Import Data

1. Supported Formats

BinRouter accepts CSV (comma-separated values) and Excel (XLSX) files. Your spreadsheet can have any column order, any column names, and any number of extra columns — BinRouter will parse it automatically. You don't need to use a specific template or format.

Common formats we support: Excel workbooks from Outlook or Google Sheets, CSV exports from QuickBooks or Salesforce, dispatch sheets from legacy routing software, and handmade spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. If your file opens in Excel or Google Sheets, BinRouter can import it.

File size limit: 10 MB (approximately 50,000 rows). If you have larger files, split them into multiple imports or contact support for help.

2. AI Column Matching

BinRouter uses Claude AI to match your spreadsheet columns to the required data fields. When you upload a file, BinRouter scans the column headers and content, then suggests a mapping for each column. For example, if your spreadsheet has columns named "Service Type," "Customer Address," and "Work Date," BinRouter will map them to job type, address, and scheduled date automatically.

The AI uses fuzzy matching, so it can handle typos, abbreviations, and variations in naming. For example, columns named "Job Type," "JobType," "Service," or "Type of Work" will all map to the job type field. If a column doesn't match any field, you can select the correct mapping manually from a dropdown.

After mapping, BinRouter shows a preview of the first 10 rows with the matched data. You can review the preview and adjust mappings before confirming the import. If a required field is missing or incorrectly mapped, BinRouter will highlight it and ask you to fix it before proceeding.

3. Required Fields for Job Import

To import jobs, your spreadsheet must include these three required fields:

• Job type: "delivery," "pickup," or "switch" (case-insensitive). Abbreviations like "del," "p/u," or "swap" also work.
• Customer address: Full street address including city, state, and zip code. BinRouter will geocode the address automatically. If geocoding fails (invalid address), the row will be flagged for manual review.
• Scheduled date: The date the job should be completed. Accepts most common date formats (MM/DD/YYYY, YYYY-MM-DD, etc.).

If your address is split across multiple columns (e.g., separate columns for street, city, state, zip), BinRouter will concatenate them automatically. Just map each address part to the corresponding field (street address, city, state, zip code).

4. Optional Fields for Job Import

These fields are optional but recommended for better tracking and reporting:

• Order number: Your internal work order or job ID. Useful for cross-referencing with your billing system.
• Customer name: Name of the business or homeowner. Helps drivers identify the location and improves customer service.
• Zone: Service zone (e.g., "North County," "South City"). If provided, BinRouter will use this for driver assignment. If not provided, BinRouter assigns zones based on zip code.
• Requested size: Dumpster size (e.g., 10-yard, 20-yard, 30-yard). Useful for capacity planning and inventory tracking.
• Waste type: Type of waste (construction debris, household waste, yard waste, etc.). Used for landfill routing if you work with multiple landfills.
• Time window: Earliest and latest time the customer is available. Format: "8am-12pm" or "08:00-12:00". The optimizer will ensure the driver arrives during this window.

If your spreadsheet includes extra columns (notes, customer phone number, billing codes, etc.), BinRouter will ignore them during import. You can still see them in the preview, but they won't be stored in BinRouter.

5. Setup Data Import: Drivers, Facilities, Landfills

You can also import drivers, facilities, and landfills from spreadsheets using the same AI column matching feature. This is useful if you're migrating from another system or setting up BinRouter for the first time with a large fleet.

Importing Drivers

Required fields: driver name, home address (or facility they start from), default zone. Optional fields: truck number, email, phone number, capacity (max stops per day).

Go to the Drivers page, click "Import Drivers," and upload your spreadsheet. BinRouter will match columns, geocode home addresses, and create driver records. You can review and edit drivers after import.

Importing Facilities

Required fields: facility name, full address. Optional fields: available dumpsters (inventory count).

Go to the Facilities page, click "Import Facilities," and upload your spreadsheet. BinRouter will geocode addresses and create facility records.

Importing Landfills

Required fields: landfill name, full address. Optional fields: disposal fee per ton, accepted waste types.

Go to the Landfills page, click "Import Landfills," and upload your spreadsheet. BinRouter will geocode addresses and create landfill records.

6. Manual Route History Import

If you want to compare BinRouter's optimized routes to your historical manual routes, you can import your old dispatch sheets for savings analysis. This is optional but gives you real, data-backed savings numbers instead of estimates.

Upload a spreadsheet with columns for date, driver name, customer address, and stop order (sequence). BinRouter will calculate the total miles and cost for the manual route, then compare it to the optimized route for the same jobs. The difference is your actual savings.

This is useful for proving ROI to management or investors. Instead of saying "we estimate 20% savings," you can say "we saved 23.4% on last Tuesday's routes compared to our manual dispatch."