Best route planning software for deliveries
For delivery businesses, route planning isn’t a simple background task; it directly shapes how efficiently operations run day after day. The way every route is planned affects fuel consumption, driver time, performance and the ability to scale as volumes increase. As operations grow, manual planning methods and basic mapping tools can be limited.
Route planning software is built to allow delivery teams organize stops across multiple routes, account for real constraints, and manage execution from planning through completion. Modern tools help companies reduce unnecessary driving, improve consistency, and maintain better operational control.
This article presents what this innovative tool is, what is it good for, and how it differs from route optimization. It also reviews leading solutions in the market, explains how to evaluate and choose different platforms, and examines the benefits and return on investment.
What is route planning software
Route planning software is a type of logistics software used by delivery companies to plan, manage, and execute multi-stop delivery routes. Its main purpose is to help teams organize deliveries efficiently, while maintaining visibility and control throughout the process.
At a functional level, it typically enables teams to:
- Import orders and addresses from multiple sources
- Convert addresses into mappable geographic coordinates
- Group delivery stops into routes across multiple vehicles
- Sequence stops in a practical order
- Apply operational constraints such as time windows and service durations
- Dispatch routes to drivers through a mobile app or web interface
- Track route progress and delivery status in real time
- Capture outcomes like completed, failed, or rescheduled stops
A delivery routing software is designed specifically for multi-vehicle and multi-stop operations. Unlike the basic navigation tools which focus on guiding a single driver from one point to another, this coordinates planning, dispatch, execution, and monitoring.
Due to the fact that everything can be done within a single system, it makes it suitable for teams that require structured planning and consistent execution at scale. For businesses, it’s a great way to maintain efficiency and control without increasing planning effort proportionally.
What is the difference between route planning and route optimization software
Route planning describes the overall operational process of preparing, managing, and executing delivery routes. By contrast, route optimization refers specifically to the process of determining the most efficient sequence of stops for one or multiple vehicles. In practice, most of the modern platforms combine both.
For a better understanding of how these elements differ from one another, here’s a simple and practical comparison:
| Route planning | Route optimization |
| Involves organizing orders, assigning stops to routes, and preparing routes for delivery | Determines the best and the most efficient sequence within each route |
| Can include manual steps, automated steps, or both | It’s carried out automatically using algorithms |
| A routing software aims to make the itinerary practical and ready to run | Route optimization aims to improve efficiency based on specific criteria |
| Usually includes dispatching routes to drivers | Doesn’t handle dispatch or delivery execution |
| Applies business rules like delivery windows and service times during planning | Uses constraints like time windows and vehicle capacity during calculation |
| Supports tracking deliveries and reviewing performance | Produces optimized routes that can be tracked and reviewed |
| Can exist on its own in low-complexity operations | Functions as part of a broader planning process |
As delivery operations grow more complex, organizations can start searching for routing optimization software as a way to deliver consistently at scale. Optimization algorithms are built to sort through billions of different possibilities and identify the best ones that fit the needs.
The best route planning software options to check out
The market has a wide range of platforms, each designed to support different delivery models, business sizes and levels of operational complexity. Each platform is presented using the same structure featuring their scope, capabilities, key considerations, best fit, and more.
Logistia Route Planner
Logistia Route Planner is a full-featured route management software that helps companies optimize, execute, and monitor delivery and field operations. Unlike basic planners that only sequence stops, Logistia combines advanced features into one practical solution. It positions itself as a simple, yet powerful tool for companies that operate their own fleets.
Core capabilities:
- Advanced multi-stop route optimization
- Multi-day and complex planning
- Accurate address handling
- Order import and integration with ecommerce platforms
- Priority and constraint management
- Real-time driver tracking and offline mode
- Product and billing management
- Proof of delivery capture
- Customer notifications
- Analytics and reports
Best fit for:
- Logistia is used across diverse fields including ecommerce, courier and transport services, food and beverage logistics, waste collection, healthcare and more.
- Small to medium firms that want a single system for planning, execution, tracking and reporting across all delivery operations. It’s also suitable for teams that need detailed constraint handling, real-time visibility and customer communication built into dispatch workflows.
Considerations:
- It may be less specialized in advanced optimization features compared with enterprise-oriented platforms
Pricing model:
- Typically, tiered subscriptions with a free trial period designed to scale with team size and usage. Specific plans may vary based on features and included order volumes.
Onfleet
Onfleet is a comprehensive last-mile delivery scheduling software used my mid to large-scale organizations that require automation, real-time visibility, and strong dispatch controls. It blends optimization, live tracking, customer communication, and analytics into one centralized system.
Core capabilities:
- AI-driven optimization using historical traffic and business constraints
- Real-time tracking and live driver location
- Predictive ETA generation and customer notifications
- Proof of delivery with photo and signature capture
- Analytics dashboards and performance insights
Best fit for:
- Medium to large operations with high delivery volumes, on-demand workflows, or courier-style services requiring robust automation and analytics.
Considerations:
- The feature set reflects a steeper learning curve compared with simpler route planners, and it may be effective for very small delivery teams.
Pricing model:
- Subscription-based, typically starting at higher monthly tiers reflecting its enterprise focus.
OptimoRoute
OptimoRoute is among the best route planning software options available that supports both delivery routing and mobile workforce planning. It’s recognized for managing complex constraints like service time windows, vehicle capacities, and multi-day scheduling.
Core capabilities:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop adjustments and flexible optimization
- Real-time route monitoring and dispatch updates
- Analytics and reporting tools
Best fit for:
- Organizations that need structured scheduling combined with route planning, for example deliveries aligned with service appointments.
Considerations:
- OptimoRoute’s flexibility and depth mean it can take longer to fully configure and learn compared with simpler tools.
Pricing model:
- Usually subscription-based with a per-driver pricing structure and a free trial so teams can assess suitability.
Spoke Dispatch
Spoke Dispatch, formerly known as Circuit for Teams, is a simple and intuitive routing planning software and dispatch solution focused on usability. It optimizes stops sequences and helps drivers complete more deliveries with less backtracking.
Core capabilities:
- Multi-stop route optimization
- Real-time updates and ETAs
- Integration with navigation apps
- Driver mobile app for execution and delivery details
Best fit for:
- Small businesses, couriers, or solo drivers who want a straightforward routing app that’s quick to set up and easy to use.
Considerations:
- It may not offer the advanced dispatch analytics or multi-route planning tools found in larger enterprise platforms.
Pricing model:
- Usually subscription-based, often with a free tier or lower cost, suitable for small teams.
Routific
Routific is a cloud-based route optimisation software and planning platform, known for combining strong usability with reliable optimization. It’s often praised for being approachable and effective in everyday logistics operations and a good choice for small to medium delivery fleets.
Core capabilities:
- Intelligent multi-stop optimization
- Dispatch to driver app with SMS route links
- Real-time tracking and ETA sharing
- Easy drag-and-drop editing
Best fit for:
- Local delivery teams and small fleets looking for a balance of power and simplicity in planning routes.
Considerations:
- Routific emphasizes usability and core routing features rather than more specialized enterprise dispatch workflows.
Pricing model:
- Tiered pricing based on route volume, often with free or low-volume plans for small operations.
Route4Me
Route4Me is one of the best routing software widely used for its flexibility and feature-rich tools. It supports multi-driver and multi-depot routing, real-time tracking, dispatching, reporting and a range of business rule constraints. It is also designed to integrate with wider logistics and workflow tools.
Core capabilities:
- Very customizable feature set
- Mature platform with broad adoption
- Capable API for workflow integration
- Modular add-ons for notifications, proof of delivery and time windows
Best fit for:
- Organizations with complex delivery rules or larger fleets that need a flexible routine solution.
Considerations:
- It can be more complex to configure and sometimes more expensive than simpler routing tools.
Pricing model:
- Modular subscription pricing with tiered plans and optional add-ons.
How to choose the right delivery route planning software
Choosing this type of tool for your company isn’t about selecting the platform with the longest feature list. It’s more about understanding how well a solution fits your specific delivery operations. These tools are designed to support different models, levels of complexity, and growth stages.
A practical way to evaluate and choose the best one is to look at how it aligns with key operational factors, including:
- Delivery model: whether routes are planned in advance, dispatched in demand, or managed through a hybrid approach
- Scale: the number of daily stops, drivers, vehicles, and depots involved
- Complexity: requirements such as time windows, service durations, vehicle capacity limits, or special handling constraints
- Integration needs: connections to order systems, e-commerce platforms, warehouse systems or internal APIs
- Pricing model: how costs scale with volume changes, seasonality and long-term growth
A software that performs well in one operational context may be less efficient in another. Therefore, evaluating platforms against these dimensions helps companies make decisions that remain viable as operations evolve.
Is route planner software better than using Google Maps or spreadsheets
Navigation apps and spreadsheets can work well for simple delivery scenarios. For example, they can be good for a small number of stops completed by a single driver. In these cases, manual planning may be sufficient and also cost-effective. In the meantime, they’re not designed to support coordinated operations.
A few common limitations include:
- The inability to plan and balance multiple paths at the same time
- Limited or no support for constraints
- No centralized way to dispatch routes or monitor progress
- High manual effort which increases the risk of errors
A specialized software becomes necessary when the operations involve more drivers, recurring routes or dozens of stops per day. At that point, manual tools struggle to scale and planning efficiency declines as things become more complex.
What are the benefits of delivery route optimization software
There are multiple reasons why companies should consider route optimization tools, such as:
- Shorter total driving distances and lower fuel consumption
- Reduced driver labor costs through more efficient route sequencing
- Faster planning and dispatch preparation
- More accurate delivery time estimates
- Improved on-time delivery performance
- Better visibility into daily tasks, delays and exceptions
All these benefits tend to compound as deliveries increase. Optimization becomes super valuable for growing operations where small gains translate into meaningful savings. Therefore, it helps teams spend less time planning and more time executing deliveries.
How long does it take to see a return on investment
Seeing measurable improvements depends on several factors:
- The number of daily stops and overall route complexity
- Fuel and labor costs relative to delivery volume
- How itinerary is planned before adopting software
- How quickly dispatchers and drivers adopt the new system
- The level of automation and system integration
Many businesses begin to see improvements within weeks to a few months after implementation. Those with dense delivery areas and recurring routes often see faster returns than those with irregular patterns or lower volumes.
Enhancing delivery efficiency with reliable route planning software
For modern companies, investing in such innovative tools could be a great way to maintain a steady level of service as demand increases. It could become a practical part of daily operations, helping teams to keep costs under control and handle changes more smoothly.
When choosing the best planning solution or the best route optimization software, it helps to look at how each platform is able to support your current workflows and how it’ll handle growth over time. This makes it easier to choose a solution that continues to work as your delivery operation evolves.
