Google Maps is old news for the life of a courier. Route optimization software provides fleet workforce ample long-term benefits, as well as reducing mileage and fuel costs.
What is Route Optimization Software?
Route optimization software technology helps fleet managers design the most efficient journey for their couriers. This process utilizes pre-determined and tested information, such as scenario modeling and historical traffic data. It quickly calculates the fastest and most cost-effective route to deliver consumer goods by factoring the following: time windows, vehicle capacity, number of vehicles in the fleet, traffic, number of stops on the route and service time per stop. As a result, fleet teams reduced truck and labor costs, improved fleet utilization and minimized late deliveries.
Best Practices for Courier Route Optimization Software
Evaluate Historical Data
One critical factor when examining route optimization software is the historical data. This dependable component analyzes data from the perspective of the customers, drivers and time of day. Most software should utilize past experiences to plan routes efficiently. Acquiring historical information about the time of day in a particular location can provide average traffic conditions and potential road closures. Customer data showcases detailed preferences like availability, time slots and special instructions upon delivery. This detailed customer information reveals their expertise, skills, preferences in driving locations and time of deliveries. Route optimization software tailored to couriers maximizes the historical data to plan successful routes beneficial to both parties.
Report and Analytics Management
A quality route optimization software should possess a unified dashboard to track your fleet in real time. Fleet managers are able to compare planned routes versus actual routes and view metrics of fuel costs spent and miles driven.
Dynamic and Fast Route Planning
Schedules, traffic, weather conditions and other unforeseen factors can hinder route planning – especially under a tight deadline. A courier route optimization software adjusts routes and handles on-demand orders. For example, if customers change their orders or preferences while your driver is already en route, then your software should immediately adapt and generate new routes.
Refine Order Constraints
Order constraints help organize deliverables into the appropriate vehicles for transport. For example, perishables and electronic goods should not be shipped together in the same vehicle. Similarly, medicines should only be carried in designated vehicles. The route optimization software should allow for order constraints to be incorporated into the system in order to organize routes and delivery assignments.
Offer Real-Time Data
If the software can’t provide real-time data, then there’s no way of ensuring that your routes are accurate and whether your deliveries will arrive at its destination on time. Route optimization softwares should provide real-time traffic and dynamically calculate ETAs to allow fleet managers to offer a new course of action.
Route Optimization Software Comparison
Samsara
Samsara route planning system offers three services. Drivers use the Samsara Driver app to receive their routes and manage their hours of service. Fleet managers use the dashboard to view real-time status and the map of their fleet. Lastly, a plug-and-play hardware unit, installed directly onto the vehicle, displays routes to drivers. Additionally, their CM32 Dual-facing Dash Cam automatically streams recordings of drivers to fleet managers.
Pros:
- Short learning curve
- Great 24/7 support
- Outstanding driver messaging features
Con:
- Contracts are three to five years
Verizon Connect
Verizon Connect is one of the largest telemetric softwares including a full-stack fleet management system. One of its primary features is its smarter route planning, which allows users the ability to adapt to changes in traffic conditions in real-time. Additionally, it automatically plans the best route for each vehicle in advance. Their main selling point is their system’s adaptability to easily edit routes, such as adding new jobs, incorporating multi-stops and using emergency dispatch.
Pros:
- Able to personalize dashboards
- Full-stack telematics system
- Granular functionality for alerts
Con:
- Expensive compared to similar services
Silent Passenger
Silent Passenger is a software that operates dispatching tasks and route planning from one dashboard. Their fleet dashboard tracks granular data, such as last location, vehicle name, current driver, current speed, next destination and engine status. Fleet managers efficiently optimize their routes with the least fuel used and within the shortest distance while having the flexibility to change routes in real time.
Pros:
- Easy to use and comprehensive dashboard
- Dynamic real-time routing
- Offers safety and maintenance features
Con:
- GPS might glitch and display inaccurate locations for periods at a time
Improving Route Optimization with Azuga
The best route optimization software free from long contracts or expensive add-ons is Azuga telematics software. Azuga GPS Fleet Tracking offers real-time dynamic routing for your fleet to adapt to sudden changes in any scenario. Due to the influx of orders, this is particularly ideal for many trades like tow trucks, plumbers, HVAC and pest control. Orders will be automatically added to the Fleet Tracking App in logistical order to expedite delivery, reduce time and mitigate errors.
Fleet managers can supervise their fleet using the live map to view the driver, job, speed, weather information and location. Azuga runs complex algorithms of dispatch technology to assign the right driver and number of vehicles and optimize routes based on your business goals. Additionally, this helps you determine the right number of vehicles required per job, adapt to order constraints and develop routes to reduce fuel consumption costs.
Seventy-four percent of Azuga users noticed less wear and tear on their vehicles and less fuel usage. Eighty-four percent of Azuga customers have reported saving an average of $9,462 per year using Azuga’s fleet tracking system. Explore Azuga for a comprehensive telematics software that manages your fleet's route planning needs to help you save on fuel costs and delivery times.
