Top Waste Management Routing Software – Reviews & Buyer's Guide

June 27, 2023
6 min read

Routing is an integral part of running a waste hauling business. When done well, you can enhance your efficiency in waste collection, reduce costs, and promote sustainability. 

However, doing it manually requires a lot of time and resources and it can be difficult to get right. Fortunately, there are now software solutions, like Basestation, available that can automate and optimize the waste routing process to improve your operations and your bottom line.

We’re here to help you choose the best waste management routing software for your business. This guide covers:

  • What Is Waste Management Routing Software?
  • Advantages of Using Waste Management Routing Software
  • The Best Waste Management Routing Software Solutions
  • How to Choose the Right Waste Management Routing Software 

What is Waste Management Routing Software?

Waste management routing software is a comprehensive system that helps businesses manage their waste collection operations. It enables the accurate and efficient routing of trucks, as well as the optimization of fleet resource utilization and costs. 

With it, you can plan and modify routes in minutes, saving you hours of work everyday. You can also update drivers’ routes in real-time to ensure your hauling operations run efficiently.

Waste management routing software typically includes features for:

  • Route planning
  • Vehicle tracking
  • Electronic logging
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Analytics and reporting

Advantages of Using Waste Management Routing Software

Below are the main benefits of waste management routing software:

Increased Efficiency in Route Planning and Collection Operations

By automating the process of creating and modifying routes, waste management routing software eliminates manual errors that can lead to costly misroutes. 

The software also integrates real-time data, such as traffic patterns or customer preferences, so that routes can be optimized for maximum efficiency. This leads to better service, fewer delays, and higher customer satisfaction.

Accurate Routes to Reduce Unnecessary Stops and Miles Driven

In the past, waste management companies had to rely on manual routing, leading to inaccurate routes and unnecessary miles driven. Waste management routing software eliminates this problem by allowing dispatchers to create the best possible routes.

Additionally, optimizing routes can directly reduce your repair and maintenance costs for your fleet as your trucks will be driving less miles.

Reduced Operating Costs with Improved Route Optimization Solutions

Waste management routing software can help reduce operating costs by optimizing route selection and schedules, as well as improving collections on peak days or during customer surges. This helps to ensure that resources are allocated and utilized more effectively, resulting in reduced labor, fuel, and other related expenses.

The Best Waste Management Routing Software Solutions

Here are some of the best waste management route optimization software solutions available. We cover what each solution offers and outline their main features so that you can make an informed choice about which solution is the best fit for your business. 

Basestation

Basestation is a cloud-based, all-in-one waste management solution that can help optimize your waste collection routes and schedules along with other facets of your business. 

The platform enables users to plan and optimize collections, measure performance, and get real-time updates on drivers' locations. With an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, users can create route plans and update driver schedules in just a few minutes. This cuts out a lot of time you would typically spend on these tasks and ensures your operations run at an optimal level.

Main Features

  • Routing & Dispatching: Plan and optimize routes to maximize efficiency and save time and money.
  • Real-Time Tracking: Basestation provides real-time updates on drivers’ locations, enabling you to easily monitor their progress and ensure that routes are completed as efficiently as possible.
  • Real-Time Notifications: Basestation allows users to receive real-time notifications when drivers deviate from their planned routes, helping them take action and avoid any potential delays.
  • Route Optimization: The platform helps users to optimize routes based on traffic conditions and other factors, ensuring that they are always running efficiently.
  • Billing & Invoicing: You can also use Basestation to generate invoices for customers and track payments. This makes it easy to keep on top of your accounts and ensure that you are paid in a timely manner.
  • Driver App: Drivers can access their routes and notifications via the mobile app, helping them stay on track at all times.
  • Reporting & Analytics: With Basestation, you can generate detailed reports and analytics to gain insights into your operations. This helps you identify areas for improvement and optimize your waste collection processes.

Routeware

Routeware is a waste management routing solution that helps companies optimize their waste collection and transportation operations. This solution's advanced technology allows users to create highly efficient routes based on factors like truck capacity, distance, and the type of waste being picked up. 

It also provides real-time tracking for fleet operators so they can view exactly where their trucks are located and how much waste is being collected.

Main Features

  • On-Board Computers: Drivers are equipped with in-cab computers to help with routing and provide real-time route updates.
  • Route Optimization: This feature helps route drivers in the most efficient way possible, saving money on fuel as well as time.
  • Billing: Automated billing and back office software help keep your finances in check and provide real-time reports on driver activity.
  • Route Scheduling: Automatically schedule routes based on the type of waste being collected, truck capacity, distance, and other factors.
  • Reporting & Analytics: With this feature, users can easily generate reports on their waste collection and transportation operations. This includes real-time data on driver performance, waste collection, and route times.

Trash Flow

Trash Flow is a cloud-based waste management routing software that helps waste haulers manage their routes. Its analytics provide detailed insights into business operations, allowing haulers to make better decisions with their data.

Main Features

  • Schedule & Dispatch: This feature helps businesses to efficiently manage their fleet by providing up-to-date route information and tracking for drivers.
  • Asset Tracking: This software allows you to monitor the location of your vehicles and drivers in real time, giving you insights into their performance.
  • Invoices: You'll be able to easily generate estimates and invoices for customers, allowing you to manage your billing process efficiently.
  • Reporting: Detailed reports that allow businesses to track their progress over time and identify areas where efficiency can be improved.

Soft-Pak

Soft-Pak makes it easy for businesses to keep track of their waste management route information so they can make informed decisions about how to best utilize their resources. The software enables trash haulers to track waste collection and disposal costs, analyze route performance, identify opportunities for cost savings, create custom reporting, and more.

Main Features

  • In-Cab Computing: Fleets are equipped with in-cab computers to monitor and manage routes in real-time.
  • Routing: Fleets can plan routes quickly and accurately using GPS-based route optimization.
  • Billing: Automated billing system ensures that haulers are paid for their services in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Operations Management: This feature enables fleets to monitor and manage their operations, including the tracking of equipment, driver performance, fuel consumption, and other operational data.

TRUX

TRUX, which has been acquired by the AMCS Group, is an all-in-one waste management and route optimization solution that helps you improve your operations and get the most out of your resources. 

With TRUX, you can plan and optimize routes for multiple vehicles, access real-time tracking, and monitor progress. You can also configure job rules for automated route optimization and access reports to measure performance.

Main Features

  • Security Data Management: This feature allows you to securely store and protect customer, driver, vehicle, route optimization, and other data.
  • Operations Management: Manage your entire operation from one single platform. This includes route planning, scheduling, optimization, and fleet tracking.
  • Route Planning: TRUX makes it easy to plan routes for multiple vehicles at once and optimize them based on various factors such as distance, time, and customer preferences.
  • Billing A/R Management: This feature enables you to manage billing and accounts receivable so that you can track payments, set up payment plans, and generate invoices.
  • Finance & Operational Reporting: TRUX provides detailed reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) for your waste management operations. This allows you to measure progress and make informed decisions about your business.

WAM

WAM is a routing software for waste management companies that can streamline your waste management process with automated route planning, optimization, and scheduling. 

It offers a comprehensive platform for managing all aspects of waste transport, making it easier for waste management, hauling, and recycling companies to manage their fleets more efficiently.

Main Features

  • Route Optimization: This software is designed to increase efficiency by automatically planning the most efficient routes for your fleet. It takes into account traffic conditions, customer locations, and other variables to ensure that your resources are used as efficiently as possible.
  • Billing & Accounting: WAM seamlessly integrates billing and accounting information into its platform so you can quickly track and manage your finances. It also allows for automatic invoicing, which helps keep your customers up-to-date on their payments.
  • Mobile App for Drivers: The mobile app for drivers makes it easy to monitor and manage your fleet from anywhere. Drivers can track orders, view route information, receive customer feedback, and more, all without having to leave the cab.
  • Automatic Scheduling & Dispatching: This software uses real-time data to schedule and dispatch routes automatically. This helps streamline the process and ensures that your drivers are provided with the best possible assignments.
  • Reporting: WAM also offers a comprehensive reporting system, allowing you to track and analyze your performance easily. It allows you to gain insight into where your resources are being used most efficiently and to identify areas where you can make improvements.

AMCS

AMCS is an easy-to-use routing and optimization software designed to help waste management professionals plan their routes efficiently. 

From route planning to optimization, this comprehensive software provides an all-in-one solution for waste management that can be tailored to the specific needs of each company.

Main Features

  • Advanced Routing Engine: This tool includes an advanced routing engine and optimization algorithm that is designed to make route planning faster and smarter. Users can adapt route plans in real-time, giving them more control over company operations.
  • Real-Time GPS Tracking: With this platform, you can track your garbage trucks in real-time using GPS technology, giving you an accurate overview of what's happening on the road. This allows you to optimize your routes and ensure that your drivers are taking the most efficient routes possible.
  • Reporting & Analytics: AMCS provides detailed reports and analytics, allowing you to gain insights into how well your waste management system is running. With this data, you can identify areas for improvement and create a more efficient operation overall.
  • In-cab Tools for Drivers: The software includes in-cab tools for drivers, such as turn-by-turn navigation and optimized route planning. This ensures that your drivers are taking the best possible routes and making the most efficient use of their time.
  • Route Schemes: AMCS route schemes feature allows you to create and save multiple route plans for easy access. This makes it easier to customize routes based on the specific needs of your company, giving more control over how your waste is managed.

How to Choose the Right Waste Management Routing Software 

Here are some practical tips to consider when choosing a routing solution for your waste management business.

Analyze Your Company's Waste Management Routing Requirements

The most important step in selecting the right waste management routing software is to determine exactly what features would be beneficial for your company.

Consider things like how often you need to route, the number of routes needed, and any specific requirements such as GPS tracking or driver performance monitoring. Once you have determined your needs, it will be much easier to evaluate different software programs and find one that meets your needs.

Do Your Homework

The worst thing you can do when selecting a waste management routing software is to go with the first one that comes across your desk. Take some time to research and compare different programs, paying attention to features such as ease of use, scalability, customer service, and cost. 

Also, look into reviews from current users who may have had experience with the product or services you are considering.

Go for Automation

One of the biggest advantages of waste management routing software is that it can automate many processes, saving you time and money. Look for programs that offer features such as automatic route optimization, real-time tracking, and driver performance monitoring. These features can help increase efficiency and reduce costs by eliminating manual tasks.

Consider Your Budget

Of course, cost is always a factor when selecting software. Although some of the more advanced programs can be expensive, there are plenty of waste management routing software options available at various price points.

Compare features and services offered against your budget to find the right balance between quality and affordability.

Conclusion

With the right waste management routing software in place, you can enjoy greater efficiency and cost savings, which will boost your bottom line. You don’t need to spend hours figuring out the best routes and distracting your drivers when you communicate updates. The system does it all for you. 

If you're looking for software that'll provide a combination of robust features and excellent customer support, then you can't go wrong with Basestation. Our comprehensive waste management routing software helps you maximize efficiency while providing a reliable and easy-to-use solution. 

With Basestation, you can keep your company running smoothly and eliminate administrative headaches. Try it out today and see what a difference it can make for your waste hauling business - book a demo today! 

WRITTEN BY
ALEX TUSHINSKI