Best Route Planning Software

Daniel Rivera
DR
Researched and written by 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 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 and transportation management software tools also include similar features. When provided separately, route planning software integrates with shipping software and field service management software.

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
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Featured Route Planning Software At A Glance

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214 Listings in Route Planning Available
(125)4.5 out of 5
13th Easiest To Use in Route Planning software
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Learn More 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.