The Power of HGV Route Planning with Descartes Software
Navigating heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) through intricate road networks requires meticulous planning.
Discover the benefits of Descartes' HGV route planning software in optimising fleet operations and enhancing overall efficiency and safety.
What is HGV Route Planning?
HGV route planning involves the strategic mapping of optimal paths for heavy vehicles, considering various factors such as vehicle size, weight, and road restrictions (low bridges etc). Its primary goal is to ensure goods are transported:
- Safely
- Cost-effectively
- Delivered on time
The Core Benefits of HGV Route Planning
Reducing Fuel Consumption and Managing Costs
By identifying the most fuel-efficient and safe routes, HGV route planning helps minimise fuel consumption, subsequently reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Minimising Wear and Tear through Optimal Routing
Efficient route planning minimises unnecessary detours and congested roads to reduce wear and tear on vehicles and prolong their lifespan.
Managing Traffic Proactively to Save Time
Using the latest map data and up-to-date traffic flow information enables the best route optimisation solutions to plan the most efficient routes.
Adapting to Road Restrictions and Conditions
HGV route planning software accounts for road restrictions, such as weight limits and height clearance, ensuring compliance and preventing expensive fines and unnecessary delays.
Ensuring Driver Safety and Compliance
By prioritising safe routes and adhering to regulatory guidelines, HGV route planning and scheduling enhances driver safety and ensures regulatory compliance.
Route Planner Success
“The Descartes Reservations™ and Descartes Route Planner™ solutions were integral to our strategy of offering more extensive, but unified , delivery services. The advanced optimisation capabilities and architecture of the Descartes solutions were critical to bringing new delivery service options to our customers in an economically feasible way. ”
Andrew Gay - Systems Manager
Fulfilment costs reduced £1.8m
Increased delivery capacity 35%
Delivery windows provided at POS
“Working with Descartes, we’ve replaced manual, spreadsheet-based processes with automated route planning to optimise the volume of tiles being delivered at any given time, as well as the routes our vehicles are travelling. Descartes’ strategic route modelling capabilities are also enabling us to model delivery scenarios and make more informed strategic decisions, which would have been nearly impossible with traditional resource-intensive analytical methods.”
Simon Macdonald, National Transport Manager
Avg distance driven/delivery reduced 2%
Manual processes Replaced
Nationwide stores 300+
“We were impressed by the investment and support that Descartes put into this product and the roadmap. This technology has allowed us to be agile, forward-thinking and work optimally with our fleet with benefits on costs, sales and satisfaction across the business and with our customers. ”
Edward Corbett - Head of Programme
Delivery capacity increased 25%
OTIF deliveries increased 15%
Fleet size 500+
“Descartes ePOD solution has unlocked considerable benefits for both our business and our customers. We have seen the number of requests for PoD decline dramatically and have received increasingly positive feedback from our customers.”
Peter Russell, IT Director, Carpet & Flooring
Customer POD requests reduced 80%
Successful 1st Time Deliveries Increased
Operations costs Reduced
“After extensive research, we partnered with Descartes to help transform our distribution management practices because it proved to be a real benchmark in the market. Their tools are very effective. The routing solution has been a resounding success resulting in lower costs and greater customer satisfaction, while the appointment booking capability is in great demand from our customers and their consumers. ”
Nicolas Tellier - Chairman
Operational costs reduced 5%
Customer Net Promoter Score (NPS) Increased
Fleet size 250+
Select the Right HGV Route Planner for Your Fleet
Customise Options for Specific Fleet Needs
The ability to tailor route planning options to meet the unique requirements of your fleet, including vehicle specifications, delivery schedules, and geographical constraints, is vital to ensure optimal deliveries.
Match Software Capabilities with Fleet Requirements
You should evaluate route planning software based on its compatibility with your fleet's size, operational scope, and specific needs.
Assess User Interface and Features for Driver Ease
When choosing a solution think about prioritise user-friendly interfaces and intuitive features that facilitate ease of use to minimise driver training requirements.
Review Support and Training Offerings for Smooth Operations
Opt for route planning solution providers that offer comprehensive support services and training programmes to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing optimisation.
Why is HGV Route Planning Important?
The Impact on Fleet Productivity
Efficient HGV route planning directly correlates with increased fleet productivity, enabling more deliveries within shorter timeframes.
This translates to heightened efficiency, improved resource utilisation, and greater overall productivity across fleet operations.
Advantages over Traditional Navigation Tools
Unlike conventional GPS navigation systems, dedicated HGV route planning software considers vehicle-specific requirements, resulting in more accurate and reliable routing.
This meticulous approach ensures more precise navigation, minimising the risk of encountering obstacles or impassable routes that could disrupt delivery schedules. By leveraging technology tailored to the demands of heavy goods transportation, organisations can optimise the performance of their fleets on the road.
Contact an industry expert today.
