Even the best delivery drivers make mistakes. It happens. But if the same problems keep coming up, it’s not always the driver’s fault. It could be your route planning software….
Think about the most common delivery mistakes: missed stops, delayed arrivals, wrong turns, inefficient routes, no communication with the client.
Is it really the driver’s fault, or did their tech let them down? Sometimes, delivery drivers work with tools that make their jobs harder, and it’s not their fault.
Route planning software
That’s where a proper route planning app makes all the difference.
Especially a software solution like Locate2u, which is built to take the stress out of the job, not only for you as a business owner or logistics manager, but for your drivers too.
Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes drivers make, and discuss how the right route planning software can fix it.
1. Getting lost or taking the long route
Old habits die hard. Many drivers rely on memory or basic maps, especially if they are familiar with an area. The problem with this is that human knowledge is not always in a real-time format.
Even familiar streets might have traffic, or an accident blocking a lane. There might be construction, or sudden detours for some other reason.
What used to be a 10-minute trip could turn into 30.
How route planning apps help:
Proper route planning software calculates the best route using real-time traffic data.
Locate2u’s delivery management software constantly updates routes so drivers can stay efficient, even when things change mid-shift.
2. Skipping stops or missing deliveries
Juggling dozens of stops in a day? It can get so very easy to forget one stop or mix up the delivery addresses.
This situation can get even worse when the addresses are written down on a crumpled piece of paper, or a worn-and-torn trip sheet on a clipboard that has seen better days.
How route planning apps help:
Route planning software creates organized routes; no unnecessary turns or twists. It also lets drivers mark each job as complete.
So, no more skipped stops or a delivery falling through the cracks, and definitely no confused “Where’s my order?” calls form irate customers.
3. Late deliveries with no heads-up
Nothing frustrates a customer more than waiting around all day with no estimated time of arrival (ETA). Unfortunately, drivers don’t always have time to make a call or send a message.
Or worse, the software and/or app they’re using is not set up to communicate seamlessly with a customer. Perhaps they don’t even have access to updated client information.
How route planning apps help:
Locate2u’s route planning software, for example, sends automatic tracking links via SMS or email. The link is branded, so they know which company is reaching out to them.
Moreover, customers can see exactly when their order is on its way, down to the minute, along with an accurate ETA.
That means fewer support calls and happier customers. And happier clients means better customer satisfaction and more positive online reviews.
4. Wrong drop-offs or delivery disputes
Without a proper proof-of-delivery system, things get real messy, real fast.
It doesn’t even take much! A package left at the wrong door or a customer claiming they never got it? That’s a headache no one wants.
How route planning apps help:
Any route planning software worthy of its title will include digital proof of delivery, built right into the platform, and into the driver’s delivery app.
Think photos, signatures, and time stamps. That way, drivers have proof of when and where a parcel was delivered, and who signed for it.
This way, disputes can be sorted quick and easy, without it turning into drama no one wants or needs.
ALSO READ: 10 Benefits Of a Route Planning App You Can’t Ignore
5. Drivers burning out
Let’s be honest: being on the road all day, guessing which stop comes next, and fielding calls from dispatch is exhausting.
The stress of being a delivery driver is very real, and it’s very well documented. According to a study by the World Health Organization, the nature of delivery work is inherently stressful.
The research shows 61% of workers report feeling stressed at work. This pressure can lead to burnout, frustration, and a decline in mental health.
How route planning apps help:
When your app handles the heavy lifting (routing, updates, communications, etc) your drivers can just drive. That means smoother days, less stress, and better retention.
What Locate2u gives drivers
While other platforms are just backend tools, Locate2u’s route planning software was build with drivers in mind, along with a user-friendly driver app.
It gives them everything they need in one place:
- Clean, easy-to-use mobile app
- Instant POD and job completion
- Live updates and route changes on the go
- Notes for bookings (gate codes, delivery tips, etc.)
- Navigation that works without switching between apps
Route planning software built for drivers
Mistakes happen. We’re all human. But a good route software solution prevents mistakes from happening over and over again.
Remember: Your drivers don’t want to fail. They want to do the job right. And they can, if they’ve got the right tools at their disposal.
NOW READ: How to Choose the Best Route Optimization Software for Your Delivery Business
About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
