Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about BinRouter, from getting started to advanced features.

General

What is BinRouter?+
BinRouter is route optimization software built specifically for dumpster and roll-off companies. It uses AI-powered algorithms to create the most efficient routes for delivery, pickup, and switch jobs — cutting fuel costs 20-30% and eliminating manual whiteboard planning.
Who is BinRouter for?+
BinRouter is designed for dumpster rental companies, roll-off haulers, waste management companies, and construction debris services. It works for fleets of any size — from single-truck operations to multi-location franchises.
How is BinRouter different from generic logistics software?+
Generic routing tools don't understand dumpster-specific workflows like job chaining (pickup = customer → landfill → facility), zone-based assignment, or facility inventory management. BinRouter handles these automatically. It also offers AI-powered import that recognizes your dispatch sheet format without reformatting, and cost-weighted optimization that accounts for landfill fees and overhead.

Getting Started

How do I get started?+
Sign up at BinRouter.com, create your organization, and go through the 10-minute setup wizard to add facilities, landfills, drivers, and cost settings. Then import your jobs (any CSV or Excel format) and click "Optimize Routes." You'll see your first optimized routes in under 30 seconds.
Do I need to install anything?+
No. BinRouter is a web-based application that runs in your browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox). Drivers access their routes on their phones via a mobile-optimized web page — no app install required.
How long does setup take?+
Initial setup takes about 30 minutes: 10 minutes for the setup wizard (facilities, landfills, drivers, cost config) and 20 minutes to import your first batch of jobs and review the optimized routes. Most customers optimize their first route on the same day they sign up.

Route Optimization

How does the route optimizer work?+
BinRouter uses a Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) solver powered by Google OR-Tools. It calculates the optimal sequence for each driver's stops by minimizing total cost (fuel, labor, overhead, disposal fees) while respecting constraints like zones, time windows, and capacity. Optimization runs in 10-30 seconds depending on fleet size.
Can I override the optimized routes?+
Yes. After optimization, you can manually reassign jobs between drivers, reorder stops, or exclude specific jobs. Just drag and drop jobs on the Routes page. The route cost and mileage will update automatically to reflect your changes.
What happens if a driver calls in sick?+
Use the Emergency Re-Routing feature. Select the unavailable driver, and BinRouter will redistribute their jobs to other drivers in the same zone, re-optimize the routes, and notify affected drivers via SMS or email. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

Billing

Is there a free trial?+
Yes. All new accounts get a 3-day free trial with full access to all features (route optimization, AI import, analytics, emergency re-routing). No credit card required to start. You'll receive an email reminder 1 day before the trial ends.
What does the trial include?+
Full access to all features: unlimited route optimization, AI data import, analytics, emergency re-routing, mobile route delivery, and email support. You can add unlimited jobs, drivers, and facilities during the trial. There are no restrictions or reduced features.
How does per-driver pricing work?+
Your monthly bill is calculated as: base platform fee + (number of active drivers × per-driver fee). For example, on the Growth plan ($399/mo + $79/driver), 10 active drivers = $399 + (10 × $79) = $1,189/month. If you add or remove drivers mid-month, your bill is prorated automatically.
Can I change plans later?+
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan anytime from the Billing page. Upgrades take effect immediately (you'll be charged the prorated difference for the current month). Downgrades take effect at the end of the current billing period (you'll receive a prorated credit on your next invoice).

Technical

What file formats can I import?+
BinRouter accepts CSV (comma-separated values) and Excel (XLSX) files. Your spreadsheet can have any column order and any column names — BinRouter's AI will match them automatically. File size limit: 10 MB (approximately 50,000 rows).
Is my data secure?+
Yes. BinRouter uses enterprise-grade security: all data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256). Multi-tenant isolation ensures your data is completely separate from other customers. We use Clerk for authentication (SOC 2 compliant) and host on Google Cloud Platform with automatic backups. We never sell or share your data.

Still have questions?

Start your free 3-day trial or contact us for a personalized demo.