Vehicle Type and Capacity

Choosing the right vehicle from a diverse fleet is crucial. Optimization software considers the specific properties of vehicles, such as their type (car, bike, truck, etc.), weight and volume, and particular features (range, speed limit, refrigeration capacity, traffic restrictions in Low Emission Zones, etc).

By optimally assigning vehicles in both time and space, optimization software easily handles the constraints of managing a diverse fleet, precisely meeting the needs of each mission.

Vehicle Property

Optimization software takes into account specific vehicle characteristics for more effective planning. It integrates key elements like access authorization to certain sites (regulated or restricted access zones), the capacity to transport hazardous materials (specific and safe vehicle equipment), and driver qualifications. These aspects ensure tailored routes, compliance with safety standards, and successful completion of missions.

Compartment Management

The ability to efficiently manage vehicle compartmentalization, especially for goods requiring specific transport conditions (fresh vs. dry products, bulk, compartmentalized tankers, clean vs. dirty dishes, etc.), is an advanced feature of optimization software, offering increased flexibility in delivery management.

By integrating such features, you can simultaneously optimize the vehicle loading plan and the routing by making the best use of their compartments, whether removable or fixed. Optimizing the allocation of loads to different compartments with fine management of compartment capacities is a major competitive advantage.

Multi-Mode Management

The multi-mode management feature allows a vehicle to adapt its mode or type during the route according to the needs. For example, a vehicle equipped with a refrigeration system can start its day transporting frozen products, then adjust the temperature for transporting fresh products, and end the day in normal mode (without refrigeration) for non-perishable or dry goods. This adjustment capability offers maximum flexibility to meet diverse transportation requirements within the same route.

Service Time Windows

Managing the availability slots of drivers and vehicles (e.g. considering the vehicle maintenance schedule) is a key aspect of organizing routes. Optimization tools take into account not only delivery windows but also the availability of vehicles and drivers to efficiently plan routes.

They also consider the time needed for vehicle setup and preparation at the beginning and end of the route, as well as at the client’s location. Service times can include, for example, setting up a loading ramp, opening doors, setting up a tail lift, or cleaning the vehicle.

Driving Time Regulations

Compliance with driving time regulations and breaks is essential for driver safety and well-being. The software incorporates these regulatory constraints into the drivers’ routing planning, ensuring respect and smoothing of the workload. You can optimize your Full Truck Load with a weekly schedule while respecting the European Social Regulations (ESR).

Fair Distribution of Hardship

With route optimization technologies, you can ensure a good balance of workload and hardship of missions among your various vehicle and driver resources.

From optimized vehicle assignment to regulatory compliance, through effective capacity and time constraint management, vehicle routing optimization software offers a comprehensive solution for managing the multiple challenges associated with logistics management.

Read our articles on constraints related to pickup/delivery sites and missions for a more complete overview of the issues addressed by these technologies.