3 ways to overcome roadblocks in logistic route planning
Logistic routes are a critical element in the success of any organization. Logistic routes not only ensure efficient operations, but also serve as a way to reduce costs and manage budgets. However, there are many potential obstacles on the way to creating an effective logistic route plan.
Logistics in a business is a complicated subject. Everything from hiring drivers to finding the right tools for the job can be difficult. However, there are some ways that you can make your life easier when it comes to logistics.
This article will teach you how to overcome these roadblocks so that your logistics route is efficient, cost-effective, and on time.
Logistics Challenges Facing Trucking Companies Today
Logistic companies are facing some significant challenges in the form of fuel cost, employee retention, and aging fleets. Technology has both helped and exacerbated some of these problems - for example, the future possibility of autonomous vehicles leaves many trucking companies concerned about potential challenges in hiring, training, and retaining employees.
However, this does not mean that we need to forgo technology entirely. Instead, you need to find a balance that works for your specific company, and addresses the most pertinent issues facing logistic route planning.
For example, trucking companies are unable to depend on publicly available GPS maps, because Waze and Google Maps are unable to perfectly coordinate multi-stop routes. In that scenario, route planners with unlimited stops and a solid understanding of your current challenges can be key.
Let's take an objective look at the three major challenges facing trucking companies - maintenance, personnel, and fuel - and what you can do about them.
Fleet Maintenance: Invest in Digital Diagnosis Tools
Dealing with broken trucks can be a frustrating and time-consuming challenge for any company, but it can be even more of a challenge for trucking companies. As fleets age, maintenance costs increase, and this can lead to unreliable service and lengthy delays.
A reliable maintenance process is crucial to a successful trucking company. Without regular maintenance, it is much more difficult to hold employees accountable, track trends, and get ahead of future problems. However, the reality is that most trucking companies simply do not have the right tools in place to conduct a routine maintenance program, or the necessary expertise to troubleshoot issues once they occur.
You also need to consider human resource challenges in the maintenance process. Employee retention is an issue for all companies, but trucking companies face an additional challenge when it comes to recruiting and retaining skilled mechanics.
At the same time, robotics and digital diagnostics tools are making it easier for technicians to perform maintenance, as well as making it possible to monitor the equipment more closely than ever before. Some of the most advanced diagnostics tools in the trucking industry can be used to check air pressure, oil quality, and other essential systems without ever leaving the cab of your vehicle.
Fuel Cost Reduction: Use Route Planning Software
One of the most significant challenges facing trucking companies today is fuel costs, and planning routes with fuel efficiency in mind can be a major headache.
Multi-stop route planning requires careful coordination of routes and modes of transport, and route planning software can help you determine optimal loading locations, potential stops, and optimal travel times for your routes.
However, you also need to be able to adjust routes on the fly, such as when roads are under construction, or traffic is extremely heavy. That's where real-time routing and scheduling comes in. By being able to change a route or the arrival time of your vehicle, you can take advantage of fuel-saving strategies and avoid unnecessary delays.
Helping Drivers Adapt to Newer Technologies
An additional challenge facing trucking companies is that it can be difficult to retain or attract employees when they are presented with technology that is changing at a rapid pace.
Of course, the reality is that drivers have always had to change quickly to new technology - that's how they keep up with their customer demand. But with driverless trucks and the increasing introduction of semi-autonomous systems, it is more important than ever to invest in driver training programs.
For example, veteran truckers may have difficulty switching from manual logging to electronic, and the much stricter observation of trucking regulations.
Coaching your drivers on new technologies is vital for protecting your workforce. Investing in training programs that help drivers adapt to new technology will help them maintain the skills and knowledge they need to effectively operate the machinery in your fleet.
