EXPERT OPINIONS
Route optimisation in waste transport - the key to efficiency and savings
Transport documentation and waste transport expert
Pawel Kosinski
"Not every haulier is a good partner - that's why it pays to know who to work with" - Paul understands perfectly how important it is to find reliable suppliers and hauliers who not only meet the legal requirements, but also care about the quality of service and punctuality.
With increasing amounts of waste and tightening environmental standards, efficient waste transport is becoming a priority for companies operating in the industry. Increasingly stringent waste management regulations are in force in Poland and the EU. This requires transport companies to adapt to the regulations, but also to implement solutions that minimise the negative impact of transport on the environment.
Optimising freight routes not only helps to reduce operating costs, but also increases the efficiency of the entire supply chain. Modern GPS systems, telematics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics allow for intelligent route planning, reduction of empty mileage and reduced fuel costs. Companies that implement these solutions not only increase their competitiveness, but also adapt to green market requirements.
Challenges in waste transport
Waste transport involves a number of logistical and legal challenges. Companies have to comply with strict regulations regarding the transport of different types of waste, which requires careful planning and adaptation of routes to meet specific guidelines. Administrative requirements, such as the need to hold the relevant permits or reporting a shipment in systems such as BDO, can significantly lengthen the transport organisation process.
In addition, fluctuating road conditions and operating costs such as fuel and toll charges affect the profitability of the business. The unpredictability of routes, traffic jams, tonnage restrictions or low-emission zones make it necessary for hauliers to dynamically adjust their plans. Without the right tools and technology, managing these factors can be inefficient, leading to unnecessary financial losses.
Route optimisation in waste transport - available methods
Today's technologies offer a range of solutions to support route optimisation in waste transport. GPS systems and telematics allow vehicles to be monitored in real time and routes to be dynamically adapted to current road conditions. Modern fleet management systems make it possible to analyse traffic, identify alternative routes and reduce empty runs. This leads to increased operational efficiency.
The second key method is to use artificial intelligence algorithms and Big Data analysis to plan routes. These systems analyse historical data, predict traffic volumes and adjust collection schedules to take into account changing conditions. Intelligent algorithms can also minimise the number of stops and reduce journey times, which directly translates into cost reductions and reduced emissions.
Route optimisation in waste transport - benefits
The implementation of advanced route optimisation tools brings tangible benefits. Reducing operating costs, such as fuel consumption and tolls, directly translates into increased company profits. Transport companies that effectively manage their routes can also better plan vehicle utilisation, avoiding unnecessary kilometres and improving the profitability of their services.
In addition, reduced transport times and better planning of waste collection schedules increase customer satisfaction and improve the company's image. The optimisation of routes also makes it possible to reduce CO₂ emissions, which is in line with increasing environmental requirements. Hauliers adapting to environmentally friendly regulations can gain additional benefits, e.g. in the form of preferential conditions for cooperation with business partners.
Examples of implemented solutions
One of the modern tools supporting the optimisation of waste transport is the Freight Automation by HOGS. This is an advanced system for hauliers, automating road transport processes. It enables you to save time, process data faster and increase profits. It makes it easy to analyse and match transport offers, price loads and select the most cost-effective proposals for your vehicles.
Paweł Koszyński, expert in transport optimisation, highlights the effectiveness of this solution
When we investigated in an initial phase with the transport exchange Timo Com the effects of implementing Freight Automation by Hogs in haulage companies and freight forwarders, we noted an increase in net profit from 3.5 even to 9%. It turned out that shippers were able to find so-called BLIND SPOTS more easily - places they would not normally look for transport options because they had previously chosen too small a radius from the vehicle's berth. Thanks to the profit sorting function, they were able to find SONDERFAHRT freights - i.e. those where, for example, the customer had just lost a contracted carrier and could pay much more to anyone who would undertake to deliver the goods on time to the customer. In this way, the wolf and the sheep were both well catered for - the freight forwarder and its haulier could count on a profit, while the customer had an uninterrupted supply chain and did not have to pay a contractual penalty for late delivery or risk losing the contract.
Summary and recommendations
The optimisation of routes in waste transportation is an indispensable part of modern logistics management in the waste industry. The use of advanced systems, such as Freight Automation by HOGS, allows key processes to be automated, reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency.
Transport companies that implement intelligent route management gain a competitive advantage, improve their profitability and minimise their environmental impact. Investing in cutting-edge technology is no longer an option - it is becoming a necessity to meet increasing regulatory and market demands.