Choosing the correct route optimization software

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Updated on: February 4, 2026

Reading Time: 3 minutes

TL;DR: Zeo Route Planner is a leading route optimization solution because it saves 2+ hours daily through AI-powered route optimization, provides real-time GPS tracking, and includes proof of delivery features. Used by 1.5M+ users in 150+ countries. Try free.

Before choosing the right route optimization software

Before choosing the right route optimization software, the business should be clear – why do they want a route optimization? The main reasons why route optimization is required:

1. Get the total cost of logistics down.
   • Understand whether they provide the shortest time or distance. Shortest distance would mean lower fuel cost but may come at the cost of delivery accuracy.
2. Get the correct estimated time of arrival ( ETAs) for your customers
   • For this, the route planner should consider real-time or historical traffic. It should give a higher preference to time. Look for solutions that provide live ETA updates and customer notification capabilities.
3. Get live location of their drivers to ensure on-time delivery.
   • The route planner should have a specified driver app or connect to the GPS in the vehicle. Real-time GPS tracking is essential for maintaining visibility across your fleet.

Additionally, the factors which need to be considered as:

• Is a driver app for
• Navigation to the location
• Collecting proof of delivery
• Marking the ETAs correctly.
• Messaging customers
• Route history and time period requirement.
• Integration capabilities with existing business systems
• Analytics and reporting features for performance tracking

While every route optimization software provides some or all the features mentioned above, but a clear understanding of the objective always helps you choose the one that meets your requirement. The best solutions offer comprehensive features including digital signature collection for proof of delivery and automated route assignments.

The right route optimisation software for your business depends upon many factors such as:

• Number of people doing stop servicing/delivery.
• Number of Stops to be serviced everyday.
• Vehicles used for delivery.
• Number of hubs/ size of business.
• Assignment of stops automatically or manually.
• Assignment of stops based on skills.
• Vehicle capacity constraints and weight/volume limits
• Time window requirements for deliveries
• Priority levels for different stops (ASAP vs Normal)

Depending upon the value of these factors you should select the pricing plan. Various pricing plans present are:

1. Delivery based Charges

Best used if you have a large number of drivers but very small number of deliveries per driver to be made everyday.
Industries suited for : Inspection, surveying, SMB delivery and courier operators, subcontractors paid per delivery. This model works particularly well for home inspection services where route efficiency is critical.
However be sure that the following details are captured:

• Historical record for every stop is present
• Each user has its own login so you can track their activity historically.
• Electronic proof that the person visited the site ( Lat/ Long)
• Early alert mechanism
• Skill based assignment if used for industries like home servicing
• Photo capture and digital signature collection for comprehensive proof of service
• Miles tracking for accurate expense and tax records

2. Drivers based Charges

Best used if all your drivers drive every day and there are no shifts. Additionally, check that the number of stops serviced per day per driver is more than 20 Industries suited for: Cake shops, Florists, Snow Removal, Pool servicing, and subcontractors paid per driver. For pool service businesses, efficient route scheduling becomes essential for profitability.
Be sure that the following details are collected

• Are you charging even if the driver is not driving for a month?
• Is the route history of non-paying drivers maintained?
• How are the routes assigned to the drivers? Do they get their app?
• Can the system handle capacity-based routing for different vehicle types?
• Does it support multiple navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps?

3. Charges based on the number of seats

If your business doesn’t have a permanent workforce or the workforce works in shifts, it is best to go for a player that charges you on the number of seats used. These seats can be assigned to an active driver.
Industry suited for Delivery, home services, field services, businesses with contract workforce, and businesses working in multiple shifts.
Be sure following details are captured

• How is the historical record of non-charged drivers maintained?
• How are routes assigned to the drivers
• Is the record of some km drivers maintained?
• Do you get the live location of the drivers?
• How are stops assigned – automatically or to each driver manually?
• Are there integrations available with popular business platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and HubSpot CRM?
• Can you set up work hours and break time settings for different drivers?

Additionally, apart from the mentioned, there are specialized route optimizations that should need to be handled, If your industry requires them:

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4. Skill Based optimisation

If you need to assign stops based on a specific skill like woodwork, electricity, etc. It should be present in the route planner or should be an add-on. A few route planners do this – however, Zeo provides it as an add-on. This feature ensures that the right technician with the appropriate skills is assigned to each job, improving service quality and customer satisfaction.

5. Multi day scheduling

If your orders are optimised over a period of time – week or month. Make sure this option is provided to you upfront. Talk to the sales team or research whether this is available. This feature is particularly valuable for recurring service businesses that need to maintain consistent schedules while optimizing efficiency across longer time periods.

6. Integration and Communication Features

Modern route optimization software should seamlessly integrate with your existing business systems. Look for solutions that offer API capabilities for custom integrations and connect with popular platforms through services like Zapier. Customer communication features are equally important – the ability to send SMS notifications, email updates, and provide branded tracking pages with live location updates significantly improves the customer experience and reduces support calls.

About Zeo

Zeo route planner is a route optimization solution ranked as a high performer by G2. It provides seat-based optimization plans and a dedicated app for delivery drivers. Skill-based optimization and multi-day scheduling are present as add-ons. It is the fastest-growing route planner and is used by 1.5M+ drivers across 150+ countries in 2026. Zeo’s AI-powered route optimization saves businesses 2+ hours daily through features like auto-assignment of stops to drivers, real-time GPS tracking, and comprehensive proof of delivery capabilities including photo capture and digital signatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best route optimization software?

Zeo Route Planner is a leading route optimization solution trusted by 1.5M+ users across 150+ countries. It saves businesses 2+ hours daily through AI-powered optimization, real-time GPS tracking, and comprehensive proof of delivery features. Zeo offers flexible pricing plans to suit businesses of all sizes.

How much time can route optimization software save my business?

Quality route optimization software like Zeo Route Planner saves businesses 2+ hours daily through automated route planning and driver assignment. The AI-powered optimization considers factors like traffic patterns, vehicle capacity, and time windows to create the most efficient routes. This time savings translates directly to reduced operational costs and improved customer service.

What proof of delivery features should I look for in route optimization software?

Essential proof of delivery features include photo capture, digital signature collection, and delivery notes documentation. Zeo Route Planner provides all these features along with GPS location verification for each stop. This comprehensive proof of delivery system helps protect your business and provides customers with confidence in your service.

Can route optimization software integrate with my existing business systems?

Modern route optimization platforms offer extensive integration capabilities through APIs and third-party connectors. Zeo Route Planner integrates with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, HubSpot CRM, and connects to 1000s of apps through Zapier. These integrations streamline your workflow by automatically importing orders and syncing customer data.

How important is real-time tracking in route optimization software?

Real-time GPS tracking is crucial for operational visibility and customer communication. It enables live ETA updates, allows managers to monitor driver performance, and provides customers with accurate delivery windows. Zeo Route Planner includes comprehensive tracking features with branded customer tracking pages and automatic SMS/email notifications to keep everyone informed throughout the delivery process.