We got tired of using spreadsheets and calendar to manage our routes. We now use a product called Badger. Their is a small monthly fee but it really does the trick. Here is a link to their website: https://www.badgermapping.com/
It is designed and primarily used by Sales professionals but it has most of what we need. We would love a solution that could handle everything from logging pickups and weight, to managing billing and pickup reminders. I know some peeps that are building some software that may just do all of that and will post it here when they have a Beta.
So, what do you use? Why do you like it? What are it's limitations?
You can set the time you want the reminders to go out. You can reminder them about work orders and even notifications when drivers are on their way or have completed pickup (which is a a tad more than we need). You can also add service forms to track volume (for us did they put out one or both buckets, etc) at each pickup
Hey Kate, How does the text/email reminder work? Will it notify them the day before their pickup?
We went ahead and invested in Razor Sync which will allow us to schedule, track and map pickups. It has some customer interface, invoicing, text and email reminder options, etc. We didn't upgrade for the route optimization to what you posted may be a cheaper option for that part until we outgrow it. Thanks for sharing! This has felt like one of the biggest hurdles in streamlining and organizing.
I was looking for just that this morning. Excited to see the beta version, please keep us posted.