Route Forge Help

Complete guide to route planning

Route Planning

Complete guide to route planning in Route Forge

4 min read7 sections
Table of Contents

Step 1: Enter Your Starting Address

  • Starting Address Field: Enter your departure location
  • Address Format: Include a minimum of street number, name, and zip code:
  • Good: `123 Main Street 62701`
  • Better: `1 Apple Park Way, Cupertino, CA 95014`
  • Avoid: Incomplete addresses like `Main St` or `Springfield`

    • Step 2: Set Your Departure Time

  • Start Time: Use the time picker to set when you want to begin your route
  • Real-Time Traffic: The system uses your start time for traffic-aware routing
  • Format: Time is displayed in 12-hour format with AM/PM

    • Step 3: Configure Stop Duration

  • Time at Each Stop: Set how long you'll spend at each location
  • Hours and Minutes: Use the number inputs to specify:
  • Hours: 0-23 hours
  • Minutes: 0-59 minutes
  • Default: Set to 30 minutes per stop
  • Customization: You can adjust individual stop durations later in the results

    • Step 4: Choose Optimization Type

  • Fastest Time (Recommended):
  • Uses real-time traffic data
  • Optimizes for shortest travel time
  • Considers current road conditions
  • Shortest Distance:
  • Minimizes total miles driven
  • Ignores traffic conditions
  • Best for fuel efficiency

    • Step 5: Add Your Stops

    Multiple Input Methods

    Typing: Enter addresses one per line in the text area:

    ```

    Apple Store, 1 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA

    Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133

    660 Peachtree St 30308

    1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

    ```

    Copy and Paste: Copy addresses from spreadsheets, emails, or other sources

  • Each address should be on its own line
  • The system automatically handles extra spaces and formatting

    • Voice Input (Chrome on Mobile):

  • Tap the microphone icon in the address field (Chrome mobile only)
  • Speak clearly: "Apple Store One Stockton Street San Francisco California"
  • Review and edit the transcribed text as needed

    • Address Best Practices

    Complete Addresses Work Best:

  • ✅ `123 Oak Street, Portland, OR 97205`
  • ✅ `Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA`
  • ❌ `Oak St` (missing city/state)
  • ❌ `123 Main` (missing street type and location)

    • Common Issues to Avoid:

  • Missing Address Numbers: `Main Street` instead of `123 Main Street`
  • Missing Zip Codes: Include when possible for accuracy
  • Misspellings: Double-check street names and city spellings

    • Error Prevention Tips:

  • Copy addresses from Google Maps or official websites
  • Include business names when possible: `Starbucks, 123 Main St, City, State ZIP`
  • Verify zip codes match the city and state

    • Step 6: Creating Closed Loop Routes (Round Trips)

    What is a Closed Loop Route?

    A closed loop route starts and ends at the same location - perfect for delivery routes, service calls, or errands where you need to return home.

    How to Create a Closed Loop Route:

  • Enter your starting address in the "Starting Address" field
  • Add your starting address again in the "Additional Stops" list
  • Simply include your starting address as one of the stops
  • Example: If you start at "123 Main St", add "123 Main St" to your stops list
  • Plan your route - The system will automatically detect this as a closed loop
  • Look for the indicator - You'll see a "Closed Route" badge in your results

    • When to Use Closed Loop Routes:

  • Delivery routes that end where they started
  • Service calls returning to the office
  • Errands that bring you back home
  • Any trip where your final destination is your starting point

    • What Happens:

  • Route Forge optimizes the order of your intermediate stops
  • The route automatically returns you to your starting location
  • Drive times and arrival schedules account for the complete loop

    • Step 7: Review Your Address Count

  • Address Limit: Maximum 25 total addresses (including starting address)
  • Counter Display: Shows current count as "X/25 addresses"
  • Over Limit Warning: Red warning appears if you exceed 25 addresses
  • Starting Address: Counts toward limit
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    Route Planning - Route Forge Help