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Finding Your Way With Free Route Planners

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Planning your journey can be a daunting task, especially when you have multiple stops to make or want to find the most efficient route. Luckily, there are several free route planner tools available that can help streamline your travel experience. These tools offer a range of features, from real-time traffic updates to customized route options, all designed to optimize your journey. In this article, we will explore the top free route planner tools and provide you with valuable insights to make an informed decision.

Why Use a Free Route Planner?

Comparing the top free route planner tools, factors to consider when choosing a route planner.

A route planner can be a game-changer when it comes to travel, whether you are an individual planning a road trip or a business optimizing your fleet's routes. Here are some key benefits of using a route planner:

• Time Savings: A route planner can save you precious time by calculating the most efficient route within seconds. Instead of spending hours planning, you can focus on enjoying your journey or completing more deliveries or service calls in a day.
• Fuel Cost Reduction: By providing the most efficient route, a route planner helps you avoid unnecessary detours, ultimately minimizing fuel consumption. This not only saves you money but also reduces the environmental impact of your travel.
• Stress Reduction: Navigating unfamiliar areas or dealing with unexpected traffic can be stressful. A route planner can provide real-time traffic updates and offer alternative routes, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable journey.

Now, let's dive into the top free route planner tools available and explore their unique features.

When it comes to free route planner tools, there are several options available, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Here is a comparison of the top three free route planner tools:

Google Maps

Google Maps is a popular choice for route planning due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive mapping data. It offers real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, and the ability to save customized routes. However, Google Maps does not offer advanced features such as multi-stop optimization or route customization for businesses.

RoadWarrior

RoadWarrior is a powerful route planner tool specifically designed for businesses. It offers features such as multi-stop optimization, route customization, and integration with other business tools. While it does have a paid version, the free version of RoadWarrior provides most of the essential features required for efficient route planning. It allows you to put in up to eight stops, making it suitable for small businesses or individuals.

If you find yourself needing to make more than eight stops often, RoadWarrior Flex is available. It allows users to put in 200 stops per route and 500 daily optimized stops. RoadWarrior also offers a free trial, so you can try it out without any risks. (Full disclosure: MapQuest's parent company System1 also owns RoadWarrior.)

Get a free 7-day trial of RoadWarrior here

Waze is a community-based navigation app that also provides basic route optimization features. It takes into account real-time traffic data to suggest the most efficient routes. While it may not offer advanced optimization algorithms like RoadWarrior, it is a popular choice among drivers for its crowd-sourced road information and real-time alerts.

Now that we've explored the top free route planner tools, let's discuss the factors to consider when choosing a route planner.

Choosing the right route planner tool can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

User-Friendly Interface

A route planner should have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, allowing users to quickly input destinations and generate optimized routes. Look for tools that offer a clean and visually appealing interface, making it effortless to navigate and plan your journey.

Customization Options

Customization is essential when it comes to route planning. Look for a route planner that allows you to customize routes based on your specific preferences. For example, you might want to avoid tolls or highways. The ability to personalize your routes ensures that the planner fits your unique needs.

Integration with Other Tools

If you use other business tools such as CRM or dispatch software, consider a route planner that offers integration. Integration streamlines your workflow by connecting different platforms and automating tasks. Look for tools that offer seamless integration, making it easier to manage your routes alongside other business operations.

Real-Time Traffic Updates

To avoid congestion and delays, a route planner should provide real-time traffic updates. Look for tools that take into account live traffic data and offer alternative routes when necessary. Real-time traffic updates are particularly crucial for individuals or businesses that frequently travel in busy areas.

Mobile App Availability

If you frequently plan routes on the go, a route planner with a mobile app can be a game-changer. Look for tools that offer a mobile app compatible with your device's operating system. A mobile app allows you to plan routes and access real-time updates wherever you are, ensuring convenience and flexibility.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of what factors to consider when choosing a route planner, it's time to make an informed decision and start optimizing your journey.

Using a free route planner tool can significantly enhance your travel experience by saving time, reducing fuel costs, and minimizing stress. Whether you are an individual looking for the most efficient route to your destination or a business seeking to optimize your fleet's routes, there is a free route planner tool available to suit your needs. Consider factors such as user-friendly interface, customization options, integration with other tools, real-time traffic updates, and mobile app availability. Explore the top free options such as Google Maps, RoadWarrior, and Waze, and start optimizing your journey today. Let technology be your guide and enjoy the benefits of efficient route planning!

Remember, the key to a successful journey is a well-planned route!

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TripPlanner Price Range Help

Optimize your route. Reduce your ticket cost. Get personal advice by shceduling a phone appointment with a Flight Specialist here .

When we built AirTreks, our goal was to give you a bird's-eye-view of prices for your route as quickly as possible. Adding dates to request fares from a computer algorithm can sometimes eliminate the best options, miss interesting alternatives and be more time consuming than is absolutely necessary.

We believe your trip isn't just about punching cities into a form and seeing what comes back. Rather than rely on automated methods and your own data entry to locate airfares, we utilize the collective expertise of real people, travelers who have booked literally thousands of complex trips and have actually been to the places you want to go. That personal know-how, combined with your individual preferences, helps us come up with the very best routing and price possible for your AirTrek.

AirTreks' price range should be used as a guide (factor in a bit more for travel during high season or last-minute travel), and then submit to a Travel Planner for a specific personalised quote. Once you get to talking with us, we often find ways to reduce your cost or add in extras, creating amazing trips for you, every time.

*AirTreks prices always include taxes and fees.

Since AirTreks only requires a route to determine a trip's price, it's not until you're ready to purchase that your Travel Planner will make exact flight requests. As an AirTreks client, you'll be involved in the process of selecting all your itinerary details, the dates and times, when that point comes

Yes, you can request specific airlines, routes and non-stop or direct flights. Just let your AirTreks Travel Planner know your requirements and they'll adjust your itinerary to meet your needs.

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Since 1987, AirTreks has been a leader in multi-stop international travel, especially complex routes with up to 25 stops.

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Multi-Stop Route Planning Software

Maptive’s online route planner allows you to map out the most efficient path between locations, even if you have multiple stops to make on your journey.

Our mapping software will provide you with a customized, detailed map that will calculate the best route to travel between multiple addresses painlessly in a matter of clicks.

Optimize Your Routes & Rule The Road

Maptive’s map route planner allows you to:

• Find the most efficient route between as many as 25 locations with up to 73 stops.
• Find distances and projected travel time between locations.
• Calculate the shortest route so that you do not waste time traveling unneeded miles.
• Change the order of your route with a drag and drop function.
• Plot multiple direction instances for different scenarios.
• Export your route to file in the form of an Excel spreadsheet.

You focus on your business – the meetings you have to have, the products you have to deliver – and we’ll make sure you can organize them in the most efficient way possible, saving you time and money in the process.

Google Maps and Maptive’s Route Maker

Maptive’s route planning tool works with Google Maps to deliver a comprehensive navigational service that is intuitive and fully customizable to each user’s needs.

We hear the skeptics in the back row. “But isn’t Google Maps already a driving route planner?” Yes, Google Maps’ route planner can be your guiding light from A to B and even allows you to enter multiple locations, but its optimization capabilities are severely limited.

Maptive’s route planner takes Google Maps’ capabilities and adds the next crucial step — an optimization function. Follow us as we take you through how it works.

How to use our Multi-Stop Route Planner

Choose a starting point..

You can do this by either:

• Selecting your current location, the default setting of the tool.
• By clicking on an existing map marker and selecting “Add to Route.”
• Manually typing in a new location into the location window.

Add all the locations you need to visit.

In the location window, click on the + sign adjacent to “Add Additional Location.” You then have the same options you had when selecting your starting location. You can use the Lasso and Fill Location option to add all of the locations in an area to your route.

Get Directions.

Once you input all of your locations, it’s time to view your route by clicking on the “Get Directions” button.

Now, you can see your route visualized on your personal map.

Optimize Route.

When you select to optimize your route, Maptive will present you with the following options:

• Add additional directions instances if you would like to compare different route options to each other.
• Replace existing directions if your goal is to find the most efficient route.

Select whichever option suits you, and you’re ready to set out on your trip.

Use your map however you like.

The  map drawing program allows you to read your directions in the side panel, follow along on the map or use Maptive’s other tools to customize your routes. In addition, you have the option of exporting your map directions in the format of an Excel spreadsheet or printing it right from Maptive.

How Maptive’s Other Tools Work with the Route Planner

• Radius Tool:  The Radius and Proximity tool allows you to select a radius of your chosen size around a given location so that you can determine the proximity of various locations. This analysis can be the ideal companion to the route planner by allowing you first to determine which locations might make sense to visit on a particular journey.
• Drive Time Polygon Tool: With the Drive Time Polygon tool , you can quickly visualize the driving distances between locations on your customized map. As with the Proximity Tool, this can serve as a useful precursor to mapping out your path with the route planner, as it allows you to see what locations it would be feasible to include.
• Lasso Tool: Once you start using the lasso tool with your route planner, you’ll wonder how you ever organized anything without it. It allows you to highlight a specific area by manually sketching it out. You can then optimize routes within that area, export only that selection, or apply criteria to that unique data set.

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9 Best Multi Stop Route Planners

Multi-drop route planning can be a challenge but using the right software you can save your business time and money. We've done the research for you here.

Michael Santry , Brendan Tobin

If you are a business that operates a delivery team of drivers and logistics people, you know that route planning is the key to your operations. In this guide, we have done the research into what is the best multi stop route planner that can help you and your logistics team.

For example, if you have 4 vehicles on the road, and each of those vehicles has to deliver approximately 70 parcels per day. That’s a whopping 280 stops each of those drivers must make over the course of a day.

Deciding on which routes are best for each of those drivers would take hours. And even at that, it would be practically impossible to ensure that those routes were as efficient as possible.

Whether you own a courier company, or you deliver your own products directly to consumers, route planning can quickly become a task that takes hours. That’s why there are dedicated multi stop route planners in the UK and in the US that rely on technology to save you time and money.

Of course, no two businesses are the same, and similarly, the solutions on the market cater to various needs of delivery businesses. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best solutions on the market today, and which one is the best option for you. We’ll cover the best free route planners and paid multi stop route planners. We will also outline the capabilities and limitations of each so you can make an informed decision.

Why is a multi stop route planner important?

As more and more consumers opt for home delivery rather than in-store shopping, the volume of goods being delivered direct-to-consumers continues apace.

Inefficient routes, hours spent planning them, and problems such as missed deliveries can quickly render your business model nonviable. By using a suitable tool, your business can save thousands in costs associated with multi-stop deliveries.

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The benefits of a suitable route planner can have even more far-reaching consequences for your delivery service, such as:

• Happier drivers (quicker routes, better work-life balance and less trouble on the road)
• Happier in-house staff (more accurate insight into deliveries means they can give customers more honest, accurate and timely information on their orders)
• A happier YOU (whether your driving or managing the routes, the easier they are to organize and the more time you save, the better)

A core of many route planners is route optimization , which is proven to reduce distances by up to 33%, so getting started can be a big step in the right direction for your delivery operation.

Let’s take a look at your options!

9 multi stop route planners

1. google maps.

Sometimes the best solution to a problem is the one you know best.

Google Maps is the most commonly used online route planner and with good reason. Google are leaders in technological mapping development and their solution was one of the first online mapping systems in the world.

If you’re starting out in business, your routes might still be pretty small. If so, you can put in the addresses of your drops and be on your way in seconds.

The downside to Google Maps, however, is that it isn’t a delivery route planner necessarily. The first big hurdle you face is that you can only plan for up to 10 stops.

The second biggest hurdle is that it doesn’t actually ‘optimize’ the route, so it may not be the most efficient way to complete your deliveries.

Still, it’s a good place to start if you're trying to get your business off the ground, your routes are small, and your cash flow is still limited.

Best suited to : Individuals doing their own deliveries with limited drops for a new business

Advantages : Free, easy-to-use, desktop and mobile apps

Limitations : Only 10 stops per route, no route optimization and no delivery specific features

As we noted above, the big limitation with Google Maps is the cap at 10 stops and no route optimization.

Well, RouteXL gets its place on this list as it solves both those problems, while still having a quick and easy free tier on the pricing front. Like Google Maps, if you're just getting your delivery business off the ground, you might be keeping an eye on costs and RouteXL will be a great help.

Although there is still a cap of 20 drops, it’s likely you might not even need any more than that for a start. Another nice thing about RouteXL, is you can simply go to their website and start creating routes right away. No sign-up required.

Another helpful feature that will be of value to a small, emerging business, is the ability to import a number of addresses in one go. Although that might seem like a small thing, it will definitely save you a few valuable minutes in those early days.

The big drawback with RouteXL is that it’s a web application (in non-technical terms, it's just a website like Google Maps).

If you’ve got a team of drivers, this will be a bit of a headache as they won’t be able to follow their route out on the road. They do offer the solution of integrating with a partner, Webfleet Solutions, which in turn syncs with TomTom devices, but these additional costs can quickly add up.  

Finally, creating routes can be a little slow, so expect to be a little patient while it finds a route for you.

Best suited to: Small and new businesses that outgrow Google Maps

Advantages: Free, no sign-up, and more stops than Google Maps

Limitations: No multi-drop specific functionality, capped at 20 stops, and no mobile apps

3. SmartRoutes

While the solutions we looked at so far are great for small businesses on tight budgets, if you’re really getting into multi drop routing, you’ll find real value in a purpose-built multi stop route planner.

And SmartRoutes is just that!

SmartRoutes is a delivery route planner that covers every detail in a multi-stop route planning operation. The solution combines a platform for organizing your teams and mobile delivery driver apps that are available on both Android and iOS devices.

SmartRoutes works by allowing you to create routes for multiple vehicles and drivers in a matter of seconds. It also allows you to create optimized routes based upon your bulk import of drops. Importing your deliveries is super quick and easy, and can be done directly from an excel file. If you're using eCommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce or even if you are using an ERP, it can be done over an API.

The route planner also allows you to add dispatch notes to each drop for drivers, and can also take into account vehicle capacities, driver hours and breaks, customer priorities and delivery time windows at the point of route creation.

Additional route planning features that can transform your multi drop business are geographical territory zoning, automated customer notifications (email or SMS) and barcode scanning. Contactless delivery is also an option now in order to protect customers and the general public.

Of course, multi stop deliveries are all about one thing; getting parcels and packages to customers in the best and fastest way possible. That’s where a solution like SmartRoutes comes into its own with a best-in-class delivery driver mobile app.

The SmartRoutes Driver App allows you to send routes to your drivers' mobile phones in advance of their route, complete with all the order details for each stop.

On the app, they can view their route in a list or map format, and re-sequence and re-optimize the route throughout the day as necessary.

At the point of delivery, drivers can capture proof of delivery in photo or signature format and take notes. Alternatively, if they’re unable to complete the delivery, they can immediately mark the drop as ‘undelivered’.

The real magic is that all of this information is transferred to the desktop route planner instantly, available to you and your support or admin staff. This can make life easier for everyone involved, reduce customer queries by up to 90% and make those that are served 70% quicker.

If you’re planning multi-drop routes for 3 vehicles or more, the return on investment in a solution like SmartRoutes can quickly become apparent.

Packages start at just €29 per month. You can check out our pricing options here .

Best suited to: Anyone doing multi stop deliveries

Advantages: Desktop & mobile app solution, unlimited stops & full delivery functionality

Limitations : Free solution is only available on a 7-day trial

If you’re a driver and you or your employer isn’t keen on the idea of a paid route planner, you might be looking for a free solution to use while you're out on the road.

That’s why Waze is a favorite among multi drop drivers around the world, as it plots efficient routes via a familiar mobile app.

The big advantage of Waze over Google Maps is that data is submitted by users to a larger degree than Google Maps. Traffic, obstacles and even speed cameras are displayed to drivers and it can give more up-to-the-minute information.

A little known fact about Waze, is that it is actually owned by Google.

Unfortunately, it is limited in its use as a multi stop route planner, but the user-influenced nature of it makes it a favorite among drivers looking for a free solution.

Best suited to: Drivers looking for a quick and free way of routing on the road

Advantages: Up-to-the-minute road data and simple interface

Limitations: A basic navigation app with no delivery functionality

5. SpeedyRoute

The trouble with the free route planners that we’ve seen so far, is that they can have big limitations because they aren’t designed with multi stop deliveries in mind.

Whilst not perfect, SpeedyRoute does take it into consideration and offers some useful functionality on its free plan.

Like Google Maps, it is limited to 10 stops on the free plan, but it does allow you to add more than one vehicle and then creates optimized routes for those vehicles at the click of a button.

Unlike Google Maps, however, there is only a desktop-based web application. It won’t be of much use to drivers, but if you're looking for a quick and easy solution without reaching for a credit card, this may be a useful one for you.

SpeedyRoutes also have a paid offering: daily access for $10, weekly for $20, or monthly for $50.  

Even if you do have to reach for the credit card, that’s certainly not going to break the bank and you have the flexibility to go day-by-day if your multi drop routes are irregular.

Best suited to: Small business owners planning occasional routes for multiple drivers

Advantages: Free tier allowing more multi vehicle route optimization

Limitations: No mobile apps, limited to 10 drops on free tier

Onfleet offers a pretty good route optimization and delivery management solution that will serve even the biggest of multi drop operations.

The San Francisco-based technology company offers a desktop-based route optimization solution and combines it with a multi stop route planner app with lots of delivery-related functionality like proof-of-delivery, driver and customer communication, and reporting.

Similarly to SmartRoutes, you can plan and optimize routes from other platforms through their API.

To pick fault with their offering, the pricing is a little complicated with functions like barcode scanning and customer SMS notifications starting at $799.

Onfleet also categorizes each drop as a ‘task’, and the cost of their solution increases based upon the number of drops you make, so it’s worth getting a handle on how many drops you expect to do over a given time period.

Best suited to: Large businesses with established eCommerce or warehousing operations

Advantages: A very comprehensive solution with desktop planners and mobile driver app

Limitations: Expensive pricing for full feature set and large drop volumes

This British-based route planner has found favor, particularly with couriers, throughout the UK.

Circuit bills itself as ‘delivery software powering the next generation of delivery companies.’ The solution combines a desktop-based route planner on the ‘Team’ pricing plan and a mobile driver app that can be bought as part of the same package, or individually as a driver. Circuit for Teams is the more complete solution for teams as the name suggests incorporating user management, fleet tracking and proof of delivery elements.

The driver app uses a nice, modern, easy-to-use interface and is great on the road. For $20 per month, you get unlimited stops on the mobile app and route optimization for multiple routes.

As expected at this price-point, it does lack key features such as proof of delivery and dispatch notes, but it does the basics really well.

For delivery businesses, it offers a ‘Teams’ package that introduces a desktop route planner and additional features such as customer notifications and proof of delivery with their basic package starting at £100!

It is a little limited compared to other solutions and is a relatively recent addition to their services. In time it may grow to a very complete solution, but at present it does look a little lighter than other solutions in the same category.

Best suited to: Drivers doing their high-volume multi drop routes

Advantages: Modern interface that makes the app easy to use while out on the road

Limitations: Pretty basic desktop-based web application for managing vehicle, drivers and routes for a multi drop business.

8. Routific

Routific is another great option for businesses doing large volumes of deliveries with multiple vehicles.

Like others on this list, it combines a desktop and mobile app that makes route planning and optimization great for business owners, in-house staff and drivers alike.

Their pricing is also straightforward, starting from $39 per vehicle, per month.

It does get a little more expensive when you move into the next plan for features like SMS notifications and proof-of-delivery coming in at $78 per vehicle, per month.

If there is anything to fault the solution on, it may be that the interface is a little more complex than other solutions. This can make the learning curve a little longer if you're not familiar with routing software, but it can be overcome with their learning support material.

Best suited to: Small to medium business with more than one vehicle

Advantages: Reasonably priced entry point, lots of features with full packages

Limitations: Older style interface and a steeper learning curve when getting started.

9. OptimoRoute

This Zagreb-based solution provider is another of the established names in the route planning and optimization world.

OptimoRoute combines a desktop-based route planner and delivery driver app that hosts a lot of great delivery features. In fact, their solution hosts over 50 different features that will be of benefit to a multi drop courier, such as delivery tracking, reporting and driver management.

For drivers, their pricing starts at a reasonable $17 for their driver app alone, and for multi drop businesses with multiple vehicles and drivers, their full package that includes desktop planning and some extra features like real-time order tracking and proof of delivery starts at $35 per driver, per month.

One thing to be aware of is that there is a cap of planning 250 orders at once on the driver app, and a cap of 700 orders at once on the full package. Those are pretty big limits, but it’s worth checking over previous routes you’ve completed to ensure you're not running into issues.

Best suited to: Businesses with a lot of vehicles, completing medium-high volume multi drop routes.

Advantages: Good value, transparent pricing, and a 30 free trial.

Limitations: A dated desktop interface and no drag and drop functionality for drivers or planners to amend routes as necessary.

Summary and verdict

Whichever multi stop route planner you decide to go with for you and your business, it’s important to first analyze a weekly routine to identify the different tasks you and your drivers complete. When you are doing something for a sustained period, it can become second nature, and seem like it is the only way to do it.

Automating tasks like sending customer ETA notification and proof of delivery can save you hours of manual labor hours over the course of a week for example.

It’s also important to ensure that functionality like route optimization, fleet tracking software and driver management come as standard if you are planning for any more than 3 vehicles or drivers at one time.

Are you looking for a multi stop route planner?

Are you ready to revolutionize your multi-stop delivery operations? Whether you run a courier business or a direct-to-consumer (D2C) enterprise, implementing a purpose-built multi-stop software solution is crucial to staying competitive in today's market. As industry giants continue to excel, leveraging such a tool can help you not only remain competitive but also surpass them by providing exceptional, personalized delivery experiences .

We hope this guide will help you to decide which solution is the best fit for you, your drivers and your customers. If you're ready to begin planning and optimizing routes for your business, you can avail of a 7-day free trial of SmartRoutes . Our free trial doesn’t apply any limits, so you can get to grips with the full feature set right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is a multi-stop route planner, and how does it work.

A multi-stop route planner is a software or tool designed to assist individuals or businesses in efficiently planning and navigating routes with multiple stops. This tool operates by taking a list of destinations and employing sophisticated algorithms to compute the most optimized route. It takes into account various factors, such as distance, real-time traffic conditions, and estimated delivery or arrival times. By doing so, it enables users to plan and execute complex multi-stop journeys with ease.

2. What Are the Key Benefits of Using a Multi-Stop Route Planner?

There are several key benefits to utilizing a multi-stop route planner. First and foremost, it offers significant time savings by identifying the most efficient route for your journey. This efficiency translates into cost savings through reduced fuel consumption and minimized vehicle maintenance costs. Furthermore, it enhances overall operational efficiency for businesses that require multiple stops in their daily operations. Beyond cost and time considerations, it also contributes to reduced stress levels for drivers, as it minimizes navigation challenges and helps ensure smoother trips.

3. What Features Should I Look for in a Multi-Stop Route Planner?

When selecting a multi-stop route planner, it's crucial to consider several essential features that can significantly impact your planning and navigation experience. These features include access to real-time traffic updates, compatibility with mobile applications for on-the-go navigation, robust route optimization algorithms for efficient journey planning, and the ability to export and integrate data with other software or devices. Ensuring that your chosen route planner possesses these features can enhance your overall experience and effectiveness.

4. Are There Any Limitations or Challenges Associated with Multi-Stop Route Planning?

While multi-stop route planners offer substantial advantages, it's important to be aware of potential limitations and challenges. One common limitation is their reliance on accurate maps and real-time traffic information, which may occasionally be subject to inaccuracies. Additionally, unexpected road closures or construction can pose challenges, as route planners may not always predict these obstacles accurately. Furthermore, route planners may struggle with highly intricate or remote routes, so users should be prepared for some limitations in such scenarios.

5. What Tips Can You Share for Maximizing the Effectiveness of a Multi-Stop Route Planner?

To optimize your use of a multi-stop route planner, consider the following tips. First, it's essential to regularly update maps and software to ensure you have access to the latest data, which is crucial for accurate planning. Secondly, before planning routes, take the time to verify the accuracy of destination addresses, as this can prevent unexpected complications during your journey. Third, consider providing training to drivers or users to effectively utilize the software's capabilities, ensuring they can harness its full potential. Lastly, stay vigilant and monitor real-time traffic conditions, allowing for adjustments as needed to ensure efficient and on-time travel. By implementing these tips, you can make the most of your multi-stop route planning tool and enhance your overall navigation experience.

If you enjoyed this blog, you might also be interested in:

• Customer stories
• What's New!
• Integrations
• Route planning
• Route optimization
• Delivery fleet tracking
• Customer experience
• Proof of delivery
• Delivery driver app
• Order management

• Terms & Privacy

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"I absolutely love this app!! I drive for FedEx Express and run routes literally in the middle of no where. Straightaway is always spot on with address location even in the sticks. Way better than road warrior! Easier to navigate too! I love returning to the hub empty! Lol :))"

“I’ll never forget the first day I tried out his new route planner app. I finished my route two hours faster than usual, and I went home to play with my daughter. It was the greatest feeling. Now I use Straightaway every day. Over the last six months, I’ve saved over 140 hours of driving.”

”Ok so this is like magic - works super well. I usually snap a photo of my route and it just organizes it all. The navigation and route tracking works great, SO much better than doing this the manual way like I used to."

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How to Plan a Trip With Multiple Stops: Road trip tools and tips

Do you enjoy the freedom of traveling by car to get off the beaten track? Planning a road trip with multiple stops is an easy and fun way to explore the world! Here are the best free apps and tips for planning your trip.

Going on a long road trip and needing to break up the journey? Or maybe you're excited by the freedom of exploring by car rather than having your route dictated by train stations and bus stops. Planning a road trip with multiple stops can be great fun.

There are many free resources to help you plan your journey, such as these  top travel apps  and  essential packing lists . I'll share my top five picks for route planner apps in this article with you. I'll also share my top ten tips for ensuring your trip goes smoothly so you can make some great memories on the road.

Planning a Trip With Multiple Stops

You can plan a trip with a desired destination in mind and decide on multiple stops en route from your starting point. Search for exciting things to see along the way and add them to your route. Remember to also flag up service stations and plan pit stops for gas.

Of course, you don't always have to be at the wheel. You can make reservations at cafes and restaurants along the way for meals or coffee breaks. Or if you want to spend more time in a specific area, book accommodation in advance. This also gives you a few days off the road to relax so you can continue your journey feeling re-energized. 

When planning your route, estimate your driving time realistically, considering speed limits and traffic. Of course, traffic can always be unpredictable, and this is where route planner apps come in handy.

Route planner apps are more than just maps. They let you key in your desired destination and find the best route from A to B or A to B to C to Z in the case of multiple stops. Such apps often give you several options, such as the fastest routes or ones without tolls. 

5 Best Free Route Planner Apps

These are my top five apps for planning a trip with multiple stops. They all have desktop and app versions that sync with one another. So you can plan your trip on your computer at home, then implement it with your smartphone in the car. 

They all allow you to download your map to consult offline, which is vital if you lose connectivity. All their features help you minimize the time spent on driving and logistics. This way, you can maximize your time exploring your surroundings on a road trip with multiple stops!

5. Google Maps

Google Maps is the best-known route planner and the app most people will use to plan a trip. It redirects you to the best route if you miss a turning or spot something exciting you want to check out.  

Since it's powered by a great big search engine, it has abundant data to find where you want to go and points of interest. With a cell phone connection, you can use voice commands and go completely hands-free in your car. You can ask Google what road you're on or to divert you to the nearest McDonald's for a snack stop.

If you need help remembering where you parked your car, save your parking location on Google Maps before you wander off. You can then use your phone to navigate back to your vehicle later. If parking is timed, you can also have the app remind you when to move your car.

You can use the app to share your location with someone you trust if you're worried about safety in a particular area. With multiple stops, Street View mode can be helpful when you're struggling to match where you are on the map. The app will also track your journey, so you can go back and review it later.

4. MapQuest Route Planner

MapQuest has been around for more than 25 years and is trusted by many "old school" drivers who spend much time on the road. This deceptively simple application offers plenty of features for more complex route planning.

Say you prefer to make your own decisions on traffic routes and the best places to get gas. Rather than choosing for you, Mapquest can overlay data on your map, giving you all the information you need to plan your route.

If you let MapQuest do the work, it can help you find the fastest route or the one with the least tolls. You can also ask for route suggestions that will maximize your fuel efficiency.

MapQuest offers more detailed directions than many route planner apps. This is useful if you're driving in an area that you aren't familiar with. It can alert you to landmarks that will let you know if you're on track or have gone too far. You can even view real-time traffic cameras.

3. Waze Route Planner

Waze was bought by Google back in 2013, so how is it different from their flagship route planner tool?

Waze feels more personal and interactive as it uses real-time data from other users to inform you of road conditions. This also means you can get info that Google doesn't include, such as police stops. 

Waze can advise you on the best departure times based on current and past traffic data. The app also pulls up suggestions as needed, such as gas stations and parking. Essential information is available as shortcuts from the main navigation screen. 

If you want company on the road or need help with gas money, you can switch to carpool mode in Waze. The app will find other users who are heading in the same direction. This feature may come to your rescue if something happens and you find yourself stranded!

2. inRoute Planner

inRoute lets you plan a journey with up to 150 stops. You can organize your route manually or ask the app to optimize one for you. Once you've planned your trip, you can export it to navigation apps such as Google and Waze.

inRoute stands out among route planners and map apps because it offers live weather alerts while you're driving. This is helpful if you're nervous about driving in big storms or want to avoid getting caught on icy roads.

inRoute has a free version, but many features only kick in when you pay for the Pro version. Getting a temporary subscription can be worth it if you know you'll be driving around an area where the weather is a concern. inRoute planner is currently only available on iOS.

1. Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is an app for adventurers rather than people who just want to get from A to B as quickly as possible. You can plan routes with up to 150 stops.

Once you have your primary locations, Roadtrippers will do most of the work for you and recommend exciting places along your route. These are curated by the app and often include reviews from other travelers. 

The app will also mark gas stations where you'll likely need them. It also estimates how much you'll spend on gas, which is extremely useful when budgeting your trip.

If you upgrade to the app's Pro version, you can get discount deals and additional features such as planning the best route for an RV. Read this full  Roadtrippers review  to decide if it's right for you.

10 Top Tips for Planning a Multi-Stop Road Trip

What else can you do to get as much enjoyment as possible out of your multi-stop road trip? As well as using a good route planner app to map out your journey, here are some of my top tips:

• Take your car for a check-up with your mechanic before you go. This way, you can avoid getting stuck on the side of the road due to something easily preventable.
• Pack a first aid kit for yourself and for your car. This should include a spare tire, a monkey wrench, and essential engine replacement parts. If your car breaks down, you can often find good Samaritans who will know how to get it running again. All you need is to have the right tools on hand.
• Join a roadside rescue plan active in the area you're traveling in case your car has a breakdown.
• Download essentials such as maps and playlists before you go. Even with good cell phone coverage, you'll likely encounter dead zones on the road and may have to pass a few hours without reception. Plus, this helps you save your data for more important things.
• Bring a paper map. Even if you download everything and bring a phone charger, there's no guarantee that you'll always have access to your online maps. Be prepared with a paper map in the hope you won't need it.
• Download a range of playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks to keep you entertained on the road.  Autio  is an app that delivers road trip stories based on your travel location. These make the time pass quicker and help you stay focused and awake longer while driving.
• Be realistic about how much time you plan to spend driving each day. Spending hours behind the wheel can be tiring, so plan enough rest stops in your itinerary. You should also provide ample buffer time for how long it'll take to get to each destination.
• Pack food and beverages if you need help finding good places to get a snack. A small cooler at the base of the front passenger seat can be a lifesaver. You can get creative with the finger foods you bring along on your journey.
• Plan accommodation along the way to have a safe place to pull over for the night. Avoid sleeping in your car overnight, as you're unlikely to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another day on the road. But do pack a pillow in case you need a quick nap.
• Have a thorough itinerary, but leave space for flexibility. You never know what exciting things you might encounter on the road. Locals might tell you about nearby waterfalls and must-see museums you didn't find in your research. If you pack your schedule too tight, you won't have time for these treats. A little spontaneity is what road trips are all about.

Looking for more tips? Read this beginner's guide on  how to plan a driving trip stress-free .

Road Trip With Pilot

Planning a road trip with multiple stops is similar to planning any other type of trip. You just need to make a few more reservations along the way. You'll want to take advantage of travel apps to make sure you get everything essential for your trip. So start planning your multi-stop road trip with Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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The 10 Best Multi-Stop Route Planner Apps

By ben whipple, posted in sales software / tools, featured.

For field teams to perform to the best of their abilities, efficiency is paramount to their success. Competitors are constantly innovating and implementing new technologies to enhance their performance, so if you’re not doing the same you will be quickly left in the dust.

To combat inefficiency, every field team should be using a multi-stop route planner.

A multi-stop route planner is a tool that allows you to plot the most efficient route between multiple destinations . This will help with the daily planning, time management, and routing issues that outside sales teams and field service teams face on a daily basis. 

Route planners with multiple stops tools have revolutionized the way a field team operates, but with so many options available on today's market, it can be challenging to select the best one to suit your specific needs. 

That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and collected the 10 best multi-stop route planners in this in-depth guide . 

Let’s jump in and check them out!

The Best Route Planners for Multiple Stops

• Badger Maps - Big and small fleets
• RouteSavvy - Small to mid-sized fleets
• MapQuest - Simple routing, business location
• SpeedyRoute - Delivery, timeboxing, simple interface
• OptimoRoute - Businesses, mobile workforces
• OnFleet - Fleet management
• Circuit - Courier companies, retail businesses
• BatchGeo - Sales mapping, geographic data analysis
• MyRoute Online - Logistics, trucking
• Routific - Delivery route management

Can I use Google Maps as a Multi-Stop Route Planner?

The most popular multi-stop route planner in the world is Google Maps. It’s reliable, easy to use — and free. But while it works great for casual traveling and road trips, the Google Maps route planner does not always meet the specific and evolving needs of professionals like salespeople, field service techs, and delivery drivers.

When using Google Maps, multiple stops can be difficult to string into larger routes. Google Maps is only limited to 10 stops, while the best route planners are capable of upwards of 100.

Google Maps also lacks many of the key features that field teams need , such as ability to save routes, customer information tracking , and visualization features to easily spot your high-priority customers on the map of your territory.  

With the Google Maps route planner app , multiple stops might prove too difficult for the average user to learn to plot. That’s why it’s important to find the right, easy-to-use multi-stop route planner for the specific needs of your business.

How to Choose the Correct Multi-Stop Route Planner

So how do you know which multi-stop route planner is best for your needs? The answer depends on your own industry and goals.

Sales reps spend only 28% of their time actually selling . The other 72% of their time is spent doing other tasks like driving, planning, or administrative duties.

99.5% of field service technicians use mobile devices in their field work, with 80% of them saying it helps drive efficiency.

In the logistics industry, 90% of shippers think data-driven decision making is crucial to supply chain activities, especially now that route optimization and inventory management tools have increased the volume of usable data. 

Knowing the specific needs of your business will help you in choosing the correct multi-stop route planner for your field team . Maybe you are a field sales team who needs sales specific features that allow you to collect new leads. Or maybe you´re a courier business who needs proof of delivery software.

The ideal route planner app for multiple stops or even unlimited addresses will not only build the most efficient route for your team, it will be easy to implement, and host a slew of useful tools that are catered to your specific industry.

Now, let’s check out the list of the 10 best multi-stop route planners currently available on the market!

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1. Badger Maps

Price : Business -  $58/month, Enterprise - $95/month  (Free 7-day trial)  Available on:   iOS , Android   Most Useful for: Big and small fleets, B2B field sales teams, field service techs Capterra rating : 4.6/5

Badger Maps is the best multi-stop route planner for field sales and field service teams.  

It’s the most downloaded multi-stop route planner app on the App Store, available for both iPhone and Android. It uses real-time traffic to plot the fastest route to your field team’s meetings, giving you driving directions for multiple stops , and seamlessly integrates with many CRMs , removing unnecessary admin work for sales reps and field service techs. 

Features 

Badger Maps is a powerful multi-stop route planner that provides highly useful, refined tools for field sales reps  and field service techs . 

They will get the fastest route to meetings using the built-in Optimize Route feature. It analyzes real-time traffic and distances to give reps the most efficient route possible, and provides turn-by-turn directions with your favorite GPS .  

To target specific customers, users can either choose from their accounts, or use the Lasso tool. Lasso allows users to draw a line around select pins on a map, quickly building routes around their best opportunities.

Color Filters present customers and prospects as colored pins on the map, according to criteria set by you, such as Days Since Last Check In , Sales YTD , or any custom filter of your choice.

Badger Maps the Highest Ranked App in the B2B Sales Mapping Apps Category

Image credit to MatrixPlace, a sales consulting firm that wrote an Analyst Report on Sales Mapping Software

Badger Maps is the Leading High-Performer in Field Sales

Tools for the road.

Reps can add or remove stops on-the-fly, perfect for lunch breaks, gas-ups and unexpected cancelations. Their routes will stay streamlined, in order, and optimized for efficiency.  With the  Places feature , reps can find new leads by plugging keywords relevant to their industry into the search bar. This reveals local listings as pins on the map, which reps can then select, add them to their route, or add them to their accounts for later.

Badger Maps also has an in-app  calendar . Reps can upload existing appointments and add new ones on-the-go to make sure they’re always on time for their meetings.

Check-Ins record field data in real time, allowing managers to see the data they need to improve accountability, and create strategies that boost sales. Sales ops and managers will also love how easy onboarding is when pre-existing routes and customer data is stored conveniently under Accounts .

When their most time-consuming tasks are automated, reps can focus on what matters the most - their customers. 

Check-Ins  record field data in real time, allowing sales managers to see the data they need to improve accountability, and create strategies that boost sales. Sales ops and managers will also love how easy onboarding is when pre-existing routes and customer data is stored conveniently under  Accounts . 

Badger Maps also syncs seamlessly with multiple CRMs, keeping all your important customer information in one place. Badger Maps can integrate with leading CRMs such as HubSpot ,  Microsoft Dynamics , Salesforce , NetSuite , Zoho , Insightly and many more!

Badger Maps is the best route planner for sales teams and field service teams.

With optimized routes and seamless planning, Badger Maps reduces average drive times by 20%, freeing up an average of 8 hours a week. Teams also report an average of 10 additional meetings per week , made possible by their newly found free time.

Brad Moxley, Business Development Manager at Cutter & Buck, reported that, “After getting Badger Maps route planing app, weekly meetings per rep jumped from 12 to 20. This led to a 22% increase in annual revenue. ” 

And this isn’t the only success story, in fact, sales teams regularly sell 20-25% more with Badger Maps.

“Each rep is seeing at least 2 more accounts and finding 2 more prospecting opportunities per day,” according to Brandon Arsenault of Kerr. The ability to find new leads on the road encourages reps to prospect in their free time.

Badger Maps starts at $58/month per user for the Business plan, and $95/month per user for the Enterprise plan, aimed at larger companies requiring additional features and more personal technical support.

Badger Maps allows field sales and service teams to be in front of the right customers at the right time. Head here to start your free trial today.

2.  RouteSavvy

Price : Route Planning Software - $39/vehicle/month, Additional GPS Tracker - $54/vehicle/month A vailable on: iOS, Android  Most useful for: Small to mid-sized fleets Capterra Rating : 4.6/5

RouteSavvy is a multi-stop delivery route planner. The software is geared more towards delivery drivers than sales reps or service techs, and their ideal customers are small to medium-sized businesses with delivery fleets. 

Some of the industries they serve are alcohol delivery, waste services, and tree care.

RouteSavvy’s features allow drivers to plug in multiple addresses, organize them, and generate efficient routes for their service calls, pick-ups, and deliveries. 

They do this in one of two ways: roundtrip , or start-to-finish routes, depending on what works best for your business’ needs. It can also show multiple routes on the screen at the same time, allowing managers and drivers to visualize their territory. 

Another useful feature for drivers is turn-by-turn navigation , available on their mobile device through the app.

RouteSavvy has recently released a new route optimization software engine that offers automated, multi-vehicle optimization . Fleet managers can upload a list of their addresses and RouteSavvy will automatically generate more efficient routes for multiple vehicles, with the optimized time purported to be 30% faster than the previous route .

For fleet management teams, RouteSavvy also offers a  GPS tracking system at an added monthly cost. This allows management to track driver’s progress based on their mobile device’s location (which can be turned off during off-hours).

Testimonials on their site claim massive reductions in route planning, drive time, and expenditures for delivery fleets. RouteSavvy claims big savings on gasoline and labor costs, and big improvements in profitability with an immediate impact on ROI. 

Some users have stated that there are occasional software glitches with this route optimization app, while others have mentioned that from time to time there are problems with location accuracy.

3. MapQuest

Price: Free Available on: iOS, Android Most useful for: Simple routing, business location Capterra rating : 3/5

As the first commercial web mapping service that was released in 1996, MapQuest changed the ways in which a map could be used in both personal and professional travel. It was a pioneer in the industry and helped create the blueprint for all other mapping softwares that followed it. 

For simple, basic mapping needs, MapQuest  is a viable option for teams who don’t need a lot of features.

A mapping tool known for its simplicity, MapQuest multi stop route planner can be used to create routes as well as locate destinations such as gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Some other features of MapQuest include point-of-interest search , voice-guided navigation , real-time traffic updates , and even hotel booking options .

These days MapQuest’s features are all standard, as they originated the concept of online maps. They’ve stuck relatively close to the original concept, and as such they have not quite evolved with the market as many would expect.

The fact that it’s free, however, makes using its mapping software well worth it if it works for your purposes.

Times have changed — but MapQuest hasn’t changed much with them.

When using the MapQuest multi stop route planner, you can encounter some problems, as it’s limited in the number of stops that can be plugged in for routes. This can be frustrating for field teams who regularly work with a large number of customers. 

If your company is working with a limited budget, MapQuest could be used for more simple route planning. But for those working with a larger, more complicated operation, you will need to look elsewhere for a feasible option.

However, if what you need is a free, easy-to-use delivery route mapper for simple jobs, using the MapQuest route planner is an option that could be a great fit for the routing demands of your business.

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4. Speedy Route

Price : Small team - $69/mo, Large team - $99/mo Available on: Website Most useful for: Delivery, timeboxing, simple interface Capterra Rating : 3.9/5

Featuring a relatively simple interface, Speedy Route is a great resource for those who like their route planners without the distracting bells and whistles. Speedy Route is primarily used by teams working in transportation and logistics tech.

Speedy Route re-orders any destinations entered by its users into the most efficient order, optimizing the route quickly and easily.

Useful features such as timeboxing also help to ensure you reach important destinations by pre-set times, and drag & drop location re-ordering gives you control over your route, allowing you to design the best route for your needs.

To top it all off, Speedy Route is free if you’re only plugging in 10 stops or less. Any more stops than that requires a paid subscription.

Aesthetically, Speedy Route’s interface comes across as a bit dated compared to other more modern, visually dynamic route planner apps. It’s also only available to use on the Speedy Route website, which can create limitations in regards to mobility and accessibility compared to route planner apps on a mobile device.

If you can look past the visual limitations, and are not looking for a feature heavy multi-stop route planner, Speedy Route’s features are as helpful as any other route planner in getting delivery drivers where they need to be in a quick and responsible manner. 

Sometimes, the simpler the route planner is, the better it is for certain users. Spend less time learning how your route planner works, and spend more time actually using it. 

5. OptimoRoute

Price : Lite - $35.10/user/mo, Pro - $44.10/user/mo Available on: iOS, Android Most useful for: Businesses, mobile workforces Capterra Rating : 4.6/5

OptimoRoute describes its mission as “Organizing the mobile workforce.” It is an efficient route planner servicing many industries, from outbound logistics for small to large sized delivery fleets, to waste collection. In sales, it appears to be a suitable solution for those working in B2C and D2D sales .

Like other multi-stop route planners on this list, OptimoRoute’s primary function is planning and optimizing routes via software, accessible via both mobile devices and desktop. 

OptimoRoute offers tracking and ETA of deliveries by calculating the progress of completions and local traffic. You can also send customers personal messages regarding delivery times to keep them up to date. Their popular proof of delivery feature has also recently been updated to include customizable forms based on data from the order itself.

Routes can be changed on-the-fly and updated automatically to account for last minute deliveries, canceled deliveries, and sick drivers. 

OptimoRoute allows users to plan routes for multiple days , weeks in advance. This is particularly important for long haul drivers covering huge distances, who want to wake up and pick up where they left off. 

Route optimization accounts for drivers’ allowed working hours to prevent overtime and unnecessary costs. 

Vehicle Specifics keeps tracks of a vehicles capacity and features, like refrigeration and onramps, to ensure the right truck is chosen for the right delivery. 

Management will appreciate data recorded automatically from the field. It allows leaders to identify both high and low performing members, and make adjustments as necessary. 

The breadcrumbs feature compares planned routes to actual routes driven. Management can uncover deviations that may need to be addressed for performance issues. 

Unique to OptimoRoute is a feature called Workload Balance . It analyzes drivers existing working hours, or workload, and distributes new orders accordingly. Workload Balance can also distribute orders based solely on the number of drivers necessary, or by equal distribution across the entire fleet. 

Results 

OptimoRoute’s customers report large reductions in mileage, and increased delivery capacity. Others claim decreases in planning time, with improvements in both efficiency and business growth.  One drawback of OptimoRoute is that it doesn’t take into account traffic delays , which for busy field teams regularly working at peak times might prove troublesome.

OptimoRoute’s features are certainly specific to delivery drivers and their customer testimonials are entirely from the logistics and field service industries.

Price : Starts at $149/month (Free 14-day trial) Available on: iOS, Android Most useful for: Fleet management Capterra Rating : 4.7/5

If your company specializes in delivering goods for industries such as food and beverage, retail, e-commerce, or pharmacy, OnFleet is another solid option for your route optimization needs.

OnFleet is an end-to-end route planning, dispatch, communication and analytics platform tailor-made for fleet management. It is designed to handle the complicated logistics of overseeing a fleet’s operations, and does so with a clean, professional user interface .

Using its integrated route optimization engine, routes are generated taking real-time traffic incidents into account. Updates can also be sent to drivers instantly, making last-minute route changes seamless.

Their auto-dispatch features also allow for reductions in both service time and labor costs by ensuring that the right drivers get the right instructions at the right time.

It also features a good onboarding experience, making adopting OnFleet quick and easy for your whole team. Plus, it integrates with Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps.

To top it all off, it has an impressive proof of delivery system , where managers can be reassured each delivery has reached its destination via photographs, barcodes, notes, or signatures.

Companies that depend on OnFleet for orchestrating their deliveries are satisfied with their delivery capacity, finding that this multi-stop route planner fits the bill for many of their fleet needs.

Their on-time rates and customer satisfaction have improved across the board. With OnFleet, it’s easier to keep things organized and ensure that a delivery ends up where it’s supposed to be on time.

Some drawbacks to OnFleet are that it may prove a bit expensive for smaller companies , as it is targeted to handle large operations. While some of these bigger companies are able to afford OnFleet, companies that are growing might see its price tag and decide to look elsewhere.

Price : Essentials - $100/mo, Standard - $200/mo, Pro - $500/mo Available on: iOS, Android Most useful for: Courier companies, retail businesses Capterra Rating : 4.8/5

Circuit is another multi-stop delivery route planner, and has some of the top clients in the delivery industry like FedEx, DHL, USPS, and Amazon. They claim to have 100,000 drivers, and 600 million deliveries every year.

Like other apps on this list, they offer optimized routes, however Circuit also predicts traffic flows, and continues to automatically optimize routes throughout the day-a very useful feature for delivery drivers. It also creates accurate ETAs based on a driver’s history, taking into consideration previous deliveries and drive times. 

Users can label stops and pickups as a priority , or as time sensitive , to keep deliveries on time, customers satisfied, and managers happy. 

Managers can track their drivers throughout the day using the real-time tracking feature. It doesn’t use GPS tracking, but will still allow managers to keep tabs on their drivers based on where they’ve been. They can also view multiple driver’s at the same time. 

Delivery manifests, route order, instructions, and navigation are all available on the app, eliminating the need for additional tools. And while it doesn’t offer turn-by-turn directions , it does sync with multiple GPS platforms, including Google Maps, Waze, and others. 

Circuit’s API is also surprisingly modern, and user friendly. While the aesthetic may go unnoticed by most users, they certainly won’t mind the simple layout, clean lines, and soft colors. 

Circuit does have many great reviews online and users are more than pleased with its ease of use, its ability to put in delivery time frames for each stop, and its willingness to work with their customers to satisfy their specific needs.  

Some are put off by their pricing point however and is one of the main drawbacks for people. There have also been issues when uploading spreadsheets as some users have found it too complicated and the necessity of uploading a lot of data in order to create routes has proved too time-consuming.

8. BatchGeo

Price : $99/mo Available on: iOS, Android Most useful for: Sales mapping, geographic data analysis Capterra rating : 4.7/5

BatchGeo is a mapping software than can be used as a multi-stop route planner for a variety of industries. 

Unlike the other apps on this list, BatchGeo doesn’t offer industry-specific tools, or route optimization. It’s strength lies in the ability to plot routes around many coordinates from any spreadsheet, easily uploaded via it’s website. The end result is a static digital map, very similar to a physical map, but available through your mobile device. 

While BatchGeo doesn’t provide turn-by-turn directions, it will work with an existing GPS on your smartphone to track your location. If your mobile device loses service, it will still make an accurate guess as to your exact location. 

It allows users to filter stops based on data uploaded as additional fields in the spreadsheet. This can be valuable to delivery drivers, or independent services who want to build routes based on specific priorities. 

Maps can be emailed to anyone, meaning managers can dispatch routes from the office, and drivers can share routes between themselves. The process isn’t as convenient as many of the other apps on this list, but the capability is there nonetheless. Users can also create multiple maps and store them on their device for future use. 

Along with filters, BatchGeo offers different colored markers to provide a visual cue for different stops or territories. Clicking or tapping on the marker reveals data about the stop, such as sales figures, delivery information, or any other data relevant to the industry. 

Intelligent clusters are another useful graphic for at-a-glance data analysis. These clusters present data as a pie chart over locations on a map, giving managers a snapshot of figures in various territories. 

The BatchGeo app is certainly not the most feature heavy tool on this list. As a multi-stop route planner , it can be used by many industries, but it lacks the optimization, turn-by-turn directions, local traffic analysis, and all around flexibility that most professionals desire. 

Its main advantage is its cost. Basic BatchGeo is free. But the basic version won’t provide much more than a traditional physical map would. To upgrade to BatchGeo Pro will cost users $99/month, and while it comes with more features, it also costs nearly twice as much as most of the alternative apps to BatchGeo on this list. 

Users have been impressed with how simple it is to import their data into the BatchGeo app , quick importing and exporting times, and its ease of use.

On the flip side others have raised issues with their pricing point and the lack of flexibility around this for different sized teams . The lack of route optimization features is a sticking point for some users who require this on a daily basis. 

BatchGeo is best suited for businesses or individuals who need a colorful, informative map for their website or project. It can provide useful static infographics for free, but for industries such as field sales, delivery services, and logistics, other solutions will likely be more functional than any  route planner for multiple stops that's free online. 

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9. MyRouteOnline

Price : Starts at $29.95 Available on: Website, iOS, Android Most useful for: Logistics, trucking Capterra Rating : 4.5/5

Dependable and featuring a simple user interface, MyRouteOnline is a great option for truck drivers in need of a basic all-in-one solution for their multi-stop route planner needs.

Tailored to serve truck drivers and delivery people who need a route planner that can plug in multiple stops, MyRouteOnline helps with the everyday logistics of delivering and selling on the road.

MyRouteOnline allows users to map upwards of 350 stops per route , optimizing routes either by distance or by time. By allowing for so many stops, MyRouteOnline is the go-to route planner for those who have a lengthy list of customers and destinations along their routes.

Upon exporting a list of addresses to the user’s GPS system or mobile device of choice, there’s no longer any need to worry about juggling multiple stops — all of their destinations are laid out in the most efficient order.

MyRouteOnline is a valuable resource for truck drivers and delivery people looking to save time along their routes without paying much for the service.

Some may also find the interface a bit too simple and old-fashioned, as it does not compare visually to some of the newer route planner apps that are more dynamic and advanced for the modern trucking professional.

Their customers remain happy, however, and this proves that MyRouteOnline is a viable option for truck drivers who embrace its simplicity and appreciate it’s reliability . 

For truckers and delivery people who are looking for an easy platform with which to plan their routes, MyRouteOnline is a fantastic choice.

10. Routific

Price : Essential - $49/vehicle/mo, Professional - $69/vehicle/mo, Professional+ - $93/vehicle/mo Available on: iOS, Android  Most useful for: Delivery drivers Capterra Rating : 4.9/5

Routific is another multi-stop delivery route planner app. 

It specializes in planning and optimizing routes for delivery drivers. It definitely doesn’t have the features key to a sales team or service team, but if you have a courier or delivery fleet, this is an alternative to RouteSavvy. 

Routific reduces clutter for your fleet by doing away with multiple tools like a GPS, physical map, and planner. 

Routific has an easy-to-use API, and features beyond planning and optimization designed specifically for delivery teams. Management can download routes prior to dispatch, or send them directly to driver’s mobile devices via their app while on-the-go. 

It has a notification feature that allows drivers to inform customers of the ETA, or completion of their delivery. They can even provide a custom message for their customers regarding their drop-off. 

Management will find the driver tracking feature very useful. It tracks drivers on a map based on their completions. It doesn’t track their physical location via GPS, but it does provide ETAs for future stops. It also allows management to view and track multiple drivers  at once on the same map, with a corresponding bar graph to provide an accurate view of both the territory and estimated route completion. 

Every delivery service needs a signature capture for proof of delivery. Routific has one built in to the app to improve accountability. 

If traffic gets heavy, or stops change unexpectedly, you can change driver’s routes on-the-fly , optimize them for efficiency, and dispatch the route from the offic. Data is captured within the app such as missed deliveries and completions. This gives team leaders the information they need to create more successful routes over time. 

One of the best things about Routific’s route optimization is that it accounts for factors specific to delivery fleets, like time windows, vehicle capacities, delivery types, driver speeds, priority stops, driver shift times and driver breaks. More accurate optimization means more accurate ETAs, completions, and happier drivers. 

Routific’s customers boast results like significant drops in net operating costs and driving times, precise delivery windows, and lowered fuel expenditures. 

Customer notifications are one area users feel Routific could improve on and would prefer there to be more customization options when sending messages to customers.

As far as a multiple route planner for delivery goes, it’s a step above RouteSavvy with regards to features and overall API aesthetic. If your delivery or courier service requires some of these more plush features, Routific is a great option!

Conclusion 

The best multi-stop planner app depends on the unique characteristics of your team and what you want to accomplish. The apps above have features that naturally cater to specific industries. Hopefully this list will help you find the app that’s perfect for you. 

You can route up to 10 stops at a time with Google Maps. There are workarounds that allow you to plug in more stops, but many find it easier to use a different multi-stop route planner that is better suited to their needs, such as Badger Maps or OnFleet .

The answer depends on the types of routes you need to plan. There are many factors to consider, including route optimization, user interface, and features that solve specific problems that you experience along your routes. For field sales, Badger Maps is your best bet.

Google Maps is designed to only have 10 or fewer destinations along each route. There are workarounds to this, but if you need more than 10 stops within your routes, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere to find route planner apps more specific to your needs.

It depends on what features matter most to you in a route planner app — it could be visualization features, ability to keep customer information handy at all times, and check-in and follow-up enablement. For sales professionals on the road, the best all-in-one tool route planner is Badger Maps .

To map out multiple stops, you can add new stop points on your mapping app of choice. With Google, you can add up to ten steps to your route. For a larger amount of stops, you need to use the right multi-stop route planner. There are many different route planners out there, each of them offering different features that can prove helpful, depending on your needs. Here are some options for you to consider .

Yes, Google Maps is the best free routing software available. However if you are looking for options with more extensive routing options, you may be better looking at an option such as Badger Maps..

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About Speedy Route

Speedy Route calculates the best route when visiting multiple locations and then returning back to the start. It is ideal for delivery drivers, sales people on the road, or anyone who needs to make multiple stops. Speedy Route re-orders the locations you enter into the best optimal order, so that every location is visited once before returning to your start location in the shortest and quickest way possible.

Speedy Route is available in the United States and also world-wide, e.g. in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, as well as in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the Far East, South America, and the rest of the World. Find the best route with Speedy Route.

Single or Multiple Delivery Vehicles

Speedy Route can plan your route for a single vehicle or multiple delivery vehicles, and will produce the optimal route for the number of delivery vehicles you have available. If you set the number of available delivery vehicles to be more than one, the calculated route may use any number of vehicles up the maximum available. The calculated route might not use all the vehicles available if the optimal route can be achieved using fewer vehicles.

Calculating the optimal route is an example of the Travelling Salesman Problem solved by Route planning software, in which given a list of places to visit, and after having calculated the time to travel between each place, the optimal route is that which visits every location exactly once before returning to the start location by the fastest route.

Speedy Route is a charged subscription service for the calculation of routes containing more than 10 locations, and also for more than three calculations within a rolling 24 hour period for routes containing any number of locations. Subscription periods are activated immediately upon purchase, and are available on a monthly rolling basis. We only accept payments in U.S. Dollar ($).

$69/mo: Up to 5 drivers, 500 stops per route $99/mo: Up to 10 drivers, unlimited stops per route

View full pricing details

*prices are shown for US, might be different depending on your region

Speedy Route attempts to solve optimal route calculation requests as a 'best-effort' service. The time elapsed required to calculate a result is dependent on many factors, including route complexity, server load, internet connectivity, and the presence and performance of other consumed down-stream services. Some routes may not be solvable within a reasonable amount of time, and therefore may not be solvable by Speedy Route. The maximum number of locations in a route that Speedy Route will attempt to calculate is 500 (five hundred) locations, although we may increase this limit in the future.

We monitor our systems to maintain the performance and reliability of Speedy Route. All users of Speedy Route (both paid subscription and free users) agree to be abide by our 'Fair Use' policy. Users shall not maliciously attempt 'Denial-of-service' style attacks on Speedy Route, or repeatedly use the service to calculate the same route with no good reason. Users shall also not attempt to circumvent security features. Any user found to be in breach of these policies may have their registration and subscription with Speedy Route cancelled, and be blocked from using the service in the future.

A subscription may not be used from more than 5 different client IP Addresses over a rolling 24 hour period.

Registered email addresses provided to Speedy Route as part of the registration process are not sold or passed on to third parties. We will only ever use your email address to contact you regarding the Speedy Route service, and your supplying an email address to us confirms your acceptance of this. Please contact us if you wish us to delete your account.

Free Service

Speedy Route is currently a free web service when calculating routes containing 10 or fewer locations, but we reserve the right to withdraw or change the functionality, parameters, or availability of the free service in the future without notice. Only three free route calculations per client IP Address over a rolling 24 hour period are permitted. To calculate more than three routes from the same IP Address within 24 hours, you must purchase a subscription.

Please contact us using our Contact Speedy Route popup form, or alternatively email us directly at [email protected] if you have any questions or require support.

7 Best AI Trip Planners

Discover the top AI trip planners that can help you plan your next adventure with ease and efficiency. Say goodbye to travel stress!

• AI trip planners revolutionize travel planning, offering personalized itineraries and recommendations in minutes.
• Tools like Layla & ChatGPT help travelers with last-minute plans, providing customized suggestions and insights.
• Wonderplan & Trip Planner AI assist in cost breakdown and multi-destination trips, enhancing the travel experience.

It is one thing to think about going on a trip and another to plan for it. The latter is often challenging, as it requires many hours to decide the places to visit and the things to do. Then, travelers will need to book a flight and hotel and organize all the other travel-related logistics, which can be frustrating for those doing it manually.

However, there is some good news. With advanced technology, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing travel, making planning a trip within minutes possible . How? AI trip planners do that. These tools are designed to help travelers customize their itinerary, choose a destination, and decide how they want to spend time there. This eases even planning for a long-term journey .

These tools are equipped with data to recommend the best places to travel to at any given moment, keep a traveler's budget on track, and track their interests, preferences, and tastes. Here is a list of some of the best AI trip-planning tools to use.

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7 layla (roam around), best for generating itineraries for tourist destinations.

This software was previously known as Roam Around and is loved for its ease of use. It's designed for travelers who have yet to learn what they will do upon reaching their destination. Once a person enters their destination, travel date, and preferences, the tool will design a complete custom itinerary.

It is perfect for someone planning a vacation at the very last minute . With the headache of planning out of the way, a traveler can focus on enjoying their vacation. Additionally, Layla uses GPT-3 technology to offer recommendations, including places to see, stay, and eat.

Best for determining places to vacation

ChatGPT is a great AI tool designed to produce different outputs. Subscribers can use it to create social media posts, poems, lyrics, blog posts, and more. It uses Natural Language Processing to understand the information keyed in and generate relevant feedback.

Despite its production use, it is one of the best trip-planning tools. Travelers can use it to generate itineraries for different destinations worldwide. For instance, one can type, "I want to visit Arizona. Could you suggest the best places to hike?". In response, they will get a list of scenic hiking trails in Arizona .

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5 wonderplan, best for breaking down costs and offering top information.

Wonderplan generates customized itineraries based on a person's destination, interests, and budget. Travelers can outsource it for budget breakdown and estimates on how much they will spend on food, transportation, activities, and accommodation. The tool offers plenty of helpful information needed to make the trip seamless.

It features a beautiful presentation that users can easily navigate through. Users are required to fill out a form with their travel dates, budget, length of stay, when they will leave, who they will travel with, and the activity type they enjoy. The tool will do the rest.

4 Trip Planner AI

Best for planning multi-destination trips.

Like Wonderplan, this tool allows users to generate personalized itineraries. However, it offers some unique and impressive features designed to ensure a seamless trip-planning process.

With Trip Planner AI, users can get inspired by Instagram reels and TikTok videos. They can then add the recommended places to their itineraries. Unlike many other AI Travel planners, Trip Planner AI offers route planning, helping users plan multi-destination trips.

3 Vacay Chatbot

Ai chatbot suggests places to visit, events, hotels & restaurants based on your budget..

Vacay Chatbot helps travelers plan their trips by suggesting which places to visit, live events and concerts to book, and the best hotels and restaurants. Users can prompt the tool to show specific prices charged by different places for their services to help them manage their budget.

The tool is built on OpenAi's GPT technology, which processes the queries and generates custom recommendations.

Sound Like A Local: 10 Best Language Learning Apps For Travelers

Top ai road trip planner with detailed itineraries, budgets & sight suggestions for 24 countries..

Curiosio is the best AI trip planner for road trips. The only drawback is that it offers a limited database and only offers suggestions from 24 countries. But it is very effective for those planning a scenic road trip in the US, be it national park road trip itineraries , cross-country drives, or short but sweet one-day road adventures.

All users need to do is type their starting point and destination, inform the tool whether it is a round trip or a one-way trip, key in any destinations to stop over, the budget, and other specifics, and the tool will do the rest.

Besides creating a detailed itinerary, the tool breaks down days, budgets, and sights, offering a complete plan. Users can export the itinerary and map to Google Maps and use it on the road.

Best for answering questions related to traveling

Users need to answer a few questions about their travel plans, and iplan.ai will generate a detailed itinerary. Travelers can customize or modify their itinerary by adding or removing activities and sharing it with other travelers.

It is easy to use and detailed and can be accessed from different platforms on mobile

Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Charging with Google Maps’ AI Integration

G oogle Maps is introducing innovative options that will automate the charging process for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. The mapping software will make finding and using charging points as smooth as possible through the use of artificial intelligence.

AI-powered charging station navigation

An important feature is the implementation of instant summaries of charging stations. Google Maps will exploit AI to collect and process user feedback, which always contains data that is relevant and updated regarding every charging point. These summaries would encompass practical tricks, like wait times, connector types, and even step-by-step approaches to locating those tricky or hidden parking places.

For instance, a summary may read: “Go through the underground parking lot and head for the exit while following the signs. Just before leaving, turn right.” This amount of detailed instructions will be very useful for EV owners as they don’t have to guess the process or waste time while finding and using charging stations.

Multi-stop trip planning optimization

Another revolutionary aspect is advanced trip planning facilities personalized for electric vehicles. Google Maps will account for the vehicle’s battery level, charger spots and charging speeds to optimize multi-stop journeys.

This software will determine the best charging stations to visit by considering the factors on its route, thus enabling electric vehicle drivers to get to their destinations without running out of charge. It will be accessible worldwide for vehicles that are sporting Google’s native utilities, including the new Volvo and Polestar models.

Seamless integration and accessibility

However, the first implementation of this AI-powered technology will target vehicles with Google services built-in such as the Volvo EX40 (formerly XC40 Recharge), and in time, will reach a more extensive base of users.

EV owners who use Google Maps on the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay platforms will also have access to the same advanced capabilities thus ensuring all vehicles fully benefit from the AI-driven navigation regardless of their brand.

A collaborative ecosystem

The effectiveness of these AI-infused functions, to a great extent, is determined by the contribution of the EV community. By soliciting comments and reviews from users when it comes to charging stations, Google Maps can always keep its AI algorithms fresh and so ensure that the information stays relevant and accurate.

This collaborative approach not only benefits individual EV owners but also contributes to the broader adoption of electric vehicles by addressing one of the most significant barriers: range anxiety and charging network accessibility.

Creating a path towards a sustainable future.

Google Maps’ implementation of artificial intelligence in its technology on charging station navigation highlights a critical step towards a more sustainable tomorrow. This program can do away with most of the objections related to range anxiety and charging station installation thereby increasing the percentage of adoption of electric vehicles and consequently, we will all have a small carbon footprint and a cleaner earth.

While the world is in a steady transformation towards sustainable means of transportation, these kinds of projects reflect the lead role of technology and innovation in such matters. Through AI, Google Maps aims to revolutionize the EV owner user experience and become a pathway to a more environmentally conscious future for generations to come.

Ukraine-Russia war: Latest updates

Ask our military analysts or international correspondents a question on the Ukraine war in the box below.

Thursday 9 May 2024 09:18, UK

• Putin: We want to avoid global confrontation, but nuclear forces ready if needed  
• Home Office expels Russian diplomat who was 'undeclared military intelligence officer'
• Dominic Waghorn: Russia may have crossed the line - but UK move to expel attache increases risk of dangerous escalation
• Ed Conway : Russian oil still seeping into UK - the reasons why sanctions are not working

Ask a question or make a comment

Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day speech this morning to warn that Russia's combat forces were "always ready".

But he admitted the country was going through a "difficult period".

You can watch a segment from his speech here:

We aren't bringing you live updates today, but here is the main story this morning.

Vladimir Putin has just finished speaking at Russia's annual Second World War victory parade.

The president, now in his fifth term, said that Russia will do all it could to avoid a global confrontation, amid rising rhetoric about a face-off with NATO.

Mr Putin, however, said it would not allow any nation or alliance to threaten Russia.

As he's said multiple times since he invaded Ukraine, the Russian leader warned the West that his nuclear forces were always at a state of combat readiness. 

He was addressing scores of troops in Moscow's Red Square - here are the best images from the Russian capital... 

Thanks for following our live coverage, we'll be back soon with more live updates. 

Kosovo's foreign minister has said her country is convinced Russia must lose the war in Ukraine for conflict not to spread further in Europe.

Donika Gervalla-Schwarz said her young nation's support for Ukraine was unconditional - despite Kyiv not having recognised Kosovo's independence.

Ms Gervalla-Schwarzd her small Balkan nation, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, is repeatedly reminded of the aggressive intentions of both Serbia and its ally Russia.

"Ukraine hasn't recognised the Republic of Kosovo as a state, but we really believe that we know exactly what Ukraine is going through," she told The Associated Press in an interview.

"And we know that there is only one solution, not only for Ukraine, but for Europe," she said.

"It can only be Russia to lose the war and Ukraine to win this war. Otherwise, Europe should prepare for other conflicts in our continent."

The people of Kosovo were the targets of war crimes and other atrocities by Serbia's security forces in the 1990s, an experience that led Kosovo to seek independence.

"While Kosovo is a small state with very modest possibilities to help, we have tried to be very helpful with Ukraine and have not hesitated to show our unconditional support and sympathy to the people and to the state of Ukraine," Ms Gervalla-Schwarz said.

Lord Cameron has called the UK's measures on a Russian defence attache "an unequivocal message" to Moscow. 

The foreign secretary was replying to James Cleverly's post on X in which he said the Home Office expelled a Russian defence attache as part of a series of measures against the country.

Other measures in the package include removing the diplomatic premises status from several Russian owned properties in the UK and capping the amount of time Russian diplomats can spend in the UK.

Budapest is once again raising eyebrows across the world's biggest military alliance as it pledges to defy a NATO initiative. 

The alliance's long-term plan to support Ukraine militarily was agreed in April, but was dubbed a "crazy mission" by Hungary's foreign minister today. 

Under the plans, NATO would take over some coordination work from a US-led coalition known as the Ramstein group.

Discussing the plans today, Peter Szijjarto said: "Hungary will stay out of NATO's crazy mission despite all the pressure."

Relations between Budapest and NATO have soured because of Hungary's foot-dragging over the ratification of Sweden's NATO accession - finally passed by Budapest in March - and also over nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's close ties with Moscow. 

The Russian embassy in London has said there will be "an appropriate response" after Britain expelled a Russian defence attache.

The embassy said the restrictions that had been imposed were done under a "groundless and ridiculous pretext", according to Russian state news agency TASS.

It comes after Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was reported as telling journalists that the Kremlin will respond appropriately following the expulsion.

Dominic Waghorn, international affairs editor

It's always assumed defence attaches play some kind of role gatherling intelligence and that is generally tolerated by their host countries. 

They could be gathering data about weapons production for instance or ship building but there is a line they are expected not to cross. 

The assumption here is that the Russians have broken the rules of the game.

But the British government will have thought long and hard before expelling the Russian. It doesn't come without cost.

In their day jobs defence attaches play a crucial role in liaising with their hosts.  That can be very important in terms of avoiding misunderstandings that could lead to unnecessary and dangerous escalation. 

Losing Russia’s defence attache in London deprives the UK of one more line of liaison at a time when clear understanding and clarification could be essential to avoiding deepening conflict.

That is not ideal at a time of war. 

What is not clear is how much these moves are connected specifically to the conduct of the Russians involved or should they actually be seen more as another chapter in the diplomatic war underway between Russia and the UK.

The UK has undoubtedly weakened Russia's ability to spy in the UK and gather intelligence but these measures will also affect Britain's ability to predict and avoid potential escalation. 

That will be made even worse if Russia, as may be expected, responds with like-for-like retaliation

Seven people have been injured by Russian shelling in eastern Kharkiv, according to the region's governor.

Oleg Synegubov said among those wounded was an eight-year-old girl and three boys, two aged 14 and the other 15. 

"Two [of the] boys are in serious condition, [the other] boy and [the] girl are in average condition," he said. 

One 55-year-old civilian of unspecified gender was also hospitalised. 

Two women had minor injuries. 

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has offered his thoughts on the expulsion of a Russian defence attache the government has accused of being an undeclared military intelligence officer. 

"Today we've expelled Russia's defence attache who has been working as an intelligence officer for Putin in the UK," he said on X. 

"We will not tolerate Putin’s efforts to undermine our nation and democracy and will continue to stand up for freedom here and in Ukraine."

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