Delivery Route Planning Guide + 10 Best Delivery Route Planner Apps of 2024

Upasana Das

By Upasana Das

March 25, 2023

Running a commercial business is no walk in the park, and one of the key features that give your business an edge and maintain customer loyalty is fast and smooth deliveries. Transportation companies hired by firms for logistics incorporate delivery route planning to simplify the process. 

Several tools are available in the form of a delivery route planner app that provides cutting-edge solutions to make the entire delivery supply chain process seamless and cost-effective. This app helps you optimize your route, which means that it directs the transporter to opt for the most economical route for transit, considering every factor to make the journey more and more efficient. 

However, the market is filled with several options for delivery route planner apps; each with its unique personality; hence in this article, we will resolve all your doubts about the functionality of these apps, why they are important, and the key features of the most trending and used apps for route planning so that you can make the right choice for your logistical requirements. 

Table Of Contents
  1. What is Delivery Route Planning?
  2. Why is Delivery Route Planning Important?
  3. What is Delivery Route Planning Software?
  4. Key Features to Look for in Delivery Route Planner Apps
  5. How To Plan Delivery Routes?
  6. Best Delivery Route Planner Apps in 2023 
  7. Ending Note: Quick Wrap Up
  8. Delivery Route Planning: FAQs

What is Delivery Route Planning?

Delivery route planning is a very important part of any logistical operation to ensure that customer orders are fulfilled with the least possible time and money. It is the planning of economical delivery routes using smart planner tools such as a delivery route planner app which considers external factors and comes up with the most accurate and efficient route for every logistics operation. 

Earlier businesses used traditional methods of route planning such as local guides and even considered Google maps as a planning tool; however, the increase in the demand for timely online deliveries, especially after the pandemic and the inaccuracies of the traditional methods of route planning, had increased inefficiencies in the delivery ecosystems. Although Google maps provide accurate navigation techniques for individual and small-scale transit, it does not function as a dedicated route planner app and hence cannot efficient deliveries in large

volumes. 

WareIQ – Amazon-prime Like Logistics for Modern Brands in India

WareIQ, an eCommerce fulfillment company, empowers online brands with a superior-tech platform to compete with Amazon like service levels by bringing their average delivery timelines from 5-10 days to 1-2 days.

"WareIQ came to Gynoveda with a full stack fulfillment platform & gave Gynoveda access to a nation wide network of fulfillment centers & last mile & hyperlocal courier partners closer to our customers based out of North East & North India. They made same-day delivery possible for us in metros."
- Vishal Gupta, Founder, Gynoveda

Why is Delivery Route Planning Important?

Why is delivery route planning important?

Businesses do not head out on the road to make bulk deliveries without proper planning and management. No prior planning of routes can put these businesses at a huge and expensive risk. On the contrary, a good and planned route can – 

  • Reduce the transporters’ time on the route.
  • Ensure timely deliveries to the customers and enhance their experience, satisfaction, and loyalty.
  • It can make sure that the delivery fleets are used to the maximum capacity
  • It can improve the financial performance of businesses
  • The overall efficiency of the drivers and other staff is increases
  • The consumption of fuel is minimal
  • No unnecessary or extra delivery costs are imposed, allowing you to produce offers to customers.
  • No unplanned hazards or delivery routes will have to be dealt with.

What is Delivery Route Planning Software?

A delivery route planning software uses data and analytics with the help of machine learning and codes to plan a sequence of stops that a delivery agent follows to improve their driver efficiency as well as overall customer service. This software is used to make optimal routes for the entire fleet based on the business’s limitations and goals. 

The delivery route planner apps also automate the entire operation by scheduling capabilities and ensuring that the work is assigned strategically, it assists the dispatchers, doubles the daily delivery system by calculating travel time beaten locations, and at the same time, overcomes various challenges using data analytics that traditional routine planning would fail to impose. 

Sometimes, a delivery route planner software can also enable a dynamic re-routing system that is based on the external crisis during transit. 

Suggested Read: What is Last Mile Delivery Management Software?

Key Features to Look for in Delivery Route Planner Apps

key features to look for in delivery route planner apps

Route Optimization

After the destination is finalized, the app must be able to create efficient routes considering every factor, such as avoiding highways, traffic, congestion, toll roads, etc. This manner of route optimization will allow the driver to travel reduced distances and save maximum time on delivery transit. Reports from past delivery, capacity parameters, and other data are then utilized for future route planning, driver assignment, etc so that future shipments and deliveries can be made on time and save money.

Route Monitoring

Delivery route planner apps mine real-time data about the fleet, the driver as well as the assigned route to ensure optimal fleet efficiency. This data allows the software to monitor the assigned route and make changes in the operation whenever required. It allows certain variables, such as the fleet capacity, driver’s performance, route restraints, loading and unloading time, etc, to be more defined and accurate for future deliveries.

Driver Tracking

Route planning software collects real-time data of the drivers so that they are provided with constant support during their transit. Features like the GPS are used to keep track of the driver’s activities, their performance stops taken, etc, in the form of tracking history. It also keeps the customers updated about the estimated Arrival time of their package to increase transparency and avoid delivery failures. 

Delivery Status

The customers are constantly updated about the delivery status during its transit through features such as automatic SMS and email notifications. It allows the customers to know exactly when to expect the delivery, whether it is on its way, and if it is completed or not. Such detailed status of deliveries reassures the customers and makes the entire operation transparent and easy to track. 

Suggested Read: What is Fulfillment Status?

Customer Communications Updates

Delivery route planner apps must have 24*7 and strong customer support to acknowledge their queries about the delivery and have updated real-time communication with the customers. Having robust customer support can level up their delivery experience. 

Proof of Delivery

The best delivery route planner app will have a feature that provides proof of delivery with an interface that allows drivers to collect e-signatures from the consignee, which is then automatically included in the chain of custody, These multifunctional features in the applications enable the drivers to manage their deliveries and keep updated records of the shipment. 

How To Plan Delivery Routes?

Delivery route planning has been a part of business operations for a long time. Before the development of software that automated these processes, businesses preferred the manual way to plan routes. Some small businesses for fulfillment use this method to date, and it starts by receiving an order from a customer in the store or online. This is then left to be handled by an individual.

The order is written down on a piece of paper in the form of delivery invoices that contains information such as the address, preferred date and time of delivery, cost of delivery, etc. Businesses maintain physical records of these invoices; some may use excel sheets for the same.

The route planner will arrange these invoices based on the date, region, and specific delivery requirements. He/she will create several groups and then find the shortest routers from one delivery location to the other. This can be done by manually putting delivery locations on a map and getting ETA and drivers’ directions. After planning, the routes are then assigned to the drivers who head out to execute the deliveries. 

Manual route planning systems are not very accurate and do not provide you with the fastest route possible. As an alternative, and thanks to the digital transformation of businesses, 51% of companies are already investing in automating the route planning system through online software. 

All you need to do is integrate a delivery route planning software that uses cloud technology to operate. This allows you to access the system from anywhere at any given time. It plans your routes with multiple stops, automates scheduling, adjusts and updates routes in real-time, dispatches the drives, tracks and monitors their progress, sends notifications about ETAs, incorporates proof of deliveries, and at the same time, has customer feedback and query feature. You can say goodbye to manual operations and plan better with a single click using this software. 

Best Delivery Route Planner Apps in 2023 

Onfleet

delivery route planning app_Onfleet
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Onfleet is one of the most trusted apps for delivery route solutions opted for by enterprises across varied industries. It is a last-mile delivery platform that plans and sets the most advanced routes allowing the drivers to make smart decisions, undertake a seamless operation, and provide a remarkable customer experience.

One of the most unique features of the app is that it creates individual profiles of the drivers with their start-to-end location, schedule shifts as well as vehicle capacity. Once the routes are optimized by the app, the drivers can be dispatched. They have access to the app using their own devices, and you can constantly keep tracking their performance and order status. 

RouteXL

delivery route planning app_RouteXL
Source

Route XL is a free delivery route planner app suitable for smaller enterprises and delivery services that allows 20 stops per route on its free version. It works by finding the best multi-stop route for the entire logistics eCommerce operation. The only thing you need to do is app both the departure and destination locations, and the algorithms calculate the best possible route with the least amount of time.

However, changes in real-time and automatic updates are not available for both the drivers or the customers, there is no mobile app or proof of delivery available for this software. The paid version, which starts at $39 per month, only allows you to increase your stops per route. 

Mappr

delivery route planning app_Mappr
Source

Mappr is also a basic delivery route planner app that is very similar to RouteXL. The app is integrated with a delivery management solution software called Tookan with no additional monthly charge. It allows you to generate the shortest route possible for the addresses that have been fed and optimizes your fleet based on the type of vehicle, its volume, speed, fuel efficiency, etc.  Mapper allows you free 50,000 transactions and can be upgraded up upto 1 million for $ 209 per month. 

Google Maps Route Planner

delivery route planning app_Google Maps
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Google maps can act as a route planner tool apart from individual navigation. However, it does not have inbuilt features to take into consideration all the factors like vehicle capacity, fuel efficiency, delivery time, and so on. Hence it is not reliable software for large delivery fleets.

You can add 10 points, including start to end, on google maps, which makes it safe for use by smaller companies with much smaller delivery targets. Google maps are free to use; they can find locations based on business types, the maps can be shared, and location pins can be added to the map along with lines and shapes. 

MapQuest Route Planner

delivery route planning app_mapquest route planner
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MapQuest Route Planner app is one of the best free delivery route planner apps for personal and professional use. It allows you to optimize routes for up to 26 addresses for free on a trip, and the feature can be used for a single driver only. Although the free version has a limited number of stops, you can add multiple destinations using the paid version.

It offers optimal routes for both one-way and round trips. The app consists of advanced routing features such as U-turns, toll roads, etc. MapQuest allows users to choose between the shortest time and the shortest distance so that they can plan the best route for their delivery. The drivers can get the routes through text messages and view them on their mobile navigation apps. 

Route4Me

delivery route planning_route4me
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Route4Me is an excellent collaborative delivery route planning software that allows remarkable options for teams of up to 10 drivers using the basic plan. It offers route optimization and management in its free version, and if you require an upgrade, you can get a subscription of $249 per month to get access to its unique features. The app allows you to plan multiple routes, provides business insights as well as tracks the shipment in real-time. 

Upper Route Planner

delivery route planning_upper route planner
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Upper Route Planner is one of the most preferred apps for delivery route planning and optimization. They offer a 7-Day free trial to its users to ease their decision-making process. It is used by several small and medium-sized courier and retail services. Upper’s saves 10 hours per week and delivers 3 times more parcels with the help of their route optimization algorithm. Some of its key features include – single-click route dispatch, route scheduling, real-time tracking and proof of delivery, custom settings based on the vehicle type, etc. 

Circuit

delivery route planning_circuit
Source

The circuit route planner app was developed with salient optimization features for two user types Circuit for teams and circuit for individuals. This app is a go-to for most small and medium enterprises allowing them to manage their data to-day delivery routes with the help of key features such as a real-time tracker for drivers, automated notifications for customers, space to add delivery notes for the users, and so on.

It also consists of a package finder to facilitate the delivery process at each stop. Further, the app lets the users accurately track the ETA’s of the parcels, and it can be used through both Google and iPhone navigation apps. Some Apple users did find certain issues with the app and had to reinstall it. 

OptimoRoute

delivery route planning_Optimo Route
Source

OptimoRoute includes automated planning, live tracking, and real-time route optimization based on changing factors en route. The route delivery planner app allows you to plan deliveries up to five weeks in advance, analyze the driver’s performance and distribute their workloads, and it collects data to give you reports on your performance. Further, the app provides flexible subscription plans and lets you import thousands of orders, and automates the scheduling and delivery route planning. 

Road Warrior

delivery route planning_Road Warrior Route Planner
Source

This app allows users to plan routes for up to eight stops or 50 optimized stops for free. It lets users plan multiple routes at the same time and live-track all the deliveries. Further, the app is efficient for both individual users as well as an entire team and considers essential factors such as traffic, automatic scheduling, availability of routes, etc, 

Ending Note: Quick Wrap Up

The overwhelming features of the software that are integrated into today’s delivery route planner apps are making it easier to part ways with traditional methods. The response to this software is remarkable, especially because they are easy to use and consists of interactive interfaces. The problem lies in choosing the best amongst the crowd, and only you can evaluate your business requirement with the features available for a particular software to get the maximum results possible. Hence, choose well, choose wisely. 

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Delivery Route Planning: FAQs

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Upasana Das
Author

Upasana Das

Upasana is a content marketing analyst at WareIQ. She has more than 5 years of experience in content development and copywriting. Her key responsibilities include writing well-researched SEO-based blogs. Her niche of writing expertise includes supply chain, eCommerce, warehousing and fulfilment, and SaaS, among others.

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What Is a Billing Address? Understanding Its Importance and How It Differs from Shipping Address

What Is a Billing Address? Understanding Its Importance and How It Differs from Shipping Address

In the intricate web of modern commerce, particularly within the realms of e-commerce, logistics, and supply chain management, the concepts of billing and shipping addresses serve as fundamental pillars ensuring the seamless execution of transactions and deliveries. This article aims to demystify the concepts of billing and shipping addresses, delving into their definitions, importance, distinguishing characteristics, and the implications of their convergence or divergence in business transactions. As the digital and physical realms of commerce become increasingly intertwined, understanding the nuances of billing and shipping addresses becomes essential for businesses striving to navigate the complexities of global trade and e-commerce effectively. What Is a Billing Address? A billing address refers to the address associated with a specific form of payment that a customer uses to complete a purchase. This address is linked directly to the account information of the customer's credit card, debit card, or any other payment method. The issuing bank or financial institution uses it to verify the identity of the cardholder and authorise the transaction. In essence, the billing address is where statements or billing invoices are sent, serving as a crucial security measure to prevent fraudulent activities. The importance of the billing address extends beyond just fraud prevention. It is also used by businesses and financial institutions to ensure compliance with tax laws, as the location can affect tax rates applied to the purchase. For companies operating in the supply chain, logistics, and e-commerce sectors, accurately capturing and verifying a customer’s billing address is a vital step in the payment processing workflow, impacting aspects ranging from customer verification to financial record-keeping. Understanding the function and significance of the billing address is foundational for any entity engaged in selling goods or services, whether online or offline. What Is a Shipping Address? A shipping address specifies the location where a customer wants their purchased goods to be delivered. Unlike the billing address, which is tied to the payment method and used for verification and billing purposes, the shipping address is purely logistical. It directs the seller where to send the order, whether it's the customer's home, office, or a gift recipient's location. This address is critical in the logistics and supply chain processes, as it impacts shipping costs, delivery times, and the overall efficiency of getting the product from the warehouse to the end recipient. For businesses in e-commerce, retail, and even broader supply chain industries, understanding and managing shipping addresses is a core operational task. Proper handling of shipping addresses ensures that orders are delivered accurately and promptly, which is vital for customer satisfaction and retention. Moreover, in the context of international shipping, the shipping address must include specific details such as country, state, and postal code to comply with local regulations and to ensure smooth customs clearance. The shipping address, therefore, is a fundamental component of transactional and logistical operations, highlighting the interconnectedness of customer service, logistics, and supply chain management in today's global market. What Is the Difference Between a Billing Address and a Shipping Address? While seemingly straightforward, the distinction between a billing address and a shipping address plays a crucial role in e-commerce and logistics operations. The billing address is linked to the financial aspect of a purchase; it's the address associated with a customer’s payment method and is used by financial institutions to verify the identity of the cardholder and authorise transactions. This address is also where financial statements or billing invoices are sent and is essential for fraud prevention and compliance with tax regulations. On the other hand, the shipping address pertains purely to the logistics side of a transaction; it's the destination where the customer wishes to have their purchased goods delivered. This could be the buyer’s residence, workplace, or another location entirely, such as a gift recipient's address. The shipping address directly impacts logistics planning, shipping costs, and delivery times, and it requires precise handling to ensure that orders are delivered accurately and efficiently. The key difference, therefore, lies in their respective purposes: the billing address serves a financial and security function, whereas the shipping address is logistical. It’s not uncommon for these addresses to differ, for example, when purchasing gifts or when individuals use payment methods registered to one address but need delivery to another. Businesses must carefully manage both addresses to ensure transactional security, comply with taxation laws, and fulfil orders effectively. This underscores the importance of accurate data capture and verification processes in e-commerce and supply chain operations. Is it Important to Keep the Billing Address and Shipping Address the Same? Whether to keep the billing and shipping addresses the same varies based on individual circumstances and business requirements. There are several reasons why customers might choose different billing and shipping addresses, such as sending gifts to a different location or ordering items while temporarily residing at an alternate address. From a business perspective, accepting different addresses offers flexibility to customers, enhancing their shopping experience and accommodating a more comprehensive range of purchasing scenarios. However, there are important considerations for businesses when it comes to handling transactions with different billing and shipping addresses: 1. Fraud Prevention Transactions with different billing and shipping addresses can sometimes be a red flag for potential fraudulent activity. Fraudsters might use stolen payment information to send goods to an address that isn't associated with the payment method. Businesses often implement additional verification steps for such transactions to mitigate this risk. 2. Taxation Compliance Depending on local and international tax laws, the billing address can impact the application of sales taxes. Businesses need to be aware of how different addresses affect taxation to ensure compliance. 3. Shipping and Logistics Efficiency While offering the flexibility of different addresses to cater to customer needs, it also requires robust logistics and data management systems to ensure that goods are shipped accurately and efficiently to the correct destination. 4. Customer Trust and Satisfaction Allowing different billing and shipping addresses can enhance customer satisfaction by providing the convenience and flexibility to have purchases delivered where needed. This can build trust and loyalty with the customer base. While it is not strictly necessary to keep the billing and shipping address the same, businesses must weigh the benefits of customer convenience against the need for fraud prevention, compliance, and efficient logistics management. Implementing rigorous data verification processes and transparent communication policies can help manage the challenges posed by having different addresses, ultimately supporting a secure and customer-friendly purchasing environment. Conclusion Understanding the nuances between billing and shipping addresses is crucial in e-commerce and supply chain management. It highlights a critical intersection between financial security, logistical accuracy, and customer satisfaction. The billing address serves a pivotal role in verifying transaction legitimacy and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. In contrast, the shipping address is instrumental in fulfilling the logistical aspect of delivering goods to the correct destination. The ability to manage these addresses effectively, particularly when they differ, underscores a business's operational efficiency and commitment to customer service. As the global e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, the importance of accurately handling billing and shipping addresses will only grow. Businesses that adopt robust verification processes, flexible yet secure transaction policies, and clear communication strategies position themselves to navigate the complexities of modern commerce successfully. By doing so, they not only mitigate the risk of fraud and non-compliance but also enhance their reputation as trustworthy and customer-centric entities. Ultimately, the careful management of billing and shipping addresses contributes to smoother transactions, fosters customer loyalty, and drives business success in the competitive world of online retail and beyond. FAQs About Billing Address and Shipping Address Can using different billing and shipping addresses affect my order’s processing time?Yes, orders with different billing and shipping addresses may undergo additional verification processes to prevent fraud, potentially affecting processing times. However, this varies by retailer and the efficiency of their verification system.Is it safe to provide my billing address when making online purchases?Yes, providing your billing address is a standard practice for online transactions. It's used for verification purposes to ensure the transaction is legitimate. To protect your information, ensure you're purchasing from secure, reputable websites.Why do some companies require both a billing and shipping address?Companies require a billing address to verify the payment method and comply with tax regulations, while a shipping address is needed to deliver the purchase. Both addresses enable companies to process transactions securely and efficiently.What should I do if I enter the wrong billing or shipping address for my order?If you realise you've entered the wrong address, contact the company's customer service as soon as possible to update your information. Prompt action may prevent delays or issues with your order.How do businesses verify billing and shipping addresses?Businesses may use various methods to verify addresses, including automated address verification services that check the addresses against postal records. For high-risk transactions, they might also conduct manual reviews or request additional verification from the customer.Can I use a P.O. Box as a billing address?Yes, you can typically use a P.O. Box as a billing address as long as it's the address associated with your payment method. However, some companies may have restrictions on shipping to P.O. Boxes due to carrier limitationsDo billing and shipping addresses need to be in the same country?No, the billing and shipping addresses do not need to be in the same country. For instance, you might purchase a gift for someone in another country using your local payment method. Be aware that international transactions might require additional verification.

April 15, 2024