit
Best Suited For: Drivers needing a user-friendly mobile app
Circuit is well-regarded for its user-friendly mobile app, which supports unlimited stops and route optimization, making it a favorite among drivers and couriers in particular. The delivery driver route planner has a modern interface that is easy to navigate, allowing drivers to manage their routes efficiently.
For delivery businesses, it offers a ‘Teams’ package that introduces a desktop route planner and additional features such as customer notifications and proof of delivery with their basic package starting at £100 (going up depending on the number of stops per month).
Despite their high price, Circuit offers a practical solution for individual drivers or delivery teams needing a straightforward and effective route planning tool.
Advantages: Modern interface, route planner unlimited stops on mobile app
Limitations: High entry price making it difficult to scale with the service
8. Routific
Best Suited For: Small to medium-sized businesses with multiple vehicles
Routific Routific provides a comprehensive route planning solution suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. It features both desktop and mobile apps, allowing for seamless route optimization and management across multiple vehicles. Routific’s pricing starts at $39 per vehicle per month, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses with several delivery vehicles.
While Routific offers a full range of features, the interface can be complex and may require a learning period for new users. However, their support resources help mitigate this, making it easier to get up and running. Overall, Routific is a solid choice for businesses needing a reliable route planning tool with extensive functionality.
Advantages: Straightforward pricing, full feature set for higher plans
Limitations: Complex interface with a steeper learning curve
9. OptimoRoute
Best Suited For: Medium to large businesses with high delivery volumes
OptimoRoute is ideal for medium to large businesses handling significant delivery volumes. It offers a rich set of features at a competitive price, including a 30-day free trial to test its capabilities. The solution includes desktop-based route planning and a mobile app, making it easy to manage deliveries and drivers.
The desktop interface, while functional, is somewhat dated and lacks modern drag-and-drop functionality, which may be a drawback for some users. Nevertheless, OptimoRoute’s robust feature set and affordability make it a strong contender for businesses needing a scalable route planning solution.
Advantages: Affordable, feature-rich, 30-day free trial
Limitations: Dated desktop interface, no drag-and-drop functionality
10. RoadWarrior
Best Suited For: Drivers needing a free or low-cost solution with multiple stops
RoadWarrior is a flexible and cost-effective route planning tool, offering a free version that supports up to 26 stops. This makes it an excellent choice for small delivery operations or individual drivers. The app is easy to use and provides basic route planning features that are suitable for low to moderate delivery needs.
The free version has limited functionality, and while it’s a good starting point, businesses may need to upgrade to access more advanced features. Despite these limitations, RoadWarrior’s affordability and ease of use make it a practical choice for those looking for a budget-friendly route planning solution.
Advantages: Free version available, supports up to 26 stops
Limitations: Limited functionality in free version, lacks advanced features
11. BadgerMapping
Best Suited For: Field sales teams
BadgerMapping is a route optimization tool designed specifically for field sales teams. It integrates with CRM systems to help manage customer visits and optimize sales routes. The tool provides features tailored for sales professionals, such as territory management and customer visit planning.
While BadgerMapping is highly effective for sales-oriented businesses, it is not designed for logistics-heavy operations, which may limit its applicability for companies focused on delivery rather than sales. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable tool for businesses needing to optimize their field sales routes and manage customer relationships effectively.
Advantages: Tailored for sales, integrates with CRM systems
Limitations: Not specifically designed for delivery operations
12. RouteSavvy
Best Suited For: Small to mid-sized fleets
RouteSavvy offers basic route optimization features ideal for small to mid-sized delivery teams. It supports easy import of addresses and GPS-based tracking, making it simple to manage routes and deliveries. The tool is straightforward and focuses on essential route planning needs without overwhelming users with unnecessary features.
However, the pricing for RouteSavvy can be high relative to the feature set it offers. While it covers the basics effectively, businesses may find more comprehensive solutions at a similar or lower cost. RouteSavvy is best suited for those needing a simple and reliable tool for basic route planning.
Advantages: Basic route optimization, easy address import
Limitations: Expensive for the feature set, basic functionality
13. Apple Maps
Best Suited For: Individuals needing basic navigation
Apple Maps provides a straightforward navigation tool integrated with Apple devices, making it a convenient option for individuals needing basic route planning. It offers free, reliable navigation and is easy to use for single-trip planning.
However, Apple Maps does not support advanced multi-stop route planning or delivery management features, making it less suitable for businesses with complex delivery needs. It is best used for individual navigation and basic route planning for personal or small-scale use.
Advantages: Free, integrated with Apple devices
Limitations: Limited to basic navigation, not suited for multi-stop deliveries
14. Route4Me
Best Suited For: Businesses needing scalable route planning
Route4Me is a scalable route planning solution that supports complex routing needs, making it suitable for businesses with evolving requirements. It provides features for optimizing routes, managing delivery schedules, and integrating with various platforms, offering flexibility for growing businesses.
However, Route4Me’s pricing structure can become expensive as delivery volumes increase, making it essential to evaluate its cost-effectiveness for larger operations. Despite the higher costs, Route4Me’s comprehensive features and scalability make it a solid choice for businesses needing a robust route planning solution.
Advantages: Scalable solution, supports complex routing needs
Limitations: Pricing can be high for larger operations
15. TrackPOD
Best Suited For: Small businesses
TrackPOD is a cost-effective route planning solution ideal for small businesses. It offers essential features such as proof-of-delivery and route optimization at an affordable price, making it accessible for businesses looking to improve their delivery processes.
While TrackPOD provides a solid foundation for small-scale operations, it may lack the advanced functionalities required for larger businesses. As a result, it might not scale well for companies with extensive delivery needs. Nonetheless, TrackPOD is a great starting point for small businesses looking to manage their deliveries more efficiently.
Advantages: Affordable, includes proof-of-delivery
Limitations: Basic feature set, may not scale well for larger operations
Looking for a Multi Stop Route Planner?
Whether you run a courier business, a direct to consumer (D2C) enterprise, or a logistics company, implementing a purpose-built multi-stop route planning software is crucial to staying competitive in today's fast-paced market. With the right tool, you can streamline your delivery processes, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional service that sets you apart from your competitors. A good multi stop route planner helps manage complex delivery schedules, reduces operational costs, and improves customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.
If you're ready to begin planning and optimizing routes for your business, consider taking advantage of a 7 day free trial of SmartRoutes. This trial provides full access to all features, allowing you to experience firsthand how SmartRoutes can enhance your delivery operations.
Frequently asked questions
1. What Are the Key Benefits of Using a Multi-Stop Route Planner?
Using a multi-stop route planner offers several key benefits that can transform your delivery operations:
- Efficiency and Time Savings: Multi-stop route planners optimize routes by considering factors like traffic conditions, delivery windows, and vehicle capacity.
- Cost Reduction: By optimizing routes, you can significantly reduce fuel costs and vehicle maintenance expenses. Efficient route planning also minimizes overtime pay and improves overall resource utilization.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Features such as real-time tracking and automated notifications keep customers informed about their delivery status, leading to a better overall experience.
- Increased Productivity: Route planners streamline the planning process, reducing the time spent on manual route calculation. This allows you to allocate more resources to other critical business operations.
2. What Features Should I Look for in a Multi Stop Route Planner App?
When selecting an app to route multiple stops, it's crucial to consider several essential features that can significantly impact your planning and navigation experience:
- Mobile App: Ensure the planner offers a mobile app for on-the-go navigation. This allows drivers to access routes, updates, and changes in real-time, improving flexibility and responsiveness.
- Advanced Route Optimization: Look for tools that use sophisticated algorithms to optimize routes. This ensures that each journey is planned for maximum efficiency, taking into account various constraints such as time windows and delivery priorities.
- Data Import and Integration: The ability to import route data and integrate with other software or devices is crucial. Integration with your existing systems like CRM, ERP, or fleet management software, ensures smooth data flow.
- Proof of Delivery and Customer Notifications: Tools that offer proof of delivery (POD) and customer notification options help in maintaining transparency and enhancing customer trust.
3. What’s the Best Free Multi Stop Route Planner with Unlimited Stops?
Short answer, there isn't one! While many route planners offer free tiers or trials, none provide truly unlimited stops for free. Free versions typically come with restrictions such as limited stops per route or limited usage periods. For businesses that need to handle a large number of stops, investing in a premium solution is often necessary to unlock the full potential of route optimization tools. This investment can pay off by improving delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction, ultimately benefiting your business in the long run.
4. Can I plan a multi stop route with Google Maps?
Yes, you can plan a multi-stop route using Google Maps, but it comes with notable limitations. The desktop version allows you to add up to 10 stops, and the mobile app supports up to 9, which may be insufficient for complex delivery routes or extensive travel plans. Additionally, Google Maps does not provide route optimization, meaning you must manually arrange the stops to achieve an efficient route. This lack of flexibility can be a significant drawback for businesses or users who require sophisticated route planning. For more comprehensive solutions, specialized multi-stop route planners offer advanced capabilities and greater flexibility.
5. How do I create a route with multiple stops?
Creating a route with multiple stops involves listing your destinations, choosing a route planning tool, and inputting the stops. For small-scale planning, tools like Google Maps can handle up to 10 stops, but for more complex needs, dedicated route planners are recommended. These tools offer advanced features like automatic route optimization, data import, and integration with other software, allowing you to manage larger numbers of stops efficiently. After entering your destinations, these tools will optimize the order for maximum efficiency. For detailed guidance on planning a route with multiple stops, check out this comprehensive blog: Planning a Route with Multiple Stops.
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