14 Ways Route Optimisation Helps Linehaul Freight Transport

Linehaul freight transport refers to the movement of goods over long distances, typically by truck or rail. Inefficient routing can lead to higher costs, longer delivery times, and increased carbon emissions. Here are fourteen ways to improve linehaul freight transport through route optimisation.

1. Use Transportation Management System (TMS)

Collaborate with other shippers: Sharing a truck or railcar with other companies can help you reduce costs and improve efficiency. This is known as intermodal transportation, where different modes of transport are combined to move goods from one location to another.

A TMS is a software platform that helps companies plan, execute, and optimize their shipping operations. It can help you identify the most efficient routes, schedule pickups and deliveries, and track shipments in real-time.

2. Utilize Data Analytics

By analyzing data on shipping patterns, traffic flow, and weather conditions, you can identify opportunities to optimize routes and reduce transit times. This could involve choosing the best time of day to ship, or selecting alternative routes that avoid congestion.

3. Consider The Type of Cargo

Different types of cargo have different routing needs. For example, perishable goods may require refrigerated transport and faster delivery times, while less time-sensitive cargo may be able to take a longer route with multiple stops.

4. Optimize Loading and Unloading Times

Long turnaround times at loading and unloading points can add unnecessary time and costs to the transportation process. By streamlining these processes and minimizing delays, you can improve the efficiency of your linehaul operations.

5. Take Advantage of Modal Shift Opportunities

Modal shift refers to the transfer of cargo from one mode of transport to another. For example, moving goods from truck to rail or from sea to land. Modal shift can help you reduce costs, improve reliability, and reduce carbon emissions.

6. Use alternative fuel sources

Traditional fossil fuels are a major contributor to carbon emissions in the transportation industry. By switching to alternative fuels, such as electric or biofuels, you can reduce your carbon footprint and improve the sustainability of your linehaul operations.

7. Invest in Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Modern trucks and railcars are becoming increasingly fuel-efficient, thanks to advances in technology and materials. By investing in newer, more efficient vehicles, you can reduce your fuel costs and improve your environmental performance.

8. Implement Telematics

Telematics is the use of technology to monitor and track the performance and location of vehicles. By using telematics, you can identify opportunities to optimize routes and improve fuel efficiency, as well as reduce maintenance costs and improve safety.

9. Partner with Logistics Providers

Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) can help you manage your linehaul operations and optimize routes through their extensive networks and expertise. By partnering with a 3PL, you can access a range of services and technologies that can help you improve the efficiency and sustainability of your linehaul transport.

10. Utilize Backhaul Opportunities

Backhaul refers to the return trip of a vehicle after it has completed its original delivery. By maximizing backhaul opportunities, you can reduce empty miles and increase the efficiency of your linehaul operations.

11. Optimise Loading and Unloading

Careful planning of loading and unloading can help reduce turnaround times and improve efficiency. For example, you could use a loading dock to more efficiently load and unload trailers, or use loading techniques such as cross-docking to minimize the amount of time goods spend in transit.

12. Use Real-Time Tracking

By using real-time tracking, you can monitor the location and status of your vehicles in real-time. This allows you to make adjustments to routes as needed and can help you identify bottlenecks and other inefficiencies in your linehaul operations.

13. Collaborate with Other Businesses

By partnering with other businesses, you can share resources and reduce the overall number of vehicles on the road. For example, you could coordinate shipments with other businesses in your industry to fill up a trailer and reduce empty miles.

14. Encourage Driver Training and Development

Your drivers are a key component of your linehaul operations, and investing in their training and development can help improve efficiency. This could include training on fuel-efficient driving techniques, safe driving practices, and route planning.

Conclusion

There are many ways to improve linehaul freight transport through route optimization. By implementing a TMS, collaborating with other shippers, utilizing data analytics, and considering the type of cargo, you can optimize routes and reduce transit times. Modal shift, alternative fuel sources, fuel-efficient vehicles, telematics, and partnerships with logistics providers are all additional strategies that can help you improve the efficiency and sustainability of your linehaul operations.