Linked tasks are a set of tasks arranged in a specific order that must be completed sequentially. By default, linked tasks are assigned to a single driver, and their order is maintained across assignments and optimizations. Task linking creates a dependency structure between tasks, which is useful when your operations require multiple stops to complete an order or when one task must be completed before another can begin.
Linked tasks support two operating models:
Model | How it works | Best for |
Point-to-point | One driver completes both the pickup and the dropoff | Direct delivery, where the driver collects the order and takes it straight to the recipient |
Hub and spoke | One driver completes the pickup, and a different driver completes the dropoff | Couriers, 3PLs, same-day and regional delivery, and any operation using a hub, depot, or cross-dock between pickup and dropoff |
There is no limit to the number of links that you can create when manually assigning tasks to a driver. However, circular dependencies are not permitted. For instance, you cannot make Task A a prerequisite to Task B if Task B is already a prerequisite to Task A.
Within Route Optimization, there can only be one dependency per linked task. For example, only a dropoff task linked to one pickup task will be considered when assigning tasks to a driver during Route Optimization. If your organization has multiple dropoff tasks linked to a pickup task, they may not all be assigned to the same driver.
Note: You can set up notifications triggered by the dependency structure. For example, set up a notification to send once the pickup task has been started. For more information, check out the "Dependency Notifications" section of the Communications and Notifications article.
Enable/Disable Linked Tasks
To link or unlink tasks in the dashboard, you must first enable the feature in the Add-ons tab of the Admin's Settings.
Link Tasks Together
To link a task via the dashboard, hold the Option key (Alt on Windows), select a task, and hover your selection over the task that you wish to designate as a prerequisite.
After you release the mouse, the tasks will be linked together and their sidebar icons will update to indicate the link and direction of the dependency structure.
Dot to the right of the pin: This task has linked tasks that must be completed after it. It is a prerequisite and must be completed before the driver can move on to the next task.
Dot to the left of the pin: This task has linked tasks that must be completed before it. It cannot be completed until all prerequisites have been completed.
Assign linked tasks to the same driver (default)
By default, linked tasks move and assign together. Selecting either task in a linked pair selects both, and assigning one assigns both to the same driver.
To assign a group of linked tasks, drag and drop one of the tasks and the remaining linked tasks will follow automatically or right-click the task and select "Assign Task" to assign to a driver.
Assign linked tasks to different drivers
Right-click the task you want to assign.
Select Assign task.
Choose a driver.
Uncheck Apply Assignment to Linked Task.
Confirm the assignment.
Apply Assignment to Linked Task | Result |
Checked | Both linked tasks are assigned to the selected driver |
Unchecked | Only the selected task is assigned. Its linked task stays where it was |
Once a pair has been split, the two tasks behave independently. You can drag the dropoff to a second driver and only that task will move. The pickup stays with the first driver.
Linked tasks can also be separated via the API or within a task's edit window.
Route Optimization with Linked Tasks
You can optimize just the pickups or just the dropoffs in a linked set, which is useful for hub and spoke operations where collection and final delivery are planned separately.
Select only the pickup (or dropoff) tasks you want to route.
Right-click and select Optimize.
In the optimization window, set Allow Missing Linked Tasks.
Allow Missing Linked Tasks | Result |
Checked | Only the selected tasks are optimized and assigned to a route. Their linked tasks are left in the Unassigned container |
Unchecked | The linked tasks are routed along with the selected tasks |
Any linked tasks left behind will remain in the Unassigned container. Drag them to the driver handling final delivery, or run a separate optimization for them.
Unlink Tasks
To remove a task's links, click the task and all of its linked tasks will be highlighted.
Unlink a single task: Right-click the task and select Unlink this task (chain icon). The task will be removed from the link.
Unlink everything: Right-click the task and select Unlink All to remove all link relationships at once.
Unlink from the map: Right-click a linked task pin on the map. All linked tasks will highlight. Select Unlink from all Tasks.
Note: Unlinking removes the dependency entirely. If you only need the tasks to go to different drivers, use Assign task with Apply Assignment to Linked Task unchecked instead.
Create Notifications for Linked Tasks
You can create custom SMS notifications that are automatically sent to your recipients when a driver has started and/or completed a task (pickup or dropoff) that has dependent tasks linked to it.
For more information, review Dependency Notifications.