Six areas to increase delivery fleet efficiency

Delivery speed is a top deciding factor for customers when making purchases. Research shows 40% of American consumers want their delivery to take only a couple of days, and 27% want to receive it either the same day or the day after.

While many companies don't have the resources to offer same-day delivery, enhancing individual driver efficiency can increase overall productivity - including delivery speed. Improve delivery fleet efficiency in the following six areas to sharpen your competitive edge in the product transportation field.   

Six ways to improve delivery fleet efficiency 

Optimizing within these six areas of operations can streamline your entire business, including your delivery fleet.

1. Training

Drivers can’t be efficient if they don’t understand how to operate their vehicles or manage minor mechanical issues they experience on the road. Thorough fleet driver training will enhance the performance of new and experienced drivers alike. Consistent training will hone drivers’ skills, which can accelerate their work speed.

Using a delivery driving simulator, such as DeliverySim, provides in-depth training without being behind the wheel. A simulator reduces risk because there is no chance of damage occurring during simulator training. Additionally, you’ll be able to use your vehicles for their intended purpose rather than training. 

2. Optimize routes

Routes play a crucial role in how efficient a driver will be while delivering goods throughout the day. Creating an optimized route will get more packages delivered and increase customer satisfaction. 

A route can be optimized when these five factors are considered before finalizing a driving schedule:

• Traffic
• Vehicle capacity
• Driver availability
• Delivery locations
• High traffic times

Examining these factors ahead of time creates more efficient, but accomplishable, driver delivery schedules. There are many different platforms that help with route optimization.

3. Organize order priority 

If you deliver packages with different priorities, it must be communicated to your drivers at the start of their shift. A surprise priority order could throw off an entire day’s delivery. 

Organize different priority orders by:

• Expected delivery date
• Expected delivery time
• Order of packages processed (also known as First In, First Out [FIFO])
• Time-sensitive contents

4. Performance evaluations

A crucial job of delivery fleet management is assessing drivers’ work. Drivers can’t improve if they don’t know where their performance is lacking.

Use these metrics to measure drivers:

• Fuel consumption
• Health and safety
• Cost per trip
• Idle time
• Average dwell time for each location

Don’t turn these evaluations into harsh criticisms - instead, point out the individual strengths and weaknesses of each driver. Share where they’re doing well and thank them for their hard work - everyone enjoys getting appreciated for their effort. 

When discussing weaknesses, offer suggestions to help them improve. This could be advice, additional training, or a method you and your employee work on together. 

5. Communicate with drivers

Speaking of working with drivers, the best way to increase productivity is to talk to them. They’re the ones going out on the road every day and could have ideas to improve different processes but might be hesitant to speak up. 

For example, drivers can tell you about traffic times that aren’t being reported so you know to adjust schedules accordingly. 

6. Remember to schedule breaks 

Scheduling breaks is easy to forget about when employees aren't right in front of you. When drivers’ schedules don’t have a built-in break, unrealistic quotas are created. Always add a lunch break when making schedules, so everyone remains happy and efficient. Breaks can also reduce stress on drivers when unexpected obstacles arise, allowing wiggle room in the schedule.

Improve delivery driving training with Driver Training Solutions

In-depth training is the foundation for productive employees. Invest in the best fleet driver training operation with DeliverySim. Designed to mimic the weight of an actual delivery van, DeliverySim will provide a realistic driving experience without getting behind the wheel. 

With different evaluation tools, the ability to change different elements of a scenario and top-of-the-line graphics, employees will enjoy participating in delivery driving training.