The supply chain is predicated on meeting a series of deadlines and one miscalculation can have an exponential effect. Semi truck drivers constantly face time-related pressure to meet delivery deadlines, which can affect their physical and mental health. This pressure can then lead to road fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents.

Effective route optimization software can help mitigate the risks associated with tight delivery turnaround times.

The dangers and challenges of trucking with time constraints

When drivers rush to a destination, they may engage in hazardous behavior that jeopardizes their’s or the public’s safety—and your company's reputation.

Some dangers associated with a driver feeling like they’re “racing against time” in trucking include: 

1.     Hazardous driving: To meet tight deadlines, drivers may speed, drive recklessly, or overtake other vehicles, all of which are dangerous behaviors.

2.     Driver fatigue: The pressure to deliver on time may tempt drivers to skip breaks. This increases the likelihood of dangerous road behavior, especially during long trips or at night, since fatigue leads to decreased alertness and increased drowsiness, putting the driver and other road users at risk.

3.     Compromised truck inspections: Rushed drivers may neglect proper inspections at stops and destinations. If overlooked, problems with critical components could impact safety or call for more extensive maintenance and repairs later on.

How route optimization can help

MileMaker uses route optimization to help drivers reach their destinations on time and with reduced pressure. You can set customizable points of interest(POIs), destinations, and midpoints to help ensure timely arrivals. Additionally, the software can account for obstacles like tolls, highways, U-turns, ferries, unpaved roads, border crossings, and tunnels that drivers should avoid to further optimize routes.

Some of the top benefits of route optimization include:

1.     Saving recurrent trips: Save regular destinations and create routing templates for recurrent trips, helping drivers become familiar with typical routes. This may help them navigate trips confidently, reducing the feeling of facing a time crunch.

2.     Comparing multiple routes: View multiple routes simultaneously to determine the best course of action ahead of time, saving time when on the road and alleviating pressure.

3.     Promoting more accurate estimates: Our software features traffic-enabled routing and provides real-time speed limit updates to improve the accuracy of estimated times of arrival (ETAs). Having a reliable ETA helps drivers plan their trips in advance, minimizing stress.

4.     Setting maximum speed governors: To prevent speeding, the software provides live limit updates and in-app alerts reminding drivers to proceed cautiously. You can also set maximum speed governors for reporting, highlighting areas of concern, and preventing repeat offenses.

Book a demo of our route-optimization software today

With route optimization software, you can better plan upcoming trips and help reduce the time constraints that your  drivers feel  for safer, more efficient deliveries.

Book a demo to explore the benefits of MileMaker software today.

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