Picture this: You have a logistics company and your deliveries are all planned around your experience of highways and byways.
But your fleet manager notices in the last few months deliveries are delayed. Customers are also complaining about your drivers not being on time.
There is a solution to your logistics problem – you need a route planning app for deliveries. Let’s explain why you need this technology, so you can keep customer satisfaction at a high.
1. Optimized routes for faster deliveries
Fortune Business Insights reports with the rising popularity of the online e-commerce platforms, individuals are now going for online shopping options which provide hassle free and home door delivery of goods.
Imagine being able to cut down on delivery times without asking your drivers to speed. A route planning app does exactly that by analyzing traffic data, road conditions, and delivery locations to find the best routes.
This means less time spent on the road and more deliveries completed each day.
Here’s a scenario: Your delivery driver always uses a route he knows well, but the traffic gets him every time. Your fleet manager also notices the team is not making enough deliveries in a day.
Companies like Locate2u have a solution to make deliveries easier. Once you get the technology, you notice drivers are on time and customers are raving about the quick turnaround.
2. Cost savings on fuel for deliveries
Fuel costs can eat into your company’s expenses, but a good route planning app can help you alleviate this problem .
By avoiding traffic jams, road closures, and unnecessary detours, your delivery fleet uses less fuel. Your business can save big over time, especially if you have a large fleet.
3. Improved customer satisfaction
Customers want quick and reliable delivery services. With optimized routes, you can ensure items are delivered on time, which leads to happier customers.
Delivering products directly to the customer’s door adds to the convenience and satisfaction. Many route planning apps like Locate2u’s also provide real-time updates, so your customers can track their orders and know exactly when to expect their deliveries.
With a route planning app, you can help customers not feel anxious about an item’s arrival.
Picture this: You are a delivery company, and a mom has a last-minute order for her son’s birthday party.
When the delivery of grocery items is dispatched, the customer can follow its path. Your company also scores some big points in loyalty here, and the customer will keep calling on you to deliver essentials, thanks to your great service.
4. Enhanced driver productivity
Your company’s drivers are frustrated because they are forever staring at bumper-to-bumper traffic, taking the longest routes, and not actually delivering items in the correct order.
Your drivers will thank you for the route optimization software. They spend hours on the road getting valuable products to customers.
Tell your drivers to throw away the Excel spreadsheets and outdated town maps, it’s time to start using route optimization software.
A router planning app not only helps in retaining good drivers but also boosts overall morale within your team.+
5. Reduced environmental impact
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the logistics industry. By reducing the distance traveled and the time vehicles spend idling, a route planning app helps lower your carbon footprint.
This not only benefits the environment but also improves your company’s image as an eco-friendly business.
Customers are climbing on the sustainability train. Supply chain management company Blue Yonder found in its sustainability survey that 78% of respondents say sustainability is a determining factor when choosing to purchase a product or shop at a particular retailer.
6. Data-driven decision making
A route planning app collects data on delivery times, fuel usage, and driver performance. Analyzing this data can provide valuable insights into your operations, helping you manage deliveries more effectively and make informed decisions to enhance efficiency.
Imagine one of your drivers is not making a certain delivery quota per week. You will be able to use this technology to pinpoint the problem and put your employee back in the driving seat.
Additionally, our support team is available to resolve any delivery issues that cannot be solved by the drivers, ensuring customer success and satisfaction.
(Source: Grand View Research)
7. Flexibility and scalability
One of the important features of a route planning app is its ability to provide an efficient delivery service and grow alongside your business.
As your company grows, so too do your logistical challenges. Whether you’re a startup with a handful of delivery vehicles or a leading logistics company managing a nationwide fleet, a route-planning app can effortlessly scale to meet your needs.
Additionally, customers benefit from flexible payment options, as they do not have to pay until confirming the first delivery.
Let’s dive deeper into how this technology can help your business get this right.
Seamless integration with growing fleets
When adding more vehicles to your fleet, managing routes can be challenging. A route planning app takes the headache out of this process by automatically adjusting and optimizing routes for any number of vehicles.
This means you can continue to provide efficient delivery services without a hassle, even as your fleet expands.
Adapting to new delivery service areas
Expanding into new delivery areas can be daunting. It is crucial to inform customers about the importance of collecting parcels within specified time limits when expanding into new delivery areas.
You must account for unfamiliar traffic patterns, road conditions, and regional delivery preferences.
A route planning app can simplify this transition to new business areas by providing real-time data and insights specific to the new areas.
This allows you to maintain high service standards and ensure timely deliveries, no matter where your drivers operate.
Handling fluctuating demand with track
The delivery business often experiences peak in demand, whether due to seasonal trends, promotional campaigns, or unexpected surges.
A route planning app offers the flexibility to adjust routes and schedules quickly, ensuring you can handle increased demand without compromising efficiency.
The app can also help you consolidate routes during slower periods to reduce operational costs.
Customizable to your needs
Every business has unique requirements, and a good route-planning app offers customizable features to meet those needs.
Whether setting delivery priorities, incorporating specific customer preferences, or integrating with your existing systems, the app can be tailored to fit seamlessly into your company’s workflow.
This customization ensures that your route planning capabilities remain aligned with your business’s goals as your business changes.
Future-proofing your operations
Technology constantly advances, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for long-term success. A route planning app that regularly updates with new features and improvements ensures that your operations remain cutting-edge.
This future-proofing aspect allows you to take advantage of the latest advancements in logistics technology, keeping your business competitive in a rapidly changing market.
(Source: Grand View Research)
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
