This is interesting! Have you considered leveraging Google OR Tools[1] for route optimization? At a previous hyper-local eCommerce startup I worked for, we used it to solve similar problems. Although the setup and integration is not super easy, but the results far outweighed the effort.

1 - https://github.com/google/or-tools

I have considered it! I've opted for a more specialized optimization library that deals specifically in the Traveling Salesman Problem (https://github.com/graphhopper/jsprit). I will revisit this though, might come in handy pretty soon - thank you!

This is a super cool intersection of real world problems and software. How hard has it been to get customers? I assume trust is a big hurdle here. How are you approaching this problem?

Thank you! You've definitely identified the trickiest part, especially when you come in with a track record of, well...0 deliveries (I was in working in tech teams before this). Luckily, there are quite a few freight brokers in the NYC metro area, and they are willing to give you a trial period. Another way to approach is to work with smaller companies and offer discounts during the startup phase. (We're starting deliveries in August)

Sounds really great. Good luck

Thank you, appreciate it!