If you're planning delivery routes, you don’t need expensive software or complicated systems.

For small operations with 10 to 30 stops per day, Excel is often more than enough. You already have it, your team knows how to use it, and it gives you full control over how routes are planned and adjusted.

A Simple Way to Plan Better Routes

Start with a basic spreadsheet. Keep it simple and build from there:

• List all delivery addresses
• Add a column for stop order
• Track drive time and distance between stops
• Include notes for special instructions or time windows

The goal is straightforward — avoid zigzagging across town and keep your route moving in one logical direction. Even small adjustments in order can make a big difference.

How to Find the Best Route

You don’t need complex routing software to improve your routes. A simple approach works well for most small teams:

• Start from your depot or starting location
• Go to the closest next stop
• Repeat until all stops are completed

This method helps reduce backtracking and unnecessary mileage. It may not be perfect, but it’s fast, practical, and effective for everyday operations.

Why Route Order Matters

The order of your stops directly impacts total drive time, fuel cost, and driver workload. Poorly planned routes often lead to:

• Drivers crossing the same areas multiple times
• Longer delivery times
• Higher fuel and vehicle costs
• Uneven workload between drivers

Even saving a few miles per route can add up quickly over weeks and months.

The Real Bottleneck

The hardest part isn’t planning the route — it’s getting accurate drive time and distance.

Manually checking Google Maps for every stop is slow and repetitive. For 20 or more stops, it can easily take 20 to 30 minutes just copying and pasting data. If you want to test a different route order, you have to do it all over again.

This is where most of the time gets wasted.

Using an Excel Route Calculator

This is where a tool like the Best Route Calculator for Excel makes a big difference.

Instead of switching between tabs all day, you can:

• Paste all your stops into Excel
• Calculate drive time and distance in one go
• Reorder stops and instantly compare different routes
• Make quick adjustments without starting over 

It turns route planning into a fast, repeatable process instead of a manual task.

Try the Best Route Calculator for Excel

Why Excel Still Works

Many businesses assume they need advanced software, but for smaller delivery operations, Excel often covers everything you need:

• No monthly subscription costs
• No complicated setup
• No new tools for your team to learn
• Flexible and easy to customize

It’s a practical solution that fits into your existing workflow.

When This Approach Makes Sense

This setup works best if you:

• Run a small delivery or service team
• Handle consistent delivery areas
• Want a simple and reliable planning process
• Prefer a one-time tool instead of ongoing software fees

If you're managing routes daily, even small improvements add up. Less driving, less time on the road, and more predictable schedules for your team.

Sometimes the simplest setup is the most effective.