Top Streets and Trips Alternatives for Routing

Updated on January 15, 2024 by Jennifer Collins

In the fast-moving world of delivery, planning your route well is essential. It's like a map that helps trucks find the best way through lots of streets to save time and money on fuel. Microsoft Streets and Trips used to be great for this job, but as things change, we get new tools, too.

Now, we have even better software options because they're easy to use and update in real time. These excellent new tools help companies make their deliveries smoother. They also cut costs and keep customers happy.

As delivery changes, businesses must use these new tools to stay on their game.

According to a report by Capterra, better delivery management software can help businesses save up to 30% on fuel costs and increase delivery efficiency by 40%.

This article will explore various alternatives to Microsoft Streets and Trips. We aim to provide valuable insights into the features and benefits that make such delivery route planning solutions as Track-POD stand out. 

So, let's get started!

Limitations of legacy tools like Microsoft Streets and Trips

Legacy route planning tools, like Microsoft Streets and Trips, were useful back then. But they need help to keep up with what people expect for the delivery work of today. 

When companies get bigger and have more vehicles to manage, doing things manually takes time. To work on such tasks, in comparison to various solutions available today, Microsoft Streets and Trips would have needed additional smart tech to find optimal routes. That means dispatchers who used Streets and Trips to plan deliveries were guessing instead of using data-based optimization. 

There was nothing in there that adjusted for traffic conditions in real-time. It did not account for whether drivers were available or how long their stops took. That created the burden of manually managing drivers to keep the route information updated and customers informed.

Here are some other limitations of some legacy tools like Microsoft Streets and Trips:

Outdated maps

Old tools like Microsoft Streets and Trips rely on maps that aren't up to date. They show old info about roads, and do not account for live traffic information, which disturbs route planning and delivery efficiency.

Limited real-time updates

Not having the latest traffic updates means you can't adjust quickly to traffic jams or closed roads. This could make your delivery drivers late and slow down their progress through the daily tasks.

Complex user interface

These legacy tools are often complex to use, making it challenging to plan routes conveniently. The tricky user interface takes longer to learn and get things done.

Limited integration

You can't mix these legacy tools with new tech, further limiting what they can do. Delivery businesses need to use all their gadgets and software together effectively.

Inflexible route optimization

Due to technological limitations, outdated platforms, and low speeds, legacy route planning tools might not be able to find the best possible route. This may result in slower deliveries, lower performance, and unhappy customers.

Dependency on manual input

Putting in data by hand raises the chance of mistakes happening, plus it's time-consuming when planning routes – this may lead to wrong directions being followed or wasted time.

Inadequate mobile functionality

Since there's limited mobile support, delivery drivers need help accessing or changing their routes while moving around, affecting how quickly they respond during deliveries.

Limited customization

If you need unique route settings for different types of deliveries, these legacy systems may be unable to help since they're not very flexible.

It's essential to switch to a more modern route planning technology that has current updates, easy-to-use designs, and many extra options helping businesses handle deliveries better as things change.

Why seek alternatives?

Legacy tools like Microsoft Streets and Trips have limitations. These limitations highlight the need for more advanced route planning alternatives. These alternatives should be feature-rich. Last mile delivery operations require better options, and modern tools provide vital benefits that directly address the evolving needs of businesses in this space:

Increased operational efficiency

Today, route planning tools use innovative solutions and data analysis to improve delivery routes. These include live traffic news, GPS tracking, and auto re-routing - features that help save time at each stop.

These tools also work with sensors and IoT devices to improve the routes even more. They increase efficiency and help cut down costs for fuel, driver hours, and taking care of delivery vehicles.

Enhanced optimization

Today's software solutions do more than plan the fastest route; they can adjust them on the go. They use machine learning, an intelligent tech that learns from new information, such as sudden weather shifts or traffic hold-ups.

This way, they tweak paths and timings as needed while unforeseen things happen. These tools are also integrated into order management systems and keep track of stock to make better decisions based on how much needs picking up or dropping off.

By doing this, businesses get the most out of their time and give top-notch service.

Improved customer experience

People now want quick chats, speedy deliveries, and precise information. Today's tech tools are great because they focus on what customers want. They let you track your stuff in real-time with phone apps and tell you when it is likely to arrive.

Such platforms also make sure deliveries happen faster by finding the best routes. Plus, they give a clearer view of how things are going so businesses can see where to improve their service.

Exploring Track-POD, a premier alternative for delivery route planning

Track-POD is an excellent choice for planning routes, especially compared to older tools like Microsoft Streets & Trips.

Streets & Trips was good in the past for figuring out the best ways to go. However, Track-POD makes planning and sending out deliveries even better. With Track-POD, people who organize deliveries can use a simple drag-and-drop system to make smart routes quickly.

The platform looks at how long trips take, how far delivery locations are, how much stuff vehicles can load, and takes into account the requirements for some specific delivery times. It uses all this data to develop sound plans for getting deliveries where they need to go.

Key features of Track-POD include:

Optimal route algorithms

Track-POD has innovative programs that create the best delivery paths by considering real-life limits. These programs help plan better. They cut down on distance and time spent traveling to improve how deliveries are made overall.

Scalability for complex fleets

Track-POD can handle delivery fleets of any size. It stands out as a solution for businesses with hundreds of stops. Its scalability ensures that even the most complex delivery networks can be efficiently managed and optimized.

User-friendly maps and visual editing

Track-POD offers a user-friendly interface with intuitive maps and visual route editing capabilities. This feature simplifies the planning process. It allows users to make quick adjustments and fine-tune routes based on specific requirements or unforeseen circumstances.

Customizable dashboard and metrics

The platform provides a customizable dashboard for all delivery needs. It presents critical metrics and insights at a glance so that users can track and analyze relevant data. This helps them gain actionable insights into their delivery operations, leading to better decision-making.

How do Track-POD's key features drive business success?

By leveraging these capabilities, Track-POD users can achieve significant operational improvements:

Optimized operational efficiency

Track-POD utilizes powerful algorithms. This reduces mileage, lowering fuel and maintenance costs. The optimized routes enhance operational efficiency, saving both time and resources.

Increased delivery throughput

In practice, while a delivery driver is allocated almost 1-2 minutes for each delivery, the reality sees them spending 5 minutes on the manual process at each stop. This divergence acts as a roadblock to streamlining the delivery process.

The scalability of Track-POD addresses this challenge, empowering businesses to handle more stops per route. This increased efficiency results in more daily deliveries. It is pivotal for companies trying to maximize delivery throughput.

Enhanced asset utilization

Track-POD helps businesses use their vehicles and plan better. By utilizing their assets well, companies can ensure they use everything as much as possible. This cuts down on wasted time and gets more work done.

Improved customer service

50% of businesses need help to meet same-day delivery commitments, grappling with inefficiencies in their delivery processes and the heightened pressure on drivers. Addressing this challenge becomes crucial. Giving customers the right delivery times and tracking their orders improves customer service. 

They get quick updates, which builds trust and shows we're reliable. This is key to keeping good relationships with our customers.

Driver satisfaction and efficiency

Fair and achievable routes contribute to better driver satisfaction. Track-POD provides drivers with optimized routes. The routes consider their well-being. This helps enhance overall workforce morale and efficiency.

Comparing pros and cons of honorable alternatives for route optimization

Track-POD stands out as a leading route planning solution. Yet, businesses should be aware of other software tools. Here is a brief overview of a few alternatives:

OptimoRoute

OptimoRoute is route planning software. It optimizes business delivery routes and schedules, emphasizing time and cost savings. It targets small and medium-sized enterprises and offers scalability as businesses expand. The platform includes a mobile application, providing real-time route updates and facilitating communication between drivers and dispatchers.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: OptimoRoute is praised for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for businesses of varying sizes.
• Scalability: The software is adaptable and can scale with the organization's growth. It accommodates changing needs.
• Reliability: Users appreciate the platform's reliability. It ensures consistent performance in route planning and optimization.
• Responsive Support Team: OptimoRoute's support team is known for its responsiveness. They assist users with queries and issues effectively.

Cons:

• Challenges with Multiple Routes: Planning multiple routes for drivers in the same city using only the automatic route generator can take time and effort. This is due to challenges with various routes.
• Limited Detail on Failed Deliveries: There needs to be more detail on failed deliveries. The platform cannot provide a reason or explanation when marking a delivery as failed. This limits insights into performance issues.

Routific

Routific helps companies plan the best ways for their drivers to deliver things. It looks at traffic, what the driver likes, and what's essential for the business. This tool works to make routes better so that companies can save time and use up to 40% less gas. Delivery businesses all over the world trust Routific. It makes a difference in how well their routes work.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
• Intelligent Route Optimization: The software stands out for its intelligent route optimization. It avoids rush hour traffic, busy tunnels, and bridges. This enhances overall delivery efficiency.
• Real-time Route Updates: A mobile application gives drivers real-time route updates. This fosters improved communication with dispatchers.
• Responsive Customer Support: Highly responsive and helpful customer support, ensuring timely assistance for any queries or concerns.

Cons:

• Limitation with Multiple Routes: Planning multiple routes simultaneously for various drivers in the same city may be challenging with Routific.
• Lack of Real-time Traffic Updates: The platform needs real-time traffic updates and messaging features, potentially affecting adaptability to changing road conditions.
• Pricing for Customer Notifications: Some users may find the pricing for customer notifications to be higher, which could impact overall cost-effectiveness.

Route4Me

Route4Me is delivery route planning software. It's designed to help businesses optimize their routes and streamline delivery processes. The platform focuses on creating efficient routes. It takes into account traffic conditions, driver preferences, and business priorities. 

Route4Me aims to enhance productivity and reduce costs for businesses. They rely on efficient route planning.

Pros:

• Route Optimization Customization: Users appreciate the ability to customize route optimization based on various factors, providing flexibility in meeting specific business requirements.
• User-Friendly Interface: Route4Me is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for businesses seeking a straightforward and efficient route planning solution.
• Real-time Tracking and Monitoring: The platform offers real-time tracking features. Businesses can monitor routes as they unfold.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Route4Me provides detailed reporting and analytics. This helps businesses gain insights into route performance and identify areas for improvement.

Cons:

• Pricing Complexity: Some users find Route4Me's pricing structure complex. This might create challenges in understanding and managing costs.
• Learning Curve: The interface is user-friendly. However, users new to route planning software may need some time to become fully proficient.
• Limited Free Plan Features: The free plan's features may be limited. Businesses may need to subscribe to premium plans for advanced functionalities.

Revolutionizing operations: Track-POD's impactful case studies

Businesses achieve significant efficiency gains, cost savings, and an improved user experience by leveraging Track-POD's advanced route optimization. This is in comparison to legacy tools like Microsoft Streets and Trips.

Here are some leading businesses using Track-POD to optimize their operations. They are driving success.

GAP Nationals enhances efficiency with ePOD and route optimization

GAP is a leading manufacturer and distributor of PVC-U building products. It has 40+ depots and over 240 vans across the UK. GAP Nationals supplies PVC-U building products. 

GAP invested in a new electronic proof of delivery system featuring route and fleet optimization options from Track-POD to reduce the paperwork and improve customer services from Aberdeen to Wickford in the UK

Track-POD's ePOD system and routing software helped GAP reduce the time spent on field staff administration by 60%. 

The software also helped GAP improve its customer service. It provided real-time delivery updates. It reduced the time spent on manual data entry. 

Girteka Logistics boosts delivery rates with TrackPod

Girteka Logistics' 3PL segment was looking to improve on-time delivery and customer service. They also wanted to engage third-party carriers. They came to Track-POD to get real-time PODs with order tracking for their customers. 

Track-POD's ePOD system helped Girteka improve its customer satisfaction and reduce the time spent on manual data entry. The software also helped Girteka achieve delivery in full and on time. It also records proof of delivery with a digital signature. It includes a map feature to help them track, plan, and optimize routes. Additionally, it sends the daily run sheet to drivers and 3rd party carriers via a mobile application. 

As a result, Girteka achieved a 99% delivery in total rate. They achieved a 97% on-time delivery rate. Also, 95% of jobs are now dispatched electronically. Staffing productivity increased by 60-70%, and customer calls decreased by 80% due to the tracking feature.

Elevate operations with Track-POD: A modern solution for route planning excellence

Upgrading your route planning tool is essential to improve your delivery business. Traditional tools like Microsoft Streets and Trips can't cut it anymore. They lack planning routes, tracking features, and giving you updates as things happen. This all leads to extra costs and big headaches.

If you switch to something newer like Track-POD, you'll see a bunch of perks. It plans routes intelligently, keeps tabs on drivers, manages deliveries smoothly, and even helps with reports that tell you how your business is doing. Plus, it's easy to use with lots of tools but won't break the bank.

With Track-POD's techy platform, growing your delivery service becomes much more accessible. So, if saving money sounds good, making sure drivers do more work in less time, or giving customers an excellent delivery experience, putting Track-POD into action (or another up-to-date system) is the move for your business!