Logistics Route Optimization: Guide in 2024
July 12, 2024
Table of Contents
The need for effective route planning in business and logistics has made it essential to choose the finest software for streamlining processes. By 2024, a variety of state-of-the-art solutions are available to businesses due to the substantial developments brought about by the growing demand for route optimization tools.
The well-known route planning tool Circuit has been helpful to many, but with the development of new technologies, there are now a number of strong substitutes that can meet a variety of requirements. This review examines the best Circuit route planning options for 2024, examining attributes like customizable features, easy-to-use interfaces, interaction with other business products, and real-time traffic data.
These options provide a range of ways to improve your logistics and delivery processes, regardless of your needs for more effectiveness, lower costs, or sophisticated features.
Pros and Cons Of Circuit
User reviews, comments, or evaluations of Circuit’s effectiveness in actual use are probably the best sources of information on its advantages and disadvantages. This is how these particular points could be evaluated:
Pros of Circuit:
Ease of Use
Circuit is easy for users to use and navigate, which makes it quick to adopt with a low learning curve. The high rating suggests that it is easy to use for a wide range of users.
Video Conferencing
Circuit works well for video conferences, providing customers with a dependable video conferencing function that facilitates clear communication.
Communication
The platform probably works well for integrating text, audio, and video. This makes it more useful for team cooperation when it comes to communication demands.
Reliability
Under typical circumstances, the circuit operates without significant hiccups or crashes, which adds to its steady reputation.
Screen Sharing
For remote teams in particular, the seamless and uninterrupted sharing of displays during meetings brings significant value.
Cons of Circuit:
Slow Loading
Users may encounter loading delays, which could be brought on by inefficient software or problems with network connectivity.
Glitches
Minor faults or technical hiccups could make it difficult for things to run smoothly, which could aggravate consumers who depend on reliable performance.
Technological Problems
Software errors or crashes are examples of other technological issues that might occasionally cause disruptions in production.
Audio Problems
poor audio quality or sporadic sound problems can be problematic during meetings or phone conversations, which negatively impacts the user experience as a whole.
Performance Problems
More general performance problems, such as lag, freezing, or system overload, can interfere with the application’s ability to run smoothly overall.
Why Consider Alternatives to Circuit?
Even with its unique characteristics, Circuit might not be the ideal choice for everyone. For small organizations or individuals venturing into the route planning market, locating a cost-effective and efficient solution is vital.
- Stop-based pricing on circuits can result in unwanted additional expenses.
- lacks the ability to manage vehicle load
- Higher cost for including extra drivers
- Lack of route customization option
- No changes accepted once the route plans are generated
- merely offers brief overview of routes
- Restricted assistance for different kinds of vehicles
- Notable drag-and-drop route modifications
- Routing does not have a calendar view.
- Limits real-time monitoring to only passive tracking
- Absence of a barcode scanning function
- For the free trial, a credit card is needed.
How We Evaluated and Selected Apps like Circuit
After conducting a comprehensive evaluation of over various route optimization software options, we’ve filtered down the best 10 alternatives to Circuit. Below are the key characteristics of the selected apps:
- Feature appropriateness: To make sure each software’s features satisfied the requirements of solo drivers, small and big enterprises, and delivery teams.
- Implementation : In our assessment, ease of use was a critical component. Ten team members from various backgrounds participated in usability testing to see how soon they could accept and incorporate the program into their everyday work.
- Cost-effectiveness: Priority was given to affordability without sacrificing necessary functionality. We computed possible cost savings for companies of various sizes by analyzing pricing plans and contrasting them with feature offerings.
- Customer Reviews: To determine consumer contentment, performance, and dependability, we looked through hundreds of real user reviews and ratings on sites like Capterra and G2.
- Personal Testing: In order to get firsthand knowledge of each software’s functionality, dependability, and user-friendliness, our crew individually utilized each one for at least 30 days, putting in over 300 hours overall.
Top 10 Apps Like Circuit: Circuit Alternatives, Competitors & Similar Software
Nextbillion.ai offers the most robust route planning APIs and SDKs in the industry. Nextbillion.ai platform serves as a cutting-edge platform that offers the newest technological advancements as a logistic management solution. Product and tech executives at large-scale logistics companies may address multi-vehicle & multi-stop routing, scheduling, and navigation difficulties with our cutting-edge route optimization engine.
Our adaptable API building blocks may be customized to solve a varied variety of use cases, providing a comprehensive solution for industries such as field services, last-mile delivery, on-demand services, and trucking.
Among all the other important attributes, dispatching, route optimization, and order management are the three that stand out the most. Let’s look at how these qualities help the firms operate more simply and efficiently.
Feature 1: Dispatching
Dispatching is the core function of delivery management. In this process, the drivers are assigned jobs depending on a variety of variables. The rational method states that fleet managers allocate deliveries using their own discretion.
This entire process is done by hand. Technology has advanced to the point that distribution is now an automated and effective operation. Assigning the appropriate resources to the right deliverables is the procedure’ final objective.
In order to accomplish these goals, considerations such as vehicle capacity, driver availability, and client priority are taken into account.
Feature 2: Optimization of Route
The goal of route optimization, a complex procedure, is to identify the most effective delivery route. Routes that minimize travel time, fuel consumption, and overall expenses are determined through this procedure. A variety of parameters, such as traffic patterns, road closures, and geographic restrictions, are analyzed using sophisticated algorithms.
A flawless route optimization will boost delivery process efficiency. It is possible to cut costs and save time with effective route optimization. The availability of real-time data affects how accurate this route optimization is. It’s possible that insufficient information about traffic patterns and road conditions will prevent an optimized route from being provided.
Feature 3: Management of Orders
One important aspect of fleet management is order management, which entails modifying delivery in response to new or updated customer orders. This method makes sure that modifications to customer needs are seamlessly incorporated into the current delivery plan.
Fleet managers can modify assignments and routes based on available data by implementing an efficient order management system. Like other aspects of the delivery management system, order management effectiveness is heavily reliant on data. Inadequate information may cause delays. If the system does not have a clear understanding of the missing data, it could be difficult to handle new orders.
Feature 4: Track drivers in real time
The real-time driver tracking feature of the Nextbillion.ai platform is one of its most eagerly awaited features. Customers will be able to track shipments in real time thanks to this technology, which promises to give them live updates on the whereabouts of their drivers.
This improves our dispatching software’s client satisfaction rating. Transparency is improved by enabling real-time delivery tracking for customers. The consumer can make better plans and stay updated about the projected time of delivery with the aid of this functionality of the Nextbillion.ai platform. The primary reason for this feature’s success is because it gives customers unobstructed visibility into the delivery process.
Feature 5: Interaction with Customers
Good communication is essential to a seamless delivery process. Drivers can be immediately messaged or called by consumers using our platform. With the help of this software tool, customers will be able to address any issues or provide more instructions in real time, bridging communication gaps. The Nextbillion.ai platform facilitates direct contact between drivers and clients in an effort to expedite problem resolution and enhance overall service quality.
Feature: 6 Customization for Delivery
The delivery customization function on Nextbillion.ai’s platform lets users select desired time frames to personalize their delivery. This function aids in streamlining the delivery scheduling procedure. Every consumer has the option to choose a certain delivery window. This Netbillion.ai platform feature gives the delivery procedure more convenience and flexibility.
Pricing
Three levels of pricing are offered on NextBillion.ai platform according to different business demands. Practical features like base APIs, email support, and community resources of the basic package are excellent for small-scale enterprises.
The second plan is the premium plan, which is suitable for companies that are growing as it provides premium support, support for trucks and motorcycles, and advanced APIs.
The enterprise package, which includes a full product suite, coverage for all vehicle types, and specialized solution engineering, is designed for businesses of considerable size.
Pros and Cons
✅Efficiency in routing
✅Simplicity in usage
✅Valuable features
✅Competitive pricing
❌Problems with billing
❌Inaccurate data
2. Zeo Route Planner
Zeo is a fleet management program created specifically with fleet owners in mind. Fleet owners can now quickly plan, optimize, and allocate drivers to speedier routes based on their priorities. Zeo is among the top transportation management, route planning, and delivery management software programs.
With just a single click, fleet owners can add bulk drivers and track them in real time. A driver might be designated by fleet owners for a particular route. Zeo will give you the quickest and most efficient route, saving you both money and time.
Additionally, you may use Excel to create routes, specify the driving abilities of each individual, and accomplish skill-based optimization.
Adaptable Location Input Techniques:
Fleet owners have the option to include vehicle identifiers, such as name and number, vehicle capacity, parcel weight capacity, parcel volume, and value, when distributing the routes.
Fleet owners have live location tracking and direct chat capabilities with their drivers while they’re on the road. Additionally, fleet owners may deliver the greatest customer care and real-time updates to their clients.
Pricing
Instead of charging per driver, Zeo Route Planner uses a seat pricing model. A specific seat’s driver details are always modifiable.
Three price tiers for Zeo Route Planner range from $35 to $350. Zeo Route Planner is also available for free trial.
Pros and cons
✅Optimization
✅Efficiency Improvement
✅Time-Saving
❌Missing Features
❌Update Issues
3. RoadWarrior
With the goal of removing logistical hassles for dispatchers and drivers alike, RoadWarrior is a potent route optimization tool. With the help of the RoadWarrior Flex mobile app, drivers and dispatchers can communicate clearly. The app also provides real-time traffic updates, allowing for route optimization for up to 500 stops daily, driver check-ins and progress updates, FedEx and Ontrac manifest uploads, and Proof of Delivery.
Drivers may navigate their routes with ease using the iOS and Android mobile apps, while dispatch processes are catered to via the online app. RoadWarrior also syncs and backs up all delivery data, making it simple to access previous analytics—a service that Circuit does not provide.
Pricing
The reasonable price of RoadWarrior is one notable aspect. The $100/month Circuit Essential package has a cap of two drivers and limited features.
On the other hand, RoadWarrior charges $14.99 per user every month and permits 200 stops per route. An additional benefit is the absence of multi-mode transportation synchronization and round-trip arrangement in the Circuit.
Pros and Cons
✅Mapping Features
✅Time-Saving
✅Efficiency Improvement
❌Inefficient Routing
❌Missing Features
4. Routific
The Routific platform can help you plan, optimize, and dispatch routes in a matter of minutes. The main draw of Routific is its ability to inject some fun into the usually boring, chaotic, and frustrating process of creating a delivery route. You may increase customer happiness, reduce delivery costs, and deliver goods more quickly and on schedule when you use Routific.
Routific’s main benefit for last-mile delivery services and couriers is route optimization. The software is commended for its exceptional customer support and ease of use. Its strength also enables it to expand with a business, handling tasks like managing a single route up to 50,000 stops per day and beyond. Bigger businesses can use their API for route optimization to create custom solutions.
With the integrated map and timeline view, dispatchers may see a detailed overview of any route they have and can make necessary modifications.
The fact that routes are updated in real time as drivers complete their stops makes it easy to track progress throughout the day. Customers receive automatically generated notifications that are easily customisable.
Pricing
The starting monthly cost for the Routific platform is $49 for each vehicle, or $69 for each vehicle with services like GPS tracking and delivery verification. For just $99 a month, you can get real-time delivery monitoring and automated customer notifications. Routific offers pricing by stop as well.
Pros and Cons
✅ Ease of Use
✅ Route Optimization
✅ Customer Support
❌Inefficient routing
5. OptimoRoute
Waste collection route planning and scheduling is revolutionized by OptimoRoute’s route optimization software, which takes into account all workflow restrictions. This method improves operational effectiveness by guaranteeing that routes are cost, resource, and time optimized. Software for designing waste collection routes is efficiently provided by OptimoRoute’s route optimization.
Delivery and field service companies may create the best schedules and routes with the use of OptimoRoute. Through efficiency gains including raising output and customer happiness, reducing operating expenses and overtime, and raising earnings by completing more deliveries and work orders with current employees, this aids firms in improving their bottom line.
Pricing
OptimoRoute offers three pricing editions. Additionally, a free trial is available, allowing you to explore the features before committing. Lite Plan Costs $35.10 per driver/month. This includes 700 orders at once, mobile app for drivers, route history, export to excel, garmin and more. Pro plan cost $44.10 per driver/month with plan up to 1000 orders at once. They offer Live Tracking, Web Service API, Live ETA & Breadcrumbs, Analytics, Weekly Planning, Realtime Order Tracking, Proof of Delivery. The custom plan cost is not published by the organization.
Pros and Cons
✅Best pricing
✅Simple mobile app
✅Customizable route planning features
❌Feature issues
6. Tookan
Tookan is a potent off-the-shelf delivery management software that helps companies reduce costs and modernize daily delivery operations. It includes an advanced technology package that makes it easier for management and delivery drivers to integrate seamlessly.
With Tookan, the administrative team has total control over monitoring real-time operations and can obtain a thorough picture of the productivity and workload of the field force.
Companies have utilized Tookan to digitize Delivery Operations for the Last Mile, fleet tracking in real-time and route optimization, use Tookan’s API integration to automate the delivery process, and overseeing Employees.
Pricing
Tookan has 4 pricing editions. A free trial of Tookan is also available. Pricing starts at $39/month.
Pros and Cons
✅Customer Support
✅Features
✅Delivery Management
❌Poor Customer Support
❌Expensive
7. MyRouteOnline
For any kind of operation, including managing a sizable fleet or operating a one-person shop, MyRouteOnline is the best route planner. The platform provides flexible, credit-based pricing in a range of plans tailored to individual routing requirements and built to expand with the organization.
Creating multi-stop routes with up to 1000 locations and obtaining a map with turn-by-turn driving directions are two functions of the MyRouteOnline program. Users have the option to print a sizable route map and export excel for the routes. They use GPS or the MyRoute smartphone app to share routes.
When it comes to affordability, MyRouteOnline is a better choice than Circuit.
MyRouteOnline optimizes routes; nevertheless, the quality may vary based on the number of credits you buy. Circuit ensures that all of their plans optimize the route.
Pricing
One well-regarded tool for route planning is MyRouteOnline. It is affordable, with a one-time payment of $29.00, making it available to all types of enterprises. In order to give users the opportunity to examine its features before making a purchase, the platform also offers a free version and free trial.
Pros and cons
✅Ease of use
✅Flexible software
✅Customer service software
✅Excellent Mobile app
❌Address issues
8. Onfleet
Businesses can easily manage and analyze their local delivery operations with the help of the Onfleet platform. Simple smartphone apps for drivers, a feature-rich modern web dashboard for dispatchers, real-time tracking, and automatic notifications for recipients are just a few of their limited possibilities.
Every week, millions of deliveries are supported by Onfleet software for thousands of enterprises, including e-commerce, pharmacy, supermarket, and flower delivery.
“Complete toolkit for last mile delivery” is how Onfleet describes themselves. The auto assign function of this program is its main advantage for on-demand deliveries. Quick customer service and turnaround times are made possible by this feature.
A chat feature in the driver app facilitates communication between dispatchers and drivers. Among the many services offered by Onfleet is barcode scanning. Their higher pricing is due to this feature, which deters smaller businesses from contacting them.
Pricing
A couple of the Route4me platform’s pricing statuses are listed below:
The monthly cost of Onfleet is $550, and there is a cap of 2,000 pickup/delivery assignments. Starting at $1,265 a month, barcode scanning, age verification, and 5,000 pickup/delivery tasks are included. Enterprise clients can avail themselves of their unique pricing.
After receiving your phone number and credit card information, Onfleet Software does provide a 14-day free trial.
Pros and Cons
✅Location tracking
✅Real-time tracking
✅Driver tracking
❌Difficult to use
❌Mapping issue
9. Upper
When it comes to delivery management and route optimization, Upper is a great substitute for Circuit.
It’s built with a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and user-friendliness, making it a go-to solution for businesses trying to streamline their routing operations.
The sophisticated route optimization algorithm of our platform, which takes into account delivery priorities, vehicle capacity, traffic circumstances, and time frames, is its most notable feature. With this information, Upper determines the best routes, saving companies money on fuel and maximizing output.
Transparent and economical pricing is one of Upper’s advantages over Circuit. All of our plans allow for unlimited route design. This offers scalability without adding unanticipated expenses and removes concerns about extra fees for going over stop limits.
Pricing
The Upper plan offers an outstanding bargain at just $120 per month, allowing users to design infinite routes to fit their needs. An annual billing option offering a flat 20% discount is available for those trying to save money, making it the perfect alternative for both individuals and enterprises seeking cost-effective route planning solutions that combine affordability and flexibility.
Pros and Cons
✅Route Optimization
✅Delivery Management
✅Location Tracking
❌Limited Customization
❌Expensive
10. Route4Me
With its incredibly user-friendly interface, the Route4Me Route Planner automatically calculates routes for your company and sends the findings to a mobile app with navigation. This is ideal for any type of organization, such as territory management, area management, field service, field sales, field marketing, and field merchandising, that wants to maximize the last mile.
This program is available to over 40,000 Route4Me members. This is the most widely used route sequencing and optimization tool in the world, used by both big and small businesses.
Route4Me provides a wide range of add-on modules in a functional marketplace for maximum customization.
Pricing
A couple of the Route4me platform’s pricing statuses are listed below:
Curbside pickup is available from Route4me for $499 per month. The monthly cost for commercial vehicle routing is $19 per user. The monthly fee for field services and field sales management at this organization is $99 dollars.
Additionally, Route4Me charges extra for certain features related to route optimization, such as driver breaks and recurring routes, as well as for premium customer assistance.
Pros and Cons
✅Route Optimization
✅Customer support
✅Efficiency
❌Routing issues
❌Mapping issues
Which One To Pick As The Best Circuit alternative?
You may choose the best software for your needs after looking at the top 10 best route planner options available in 2024. Using cutting-edge tools in your delivery processes will improve customer happiness, accuracy, and efficiency dramatically. NextBillion.ai is designed for businesses and industries that need advanced, customizable mapping solutions, particularly in areas like logistics, transportation, and delivery. It offers superior route optimization, data integration, and flexibility.
Nextbillion.ai is more flexible and performs better. Our API’s innovative algorithm exceeds the market leader by substantial margins! Another consideration is the level of customisation. Our API may be tailored to be the ideal solution for any use case thanks to its more than fifty limitations, unique objective functions, bespoke cost matrices, custom road permissions, and variable pricing.
This comprehensive solution includes everything you need to accurately compute estimated time of arrival (ETAs), optimize intricate delivery routes, adapt to changing road conditions in real time, guarantee seamless navigation, and enhance field force visibility.
Make use of Nextbillion.ai and accept the technologies that Nextbillion.ai has to offer.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Apps Like Circuit
Many considerations must be made while choosing the best apps, such as Circuit, for delivery management and route optimization. Start by determining the precise features you require, such as the ability to create an infinite number of routes, user-friendliness, and tool integration. Cost is another important consideration; annual billing, for example, might result in substantial savings. For more information about the app’s dependability and efficacy, take into account user reviews and customer service. In the end, the optimal option will complement your particular needs and increase your overall efficiency in handling deliveries. Make sure you choose a solution that works well with your workflow by taking the time to investigate your options.
Explore the best alternatives to Circuit with our comprehensive guide on choosing the right apps for your needs. From optimizing delivery routes to enhancing logistics efficiency, we highlight key features, user experiences, and pricing options. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, finding the perfect app can streamline your operations and save you time. Dive into our insights and tips to discover the ideal app that fits your specific requirements, ensuring seamless navigation and improved productivity. Make informed decisions with our expert recommendations and elevate your delivery management today!
