How to Master Route Planning for Truck Drivers?

What is route planning?

To keep it simple, route planning is the science of determining the best route to take from one destination to another. This practice is essential as it helps drivers determine which route is the most cost-effective and least stressful. This technique also considers how other factors like fuel or rest-stops come into play.

Why is route planning important?

Route planning is important as it benefits profits and business growth. For perspective, companies that specialize in logistics, deliveries, or field systems are some of the businesses that depend on and benefit from route-planning.

In recent trends, more businesses have transitioned from “brick and mortar” to “direct to consumer” business models. With this being the case, delivery and trucking services have increased exponentially. To complement demands, route planning has proven to be necessary.

The consequences of not planning

If one doesn’t route-plan beforehand, it can lead to dire consequences. For instance, no proper planning compels one to either run out of fuel or over-fuel before scaling. Running out of fuel can leave a driver stranded in the middle of the road, whereas over-fueling can overweight one's truck, which slows down one’s schedule.

Likewise, poor planning also neglects other important necessities such as identifying restaurants or truck stops, rest stops, or repair shops. Route planning is essential if one hopes to drive safely, on time, and with comfort.

How do truck drivers plan their route?

Before, truck drivers planned around their abilities. They relied on maps or the old-school pen and paper to plan their journeys. They also ate and rested whenever they felt hungry or tired. However, times have changed and many of these techniques have become outdated and proven to be inefficient.

Nowadays smart truck drivers consider these three important tips: the route, the stops, and time optimization.

Check your route

When planning for the road, consider the total distance of your trip. When considering traffic, rest stops, weather, and potential border crossing, drivers are advised to drive about 38mph.

Moreover, having to check your route also means having to know what to expect. Make sure to listen to the weather reports and plan accordingly. Also, if you know you’ll be driving in remote areas, it is imperative to carry extra supplies, food, and clothing in the event of an emergency.

Make room for stops

Other variables such as weather, traffic, etc. can make for an exhausting journey. Making room for stops can help balance the exhaustion. When choosing a proper stop, make sure to choose areas by essential services such as repair or tire shops; this can prove beneficial in case of an emergency.

Pro tip: plan each fuel stop depending on where gas prices are at their lowest. For example, different states can differ in gas prices by as much as .10 per gallon. When needing to refuel your truck, plan your stops around areas where gas is the cheapest.

For the hungry driver, if you’re disinterested in eating at a restaurant, plan your eating stops around grocery stores and buy groceries.

Optimize your route

Today, most companies rely on route planning software. Unlike its predecessors, route planning software has proven to be more efficient as it specializes in collecting and compiling data to improve its services. The way these software works is it owns an algorithm that not only curates a path for each driver but also improves one’s journey by minimizing the waiting times between each destination.

Nonetheless, despite the benefits software provides, drivers are still advised to mitigate scheduling into their own hands. The least a driver would like would be to drive under pressure. Expect the unexpected and try to arrive ahead of schedule. When truck drivers find themselves at a time crunch, they must know their limits and make realistic decisions. In other words, truck drivers should not speed, make hasty shortcuts, or risk other violations for the sake of safety and out of respect for the road.

Successful drivers are often those who take the time to plan ahead of their journeys. Dispatchers and trucking companies likewise appreciate truck drivers who follow these tips and insights. Efficiency does not only reflect itself on a driver’s expenses or their record, but also in their safety, confidence, and comfort while on the road.