Google Maps Logistics Planning For Performing Multiple Deliveries

Logistics companies usually rely on Google Maps to perform deliveries. And why not? After all, it is a popular mapping platform that is capable of planning routes for fewer deliveries. 

But, it might not be a suitable option for route planning when you have a large number of deliveries. Therefore, you may need more than Google Maps as far as your business expansion is concerned. 

In this blog, we will understand Google Maps logistics planning and find whether Google Maps is made for route optimization or not.

Steps to Plan Logistics Routes Using Google Maps

Despite certain limitations, Google Maps is the first-pick route planning tool for small logistics companies. So, if you are good to go ahead with such limitations, here are steps to organize route maps.

Step 1: Explore Google Maps App

For planning routes or epic road trips, you need to install the Google Maps app on your mobile device. Mostly, Google Maps is the default app on many smartphones. In case you are already using it on your phone, directly go to the app. Then, tap to open it and sign up using your Gmail account.

Step 2: Add Destination Address

Once you are in, find the destination address from the search bar. You can confirm the address by picking up the correct suggestion. Google Map will consider it as the first point of a route map. In the initial stage of route planning, you should be ready with multiple stops for address sequencing.

Then, let the system map the address. Thereafter, start adding more stops or click the ‘directions’ button to review the map.

Step 3: Include Multiple Stops

If you need more stops to be added to the map, click on the three dots icon to include new stops from the “Add stop” option. You can include more stops by following the same process. These stops will be added between the starting and ending point.

You can even rearrange the stops manually to customize the route map whenever it is required. Once you are done with it, directly go to access driving directions.

Step 4: Access Driving Directions

Generating the route map, now you can get the driving instructions by clicking on the car or bus icon. At this stage, you can even add more stops to reorganize the route plan. While you access driving directions, you can check the necessary details like time, distance, and location at the bottom of your screen.

Step 5: Edit Added Stops

Google Maps Multi-stop route planner allows you to edit stops even when you are accessing the route plan. So, you can stop the navigation by tapping on the “stop” button. Then, edit the stop with the drag and drop option. The app will automatically update the route changes. Hence, it will allow you to plan routes and move stops simultaneously.

Step 6: Navigate Routes

In the last step, review your route map and then tap the “start” button to turn on the driver routing & navigation. Now, follow the turn-by-turn driving directions to reach the stops. Continue the process until you cover all of them during the process.

Hence, this is how Google Maps makes it easier for you to make logistics planning.

How to Optimize Routes for Logistics Services on Google Maps?

On Google Maps, there is no such feature as route optimization. Yes, that’s right, the Google-approved mapping platform only allows you to plan the routes, including 10 additional stops. Once you create a route plan on Google Maps, you would not optimize it. So, you need to restart the entire process. 

Using Google Maps, you can only edit or rearrange the stops sequence before finalizing the route map. For route optimization, you will need the right route optimization software like Upper. Or else, you should do it manually to find the most efficient routes.

If you are associated with transportation and logistics companies or on-field delivery business, you should look beyond Google Maps. The reason why Google Maps is not suitable for managing multiple deliveries is that it lacks the advanced features of route optimization.

Things may go bad to worse when you have 10+ additional stops to include in a route plan. So, relying on Google Maps to optimize routes is not only time-consuming but also inefficient for carrying out delivery operations. 

Hence, if you often use Google Maps for route optimization, you may spend more money on operational costs. Instead, you can use a delivery route planner to optimize routes and add up to 500 stops.

Why are Logistics Companies Relying on Route Planner?

Logistics companies are making the most from route optimization software to deal with modern-day delivery issues. Since Google Maps does not have solutions for every delivery problem, route planner has become popular among logistics services.

Here is why logistics companies prefer a route planner:

1. To minimize route planning and optimization time with advanced routing app.
2. To dispatch the parcel with a single click and alert drivers at the same time.
3. To track the driver locations and keep them updated all the time. 
4. To deliver important instructions to the delivery drivers during the ongoing process.
5. To get rid of the late deliveries and unnecessary calls from customers.
6. To provide exceptional customer experiences and real-time delivery updates.
7. To reduce the operational costs, fuel costs and save time.
8. To hassle-free update last-minute changes and auto-assign routes to the driver.
9. To manage delivery fleets and truck driver schedules simultaneously.
10. To send customized automated notifications to their clients.
11. To receive the electronic proof of delivery after handing over the parcel.

The list may go on, but now you know why logistics companies are opting for route planners instead of Google Maps. The right route optimizer like Upper can help you manage hundreds or thousands of deliveries and lessens your workload.

Hop On Upper’s Route Optimization Software for Seamless Logistics Operations

Planning delivery routes for logistics is easier said than done on Google Maps. That is why you should opt for Upper Route Planner software to manage the route plan and keep your drivers updated all the time. At Upper, you don’t need frequent call-ups as everything is done via an autonomous process. 

Yes, from optimizing a multi-stop route plan to performing delivery in time, Upper can help you achieve your desired goals. If you are looking for advanced route optimization tool to eradicate logistics planning chaos, all you need is Upper Route Planner. Book a demo with us and get insights into Upper’s groundbreaking features.