What Is a Delivery Route?
Delivery route is the planned sequence of stops a driver follows to complete a set of deliveries. Routes are built from factors such as addresses, time windows, vehicle capacity, traffic and driver hours, with the aim of minimising distance and time.
Key Points
A well-planned route:
- Sequences stops: the order of drops prevents backtracking and matches how the vehicle is loaded.
- Adjusts to conditions: routes can shift when traffic or road closures change.
- Builds in breaks: mandatory breaks and vehicle checks are scheduled so the plan stays realistic.
- Reduces costs: efficient routes lower fuel costs and help drivers meet scheduled drop-offs.
For a full guide, read our full guide to delivery routes.
Frequently asked questions
The shortest route is the path with the least mileage, but it might take you through slow city centres or school zones. The fastest route prioritises speed, often taking motorways or less congested roads, even if they are slightly longer in distance. Route optimization software helps you choose the best balance between the two to save time and money.