Fleet Management: Choosing the Best Route
Selecting the most appropriate route to get from one location to another location, otherwise known as route optimization, can increase the overall efficiency of a vehicle fleet and improve customer service. Through route optimization, UPS has saved 100 million miles since 2003, reducing its overall energy consumption and extending the life of its vehicles.
RATIONALE
Organizations can use technology to minimize the amount of wasted energy and effort used to operate their fleets. For example, organizations can select routes that minimize idle time waiting for lights and turns, reducing fuel use even though the number of miles driven may be the same. Organizations can keep more vehicles off the road by analyzing how routes can be better consolidated. Selecting the most appropriate route can also reduce the time and mileage driven to reach destinations.
EFFORT REQUIRED
An organization can easily implement route optimization through basic analysis. Additional effort may be required if organizations want to use more sophisticated software and/or consultants for route optimization.
BENEFITS
The benefits of route optimization include:
- Reduced energy consumption
- Extended vehicle life through reduced wear and tear
- Reduced driver effort
RISKS
Without follow-through and training, the skills needed to implement this program and the benefits of implementing the program may be lost over time. When first implementing route optimization, drivers may miss stops, creating additional effort.
ACTION AGENTS
In-house or outsourced fleet management department
COSTS
The costs of analysis, software, training and staff time are moderate.
The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
