Route Optimization & Fleet Management Best Practices

Route optimization and fleet management have changed. To be successful at the job it is no longer about just delivering goods. It is about deliverying goods, in the shortest time, at the lowest cost, with the best service quality.  Those in the industry are turning to fleet management systems, in order to acheive the goal of keeping the client happy, and standing out from the competition.

Here are 7 route optimization and fleet management best practices:

Route Optimization 

By automating the optimization of transport routes, incorrect deliveries do not happen, nor arrivals outside the agreed time window. Once the required data is submitted into the route optimizer, the system delivers the shortest route for each necessary vehicle and also provides the delivery sequence for it, making the process of loading the trucks easier.

Using Technology in your Fleet Tracking Solutions

The ability to proactively identify service disruptions is critical. Ask yourself, do you have the technology needed for effective fleet management allowing for the ease of planning, monitoring, and communicating? Additionally having a robust process and authority to act when deliveries do not go as planned, is important to effectively manage distressed clients.

Data analysis for continuous improvement

Continuous improvement is part of an effective fleet management. Often improvements can be made through the increased use of technology and integrated systems, providing reports with the data collected. The ability to analyze and use this data for decision-making will be crucial to differentiate you from your competitors.

Logistics Metrics are important

Defining the correct parameters for monitoring the efficiency of your fleet is key. With these metrics, on a daily basis you can generate multiple reports. Finding those key elements will make a difference. Remember the phrase "If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it"

Scalable Business Operations Across all Departments

As your company expands so will your strategy. Do you have the technology needed to meet the increased demand and complexity? Having a scalable solution is critical to meeting today’s rapidly changing business environment. Integrating all your separate supply chain systems together will allow you to manage your business through a single lens.

Improving the relationship with the Fleet Operator

When selecting a fleet operator it is important to note that all parties are needed. Empowering people to make decisions and holding them accountable for the outcome is a foundational aspect for any program. It is important to understand the business environment, understand the customer and align resources properly with the operation. This will help to achieve better results.

A strategic approach to fleet management requires structural changes in your company

Does your company embrace or challenge change? Having the mindset to accept changes is critical for a company to deliver value. Committing to a software or a fleet operator and being able to accept the changes they seek to carry out the results needed is critical for success. 

I hope you found this information helpful. I would love to hear your experiences with your fleet management. What strategy have you been using? Let me know by leaving a comment below.