Delivery businesses usually get stuck amid delivery issues when they have multiple deliveries to perform on the same day. Therefore, who would know better than business owners about the growing challenges of multi-stop delivery? Yes, planning multiple deliveries is not that easy as it could be a time-consuming job.
But, thankfully we have handy resources available to sort out the delivery planning issues. In this blog, we will discuss them so that owners can plan multi-stop delivery routes swiftly.
What Is Multi-stop Delivery Route Planning?
Basically, it is a process where the driver will have to perform more than one delivery. A method to generate a route plan for multiple deliveries considering the road constraints like restricted areas, toll booths, or any avoidance zone is referred to as multi-stop route planning.
It is a method that analyzes on-road activities and weather conditions before finalizing a route plan. Using this method, the admin improves the customer experience by sending automated notifications and a live tracker. Such a technique will keep them in a loop so they can make themselves available at the delivery time.
Can Google Maps Navigate Multiple Deliveries?
Those who are into the delivery businesses highly rely on Google Maps to make deliveries. The popular mapping platform allows the user to plan multiple deliveries using different transportation modes like train, bus, and cycle. On GMaps, the delivery driver just needs to enter the destination point, and it will automatically generate the shortest path.
Similarly, business owners can create a route plan including multiple stops using Google services. They can even set preferences if they want to go by highways, toll roads, or ferries. The Google-powered mapping platform works well for planning a trip or a minimum number of deliveries. However, it is not suitable for business owners who make thousands of deliveries per day.
Steps to create multi routes using Google Maps
In case, if someone does not know how to find routes on Google Maps, here are the steps to follow.
- Step1 – Open Google Maps and enter the destination address on the search bar.
- Step 2- Type a starting point from and then enter a destination address or simply turn on the location of a device to automatically set it as a start point.
- Step 3 – In case, the location is turned on, it will consider the current location as a starting point.
- Step 4 – From the ‘option’ button, select the ‘add stop’ button to enter the stops, and then it will start generating the routes.
- Step 5 – Recheck the mapped route plan, and if needed reorder the added stops to find the fastest route. Select the ‘edit stop’ button to make quick edits.
- Step 6 – When the route plan is ready, start navigation through Google Maps. In case route optimization is required, the user will have to manually change the entire route plan.
Unfortunately, Google Maps allows only 10 stops for planning a delivery route. So, business owners who have fewer deliveries can definitely take advantage of GMaps. But, those who want to add more than 10 stops should find an alternate way.
Meanwhile, we have found that advanced routing software could be a worthy alternative to Google Maps. Let us throw more light on this topic in the next section.
Why Do You Need Automated Software for Multiple Routes?
Since planning and optimization of routes using the static method have resulted in slower deliveries. Plus, delivery drivers may have miscommunication with the customer and dispatchers on their way. Thus, no wonder why automated route planning software has tightened its grip on the logistic industry.
In terms of multi-stop route planning, the right routing software plays a crucial role. This is because from scheduling tasks for drivers to enhancing customer experience, an online route generator does it all.
Most entrepreneurs or small business owners using Google Maps have to manually reoptimize the route if needed. So, they can hassle-free plan a delivery route along with unlimited stops on the automated routing software.
Nowadays, a good thing to use the best route planner software is that drivers won’t have to call for help during the delivery process. It comes with the dedicated driver app which allows the driver to understand the scheduled deliveries, dispatched status, and optimized routes.
How Automated Routing Software Can Resolve Delivery Hassles?
If business owners have multiple deliveries to perform, they should start using better route planning software. It will help them plan deliveries in advance and automatically alert the driver at the time of the delivery. The cloud-based route planner comes with a ‘drag and drops’ feature where owners can simply drag the CSV file to fetch the data.
Thereafter, it will ask them to fill in the necessary parameters and set the priority of the deliveries. Considering priority, it will create a route plan for the drivers with the shortest routes. Drivers, too, can simply use the app in which they can check out the delivery status.
Moreover, the admin can send automated delivery notifications and a live tracking link to keep their customers in the loop. Following the delivery, the routing software will ask the driver to capture the e-signature or to add images of the delivered product.
Let us understand how it works using an example of a delivery route planning app.
Upper Route Planner Optimizes Routes In less than a Minute
For instance, Upper Route Planner works on an advanced algorithm that allows the user to quickly plan and optimize the routes. Users can simply import the spreadsheet and have an optimized route plan ready in seconds. Thereafter, it will help the user choose driver preferences, and arrange pickups as well as deliveries orders.
As soon as the product is dispatched, it will inform the driver and guide them throughout the delivery process. The driver can use the features on the ‘Upper for driver’ app and keep the admin updated about the delivery status.
On the other hand, customers will be allowed to keep a tab on the driver’s location and if needed, they can also send the delivery instructions to them. If the driver performs a successful delivery, the app will remind them to collect the proof of delivery.
Ending Note
Route planning for multiple deliveries is easier said than done. Luckily, we have many advanced routing software that helps us plan, manage, and deliver the product quickly. We discussed how Google Maps assists the user to prepare the route plan and what are its pros and cons. Before concluding a blog, we found that an online route planner could be an alternative for the mapping platform.
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