Ever found yourself juggling multiple stops during a single trip and wishing there was a simpler way to organize it all? Whether you’re a delivery driver, small business owner, or someone running a series of errands, planning multiple stops can be a real headache. The good news? Apple Maps has Multi-Stop Routes, making it easier to streamline your journey. But is Apple Maps the perfect solution for all users, or are there better tools out there?
Let’s dive into how you can create Multi-Stop Routes in Apple Maps on your iPhone and explore the benefits, limitations, and possible alternatives for a smoother trip.
Why Use Multi-Stop Routes in Apple Maps?
Creating multi-stop routes isn’t just about planning a trip, it’s about improving the efficiency of your trip. For businesses and individuals, the ability to map out multiple stops in a single journey can save time, fuel, and even frustration.
- Convenience for Personal Errands
From grocery shopping to picking up packages, mapping out your day with Multi-Stop Routes helps you avoid backtracking and wasting time. You can plan your route in a way that maximizes convenience, letting you reach all your stops without the hassle of constantly analyzing your journey on the go. - Simplified Delivery for Small Businesses
For small retail businesses or independent couriers, Multi-Stop Routes in Apple Maps offers a free and easy-to-use solution for managing deliveries. Instead of relying on separate apps or written notes, you can integrate all your stops in one seamless route, ensuring your goods reach customers faster. - Minimizes Driver Fatigue
When your route is planned out in advance, drivers can focus on the road instead of constantly adjusting directions. This not only reduces the chance of getting lost but also minimizes driver stress, leading to more efficient and safer deliveries.
Also Read: How to add multiple destinations and customize your route using Google Maps
How to Add Multiple Stops in Apple Maps (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that we’ve discussed why you’d want to use Multi-Stop Routes in Apple Maps, let’s get into the ‘how.’ You don’t need to be tech-savvy to figure out that Apple Maps makes the process simple and user-friendly. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.
- Open Apple Maps on Your iPhone
Start by launching Apple Maps from your home screen. This is your base for creating a well-organized multi-stop journey.
- Enter Your First Stop
In the search bar, type the first location you want to visit.
- Add a Stop
After setting the first destination, tap the “Add Stop” button. This feature allows you to include more locations along your route, making it easy to string together multiple stops.
- Rearrange Stops
Hold down on the stops and drag them into the most efficient sequence, reducing unnecessary travel time.
- Start Your Journey
Once you’ve added all your stops and arranged them in the desired order, tap “Go.” Now, Apple Maps will guide you through your journey, turn-by-turn, ensuring a smooth trip from start to finish.
Limitations of Multi-Stop Routing in Apple Maps
While Apple Maps provides a basic multi-stop feature, it has some limitations that can hold back both individuals and businesses who need more advanced routing capabilities.
- Limited Number of Stops
One of the biggest drawbacks is the limited number of stops (up to 14 stops) you can add. Apple Maps is fine for short trips or small deliveries but becomes a major hurdle for businesses managing extensive deliveries in a single route. - No Route Optimization
Unlike specialized route planners, Apple Maps doesn’t optimize routes for efficiency. You’ll have to manually arrange the stops in the best order, which can lead to backtracking and wasted time if you’re unfamiliar with the area. - No Dynamic Route Adjustments
The lack of dynamic adjustments can result in unnecessary delays, especially for users with multiple stops, making it harder to navigate through changing traffic or road closures. - Lack of Integration with Business Tools
For small retail businesses managing deliveries, Apple Maps offers no integration with order management systems or customer notifications. This makes it harder to track deliveries and keep customers informed, leading to potential miscommunications and delays.
Zeo – The Best Alternative to Apple Maps for Multi-Stop Routing
Apple Maps is ideal for handling basic navigation. However, when it comes to complex routing needs, Zeo Route Planner takes efficiency to the next level. Zeo offers multi-stop route optimization to eliminate the hassle of route planning. It ensures you spend less time on the road and save on fuel costs. Moreover, Zeo helps you make every minute count, which positions it as a perfect routing solution for businesses with tight delivery windows.
What sets Zeo apart is its seamless integration with your existing business tools. You can centralize delivery management, automate customer notifications, and eliminate communication errors. Unlike Apple Maps, which caps your stops, Zeo offers unlimited stops. The multi-stop routing capability makes it the go-to solution for delivery drivers and fleet managers handling large-scale operations.
Conclusion – The Strategic Edge with Zeo
Switching from Apple Maps to Zeo Route Planner is a strategic move for businesses aiming for growth and efficiency. Zeo doesn’t just streamline routes, it transforms operations. With Zeo, you can explore the untapped growth potential for your fleets and optimize every delivery without compromising on service quality and resources. These advantages translate into faster service, reduced operational overhead, and the ability to scale delivery operations with ease.
Ultimately, choosing Zeo means empowering your business to deliver more while making every mile count towards profitability and success. Schedule a free demo with Zeo experts to understand how.
