Route optimization starts with operational clarity. If stop quality, service times, and priority rules are vague, no algorithm can fully fix the day. Strong inputs produce strong route results.
Define Stop Priority Levels
Classify each stop before sequencing. Urgent windows, standard windows, and flexible windows should not be mixed as equal tasks.
Sequence by Zone Then Time
Cluster stops by geography first, then order by appointment windows inside each cluster. This structure usually beats purely time-first sequencing that creates cross-town repetition.
- Primary cluster: highest priority and tightest window.
- Secondary cluster: flexible work filled around anchors.
- Reserve cluster: optional or low-risk carryover stops.
Track Deadhead Miles
Deadhead miles are distances traveled without productive service outcomes. Weekly deadhead review reveals planning waste quickly and shows where sequencing should be corrected.
Operational Baseline
If a route repeatedly misses the same final stops, the issue is likely cluster ordering, not driver performance.
Use Midday Re-Optimization
One midday route check catches real-world drift: delayed customers, traffic incidents, and changed priorities. Re-optimization protects service success late in the day.
Measure Outcomes, Not Intent
Track on-time completion, total route duration, deadhead miles, and reattempt rates. These metrics show whether routing decisions truly improved operations.
Build a Cleaner Service Route Plan
Use our map tools to group stops, compare options, and improve route quality day by day.
Open Route Tools
