Delivery Route Time Calculator
Estimate how long a multi-stop delivery route takes: driving, stop time, loading and breaks, with a finish time and how many stops fit in a shift.
Plan how long a multi-drop delivery route will take before the truck leaves the yard. The calculator adds depot loading, driving time with a traffic buffer, the minutes spent at each stop and breaks, then gives a finish time and an estimate of how many stops of the same density fit into a shift. It suits parcel vans, food-service trucks, field service calls and any route where stop time matters as much as drive time.
How to use this tool
- Enter the number of stops and the total route distance, including the drive back to the depot.
- Enter your real average driving speed and the minutes spent at each stop.
- Add depot loading time, breaks and a traffic buffer.
- Set the start time and the shift length to see the finish time and how many stops fit.
Formula
Total time = loading + (distance ÷ speed × 60) × (1 + buffer ÷ 100) + stops × minutes per stop + breaks
All times are in minutes. Stops that fit = (shift × 60 − loading − breaks) ÷ (driving minutes ÷ stops + minutes per stop), rounded down. That assumes any extra stops are spread at the same density as the current ones.
Example
A van with 25 stops on a 60-mile route averages 22 mph. Driving takes 60 ÷ 22 × 60 = 163.6 minutes, and a 10% traffic buffer makes it 180 minutes. Twenty-five stops at 6 minutes add 150 minutes, plus 30 minutes of loading and a 30-minute break: 390 minutes, or 6 h 30 m. Starting at 07:00, the route finishes at 13:30. Each stop costs 13.2 minutes of driving and service, so a 10-hour shift could hold about 40 stops at the same density.
Frequently asked questions
What average speed should I use?
Use the driving average excluding stop service and breaks from telematics or past routes, not the posted limit. Stop-and-go city routes average far less than open-road driving because of lights, turns, one-way streets and parking.
How long does a delivery stop take?
It depends on the job. Dropping a small parcel at a porch takes a minute or two; a commercial delivery with a hand truck, paperwork and a signature can take much longer. Time a sample of real stops and use the average.
Why add a traffic buffer?
Route plans are averages. A buffer of 10–15% on driving time absorbs congestion, detours and missed turns, so the delivery times you promise customers stay realistic.
Does this check hours-of-service rules?
No. Commercial drivers covered by hours-of-service rules must also stay within those limits. Put the time the driver is allowed or scheduled to work in the shift length field.
Last updated: 2026-10-30