# Best Route Planning Software - Page 13 *By [Daniel Rivera](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/daniel-rivera)* Route planning software manages vehicle routes and schedules to increase driver performance and improve distribution operations. This type of software is used to define, manage, and optimize delivery routes for multiple geographical regions and types of transportation. [Route planning](https://www.g2.com/glossary/route-planning-definition) is used by schedulers and drivers to exchange information on what needs to be delivered and where, as well as to track delivery performance indicators. Route planning systems are implemented in shipping and transportation departments of companies, but may also be used for field service. Route planning tools are delivered as a standalone solution, but many [supply chain suites](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-suites) and [transportation management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/transportation-management) tools also include similar features. When provided separately, route planning software integrates with [shipping software](https://www.g2.com/categories/shipping) and [field service management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/field-service-management). To qualify for inclusion in the Route Planning category, a product must: - Provide standard delivery schedules that can be customized by users - Estimate distances and the time needed for different types of deliveries - Optimize routes using GIS information and historical delivery data - Account for constraints that may impact shipments - Allow users to adjust routes and schedules when needed - Include collaboration features for drivers and dispatchers - Track the performance of deliveries and identify bottlenecks ## How Many Route Planning Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 223 ## How Does G2 Rank Route Planning Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 5,500+ Authentic Reviews - 223+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Route Planning Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [Geotab](https://www.g2.com/products/geotab/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Badger Maps](https://www.g2.com/products/badger-maps/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Badger Maps](https://www.g2.com/products/badger-maps/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Geotab](https://www.g2.com/products/geotab/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Badger Maps](https://www.g2.com/products/badger-maps/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### Elite EXTRA Elite Elite EXTRA is a comprehensive, cloud-based software suite from Epicor, tailored to tackle “last‑mile” logistics challenges—where the final delivery of goods to customers often proves costly and complex. It integrates Routing & Dispatch, Returns Automation, and Delivery Network into a single, streamlined platform. What Elite EXTRA offers 1. Routing & Dispatch - Optimized routes: Ensure efficient routes, every time with our advanced route optimization engine - Better customer communication: Features real‑time driver tracking, ETA notifications, and proof of delivery through mobile signature/photo capture via the EXTRA Driver app - Streamlined operations: Organizations using it reported up to 20% productivity gains within a month 2. Delivery Network - More delivery options - Choose from numerous integrated third party fleets to complete your deliveries - Flexible delivery: Compare delivery costs and times of third party delivery options in real time - Happier customers: Wow your customers with fast delivery—no matter the status of your internal fleet 3. Returns Automation - Comprehensive views: Delivers a dashboard for managing the full returns lifecycle—from authorization to pickup to credit issuance. - Process efficiency: Empowers businesses to configure automatic return-policy enforcement and gives customers an intuitive portal experience - Returns trackability: No more goods lost in transit or delays in getting credits issued– turn an operational weakness into a strength Why choose Elite EXTRA - All‑in‑one platform: Seamlessly integrates dispatch, third‑party carrier use, and returns under one SaaS umbrella - SaaS with no long-term commitments: Continually updated (every ~8 weeks), with month-to-month subscriptions—no lock-in. - Highly rated: Earns around 4.7/5 on Capterra & Software Advice; praised for ease of use, robust features, and solid customer support [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1406&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1406&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1406&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=124078&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1406&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Froute-planning-software%3Fpage%3D13&secure%5Btoken%5D=6d9e6735394cb497ae0af2b594c768905c165a5fa6535ab06bd420aa2a21ffe4&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Feliteextra.com%2Frequest-a-demo-g2%2F%3FG2%26clicksQ3FY26&secure%5Burl_type%5D=book_demo) --- ## What Is Route Planning Software? [Distribution Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/distribution) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Route Planning Software? - [Fleet Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/fleet-management) - [Fleet Tracking Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/fleet-tracking) - [Last Mile Delivery Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/last-mile-delivery) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Route Planning Software? ### What You Should Know About Route Planning Software ### What is Route Planning Software? Fleet managers face various route planning challenges in their daily operations. Whether it’s street construction or heavy traffic, fleet managers must find alternative routes, and communicate with their drivers to ensure timely deliveries. Route planning software presents users with a variety of features that optimize routes, collect data on driver performance, and communicate delivery updates with customers. Key Benefits of Route Planning Software - Assists fleet managers with dispatching vehicles to multiple locations - Allows users to determine the fastest and most efficient route for vehicle dispatch - Enables drivers and managers to communicate with one another while vehicles are en route /li\> ### Why Use Route Planning Software? Any company that manages a fleet on a daily basis can benefit from route planning software. While route planning software’s core functionality is optimizing routes, its other features contribute to the overall success of a business. **Improved customer satisfaction —** From efficient route planning to automated messages to customers, route planning improves communication between customers, drivers, and managers. Improved communication ensures customers receive orders on time, and are informed about the shipment of their purchase. **Saved money—** Finding the most cost-effective routes for a fleet impacts a company’s finances. By both driving less and using less fuel, fleet managers will notice increased employee morale and less wear and tear on their vehicles. ### Who Uses Route Planning Software? **Fleet managers —** Route planning software supports the daily responsibilities of a fleet manager. At its base level, route planning software helps fleet managers optimize their drivers’ routes, improving the efficiency of the daily operations of a dispatched fleet. Additionally, route planning software provides fleet managers with a comprehensive look into how their drivers perform in the field. This enables fleet managers to be active managers of their fleet, and communicate with drivers when necessary. Analytics tools let fleet managers see which drivers are performing well and what areas need improvement. **Delivery drivers —** Delivery drivers must adapt to traffic, weather, or construction conditions in real time; route planning software helps drivers quickly find alternative routes. Additionally, if drivers have multiple stops to make, they can input each address and the route planning software will determine the most efficient route to take. ### Kinds of Route Planning Software **Cloud—** Cloud-based route planning software can be accessed on the go by more than one user, all that’s needed is an internet connection. Cloud-based solutions often operate on a subscription, where users pay a monthly rate. Some of the cons associated with cloud solutions are the constant need for internet connectivity, less customizability, and recurring costs. **On-premise —** On-premises solutions are often installed onto a specific desktop. This provides more reliable connectivity since an internet connection isn’t necessary to access the software. On-premises solutions are often a one time cost that users own. Additionally, one of the cons of on-premise solutions are long implementation times since each solution must be installed on servers and on each individual computer. ### Route Planning Software Features **Route optimization—** Route optimization is one of the core functionalities included in most route planning software. This feature allows fleet managers to scope out the most efficient routes, and optimize routes using GIS information and historical delivery data. This feature takes accounts for time of day, traffic conditions, and size of vehicle. This ensures that fleet managers are always planning the most efficient route possible. **Live tracking —** Live tracking features allow fleet managers to track how their drivers are performing in real time. By monitoring their drivers in real time, managers can identify if there’s a more efficient route, and communicate to customers an exact time of arrival for their delivery. **Analytics —** Route planning software often includes features that allow users to compile data reports based on driver performance. This data helps users identify areas of high and low performance in their route planning. With analytics, users can make the necessary adjustments to improve the efficiency of their routes. **Automated customer communication —** Customers love when businesses update them with the status of their shipments. This alerts them to when they should be home to receive the package, helping them plan their daily schedules. Route planning software has automated messaging features that update customers with the current status of their package. This makes the difference between a satisfied or disgruntled customer. **Multi-stop routes —** Often times, fleet managers must plan routes that have drivers stop at multiple locations. With multi-stop route features, users can plan multi-stop routes that prioritize time sensitive deliveries, while finding the most efficient route for the driver. **Fuel management —** Fuel management features enable users to monitor fuel consumption data of every vehicle. This helps fleet managers decide when drivers need to stop on their route, and provide them with an overview of how much energy their vehicles consume. ### Software and Services Related to Route Planning Software [**Fleet management software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/fleet-management) **—** While most route planning solutions offer many features that aid with fleet management, some solutions offer features specific to route optimization. For users wanting more features to aid them with the operational side of managing a fleet, they might consider integrating their route planning software with [fleet management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/fleet-management). [**CRM software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm) **—** Some route planning software can be integrated with CRM software. This allows users to identify how delivery sales are impacting the sales pipeline, and overall business goals.