Route planning is an essential part of any business owner’s day-to-day operations. However, it can be challenging to keep track of all the stops your drivers need to make and how long it will take them to get there. If you don’t plan your routes properly, this could result in wasted time and money—not to mention unhappy customers! Here are some tips for making sure your business gets where it needs to go as efficiently as possible:
Use the shortest route possible.
While you might be tempted to take the fastest route, it’s important to remember that fuel isn’t cheap. The more kilometres you drive and the more time you spend on the road, the higher your costs will be. If there are two routes that are similar distances, but one is much smoother than the other in terms of traffic or tolls, choose that one!
It’s also smart to avoid rush hour traffic whenever possible.
Plan your route to avoid traffic jams during rush hours.
If you need to get from Point A to Point B, it’s best to avoid rush hour traffic. You can do this by planning your route for the times of day when traffic is likely to be at its lightest. When possible, take a look at the map app or GPS navigation system before setting out so that you can plan your route around any traffic issues (including construction sites).
Don’t forget to include rest breaks.
Drivers should take rest breaks every two hours. Make sure your drivers are taking the right number of breaks and for the correct amount of time, so they can remain alert behind the wheel.
You should also calculate how much fuel you will need on each trip and plan accordingly, so you don’t run out on your way to your destination.
Use the right size vehicle for the job.
- The right vehicle for the job will save you time and money.
- The right vehicle will be more fuel efficient.
- The right vehicle will be easier to manoeuvre – especially in tight spaces, which can cut down on driver fatigue and risk of injury.
- The right vehicle will reduce accidents with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles on the road.
Always factor in realistic travel times.
When you are planning your routes, it is important to include realistic travel times. Don’t assume that you can get there quickly and make it back home in time for dinner with the family. Be sure to take into account:
- The time it will take to get to a destination.
- The time it takes to load and unload your vehicle.
- The time it takes for lunch breaks and unexpected delays like traffic jams or construction work on the road, which may increase travel times significantly compared to normal traffic conditions.
Get to know your drivers’ skills and preferences.
When it comes to planning a route, one of the most important things you can do is get to know your drivers’ skills and preferences. You want to make sure that the vehicle they are driving is comfortable for them as well as safe. This may mean doing some research on their past driving experience with other companies, asking what type of vehicles they prefer to drive, or even talking with other drivers who have driven with them in the past. It’s also important not to overload the vehicle with too much weight because this could cause issues while they are driving down the road.
Finally, be sure that there is enough fuel in the tank so that they don’t have any issues getting where they need to go!
Planning your route can save you time and money, so make it a priority!
Route planning is an important part of any business, regardless of its size. If you’re looking to grow your small business, it might be time to consider investing in route planning software. With this type of software, you can manage all aspects of your delivery routes and ensure that you’re getting the most out of each trip.
The benefits of route planning go beyond just saving time and money on fuel or mileage; it also helps ensure that deliveries are made as quickly as possible so they don’t delay other operations like inventory management or customer service. The right route planning solution will allow you to optimize routes based on factors like distance travelled, traffic patterns and road conditions—all while keeping an eye on costs throughout the process (i.e., fuel costs).
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when planning a route. The good news is that there are plenty of tools available to help make this process easier on you and your business. From the way-finding apps we discussed earlier in this article, to GPS technology that tracks your location and provides directions when you need them—these tools will not only save time but also money in the long run!
Route optimisation improves many aspects of a logistics operation, so it’s a worthwhile investment. Since deliveries will be done faster, both customers and drivers alike. All that matters is finding the right software that works for your company.
If you’re looking for route optimisation software, SolBox has what you need! Our platform has comprehensive tools and features to help your logistics operation have better routes, all for affordable prices. Simply go to our website to request a live demo!
