Transportation Route Optimization Part II - A Guide

Did you know that transportation route optimization algorithms can analyze millions of possibilities in real-time, and provide you with an answer or solution that is optimal for your specific requirements? 

That’s right! Transportation route optimization strategies also provide more flexibility and adaptability to sudden changes, such as sick calls, or last minute orders. That's how easy it is to use and maintain route-efficient optimization software.

Let's carry on to the second part of the Complete Guide to Transportation Route Optimization. 

Benefits of transportation route optimization

Aside from managing drivers regarding when and where to be, route optimization offers many other benefits, such as: 

Cutting fuel expenses

This is a pretty straight-forward one, as less time on the road translates to less money spent on fuel. With that being said, having more efficient routes planned out also means less unnecessary turns on the road, which also translates to fuel savings. 

Source: Envato

Did you know UPS trucks almost never make left turns? Find out why!

Slash maintenance costs 

Maintenance costs go hand in hand with fuel costs, as time spent on the road means time spent using the vehicle; that eventually means having to invest money to keep the vehicle up to standards and safety regulations. 

Improve Customer Experience (CX) 

Real-time updates on driver whereabouts mean that estimated delivery times are always accurate, but just in case, customers can also speak directly to the driver.

This in turn helps improve customer satisfaction, since it offers clarity and accountability from the company. 

Less time spent planning

Automating tasks with route scheduling software is a great way to reduce time spent planning, optimizing and doing admin work, being able to use that time working on gaining new forms of revenue and expanding the business. 

Quickly respond to last minute changes

Through the use of transportation management software, routes can be automatically updated and optimized in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. 

Drivers are able to receive real-time notifications on their phones, with the new route ready to be approved. 

More deliveries 

More deliveries = more business. 

With optimized routes it’s possible to pack more deliveries per vehicle; through the use of polygons and georeferencing, it's fairly easy to plan routes according to drivers locations, specific time windows or vehicle restrictions. 

Increased driver satisfaction 

When using software to optimize routes, you’re able to improve your driver's work conditions since they’re no longer in charge of having to update routes based on any delays or problems en-route. 

And remember, happy drivers, happy clients.

Faster delivery times

Optimized routes call for faster deliveries, it really is that simple.

Source: Envato

Transportation route optimization strategies

There are a few strategies to keep in mind when it comes to route optimization, such as:

• With more efficient drivers, logistics operators can expect to see a 33% drop in delivery costs, while increasing fleet capacity by roughly 20%. Using a transportation management system, such as Drivin’s, allows you to have full visibility throughout the entire operation, from production to customer support. 
• Route optimization goes hand in hand with route planning. Routing software reduces planning times by allowing the planner to import the entire customer sheet directly into the cloud-based software. You can also directly connect your existing ERP, CRM or external database and automate the entire process.
• Transport route optimization means that the delivery team and driver know exactly when a delivery is due. Sticking to time windows is a great service for customers, who can then plan their days around the delivery to make sure they're available to receive the order.
• Through the use of route optimization strategies, GPS and driver tracking is an appreciated add-on that lets customers track their deliveries online in real-time.
• Green logistics? Route optimization is a great way to reduce carbon emissions and care for the environment. It helps companies achieve their carbon neutrality goals (if they have any).
• Intelligent route optimization tools allow dispatch managers to distribute workloads more evenly, balancing schedules and order amounts at the click of a button. You can even set up geographic zones for your drivers, so they don't have to drive unnecessarily to warehouses and then back home again.

How does routing software work? 

Drivin is a 4.0 TMS software that manages and automates the transportation needs of a company within different industries. To this end, it allows for efficient planning, data collection and processing as well as providing information related to product delivery. 

Source: Envato

A transportation route optimization software like Drivin allows you to:

• Automatically plan routes
• Add relevant parameters to create routes
• Improve the level of service and customer experience
• Increase route optimization speed and delivery times
• Increase production efficiency and throughput
• Provide real-time visibility and control over operations
• Improve operational efficiency to reduce costs

If you'd like to talk to us about implementing route optimization software for your business, you can take use Drivin’s free trial, contact a member of our team today!

► Read Part I.