Optimizing Trucking Routes with Navigation Technologies
Summary: Commercial fleets need specialized tools that optimize routes specifically for large trucks, rather than just depending on traditional GPS map tools. These technologies can save fleets expense in fueling and tolls, while keeping drivers and cargo safe, compliant, and on schedule.
How Can Fleets Optimize Truck Routes Using Technology?
1. Reduce Idle Time by Avoiding Slowdowns and Bottlenecks
Fleets waste roughly 1,500 gallons of fuel per truck annually from idling. This can come in the form of traffic jams, bottlenecks, and construction slowdowns, many of which can be avoided through automated routing. Using data identifying the worst bottlenecks nationwide, state construction notifications, and real-time traffic reports, fleets can route trucks safely to stay on schedule and keep wheels moving. Meeting delivery windows can also help reduce the amount of idle time wasted in customer yards.
2. Choose Truck-Friendly Roads
Not every road is appropriate for large trucks, and regular GPS routing tools that aren’t designed specifically for trucking restrictions may be missing important considerations. Things like low clearance bridges or tunnels, weight-restricted bridges, missing or narrow shoulders, and overly narrow lanes can put trucks and drivers in dangerous situations. Sharp or blind curves, or steep inclines and declines can also make a road inappropriate for a trucking. Truck routing tools can automatically create routes that take these limitations into consideration to keep trucks safe and avoid backtracking or becoming stranded.
3. Plan Strategic Fuel Stops
Many fleets chose to enter contracts with specific fuel companies or stations to utilize corporate cards and better control fuel costs. Routing tools can help ensure trucks arrive at the preferred fueling stop at the right time along their route. Digital fuel management tools can also track nearby available fuel prices in real time so drivers can get the best prices along their route. In a tight market, every cent and dollar saved in fuel costs can add up to long-term savings.
4. Respond to Extreme Weather and Other Emergencies
Automated, data-based routing and improved communication between the back office and the driver cab can keep drivers and cargo safer in the case of extreme weather or emergencies. Routing technologies can use predictive weather data to create intelligent recommendations for upcoming extreme weather that may impact roads and infrastructure. Dispatchers can more effectively communicate in emergency situations with drivers with message prioritization, heads-up message reading, and real-time alerts.
5. Manage Tolling and Bypass
Fleets pay approximately $4.2 billion in tolls annually. Routing tools can help avoid routes with excessive tolls, as well as better manage tolls that cannot be avoided. Toll management tools can help catch improperly billed tolls and mistakes. Additionally, tools that enable weigh station bypass can save trucks time and keep them on schedule, identifying routes that leverage bypass opportunities where safe and compliant trucks can legally skip inspection stations.
6. Utilize Historic Data Insights
Telematics technology allows managers to identify more route optimization opportunities by offering deeper insight into route history and fleet performance over time. Managers can view trip metrics, analyze mileage, and monitor average speeds to continuously refine the fleet’s performance and reduce fuel waste. They can also compare planned vs. actual routes to continuously improve routes over time.
7. Maintain Compliance with HOS tools
Many of FMCSA’s top HOS violations concern drivers exceeding their driving hours or missing a required rest break. This can happen for many reasons, but a route that properly incorporates a required rest stop in a safe area can help a driver stay compliant and avoid costly fines and out of service orders. Additionally, routing technologies can provide proactive HOS and traffic notifications so drivers know what’s ahead and can prepare for the day safely.
Why is it important for fleets to optimize routes?
The main reason fleets should focus on optimizing their routes is to help keep their drivers safer and on schedule as much as possible. This results in happier drivers who want to stay longer with the fleet, satisfied customers who receive their deliveries on time, improved company reputation that attracts repeat business, and less fleet budget spent on HOS violation fees, employee turnover, lost revenue, and excessive fuel costs from idling or high prices.
How Platform Science Helps with Truck Routing
Platform Science is an all-in-one fleet management platform that brings together ELD fleet management, integrated driver apps, and insightful back-office tools to help drivers and fleets thrive. One of our flagship products, PS Navigation, delivers a navigation system for trucks that provides turn-by-turn directions, truck-safe routing, and real-time insights—helping drivers stay compliant, confident, and on time.
With PS Navigation, drivers get clear, turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and weather alerts, all designed for large-vehicle navigation. Add preferred stops like fuel stations, customer yards, or loading docks directly into your route plan. PS Navigation adapts to your fleet’s daily operations. Managers can view trip metrics, analyze mileage, and monitor average speeds to continuously refine your fleet’s performance and reduce wasted time.
Explore Platform Science’s full suite of product offerings now or schedule a demo today.
