As a delivery driver, every minute counts. Wasted time translates to fewer deliveries, lower earnings, and increased stress. The good news? Route optimisation isn't just for logistics companies—professional drivers can implement proven strategies to streamline their daily routes and maximize efficiency.
1. Plan Your Route Before You Start
The foundation of efficient delivery is planning. Before hitting the road, take 5-10 minutes to review all stops for the day. Identify clusters of nearby addresses and group them together geographically. This prevents the common mistake of backtracking across your service area multiple times throughout the day.
Apps like Routed automate this process, analysing your entire day's deliveries and suggesting the optimal sequence to minimise distance and travel time. Logistics research shows that algorithmic routing reduces travel distance by 20-40% compared to manual planning.
2. Use Proven Route Optimisation Algorithms
Professional route optimisation goes beyond simple clustering. Advanced algorithms account for:
- Traffic patterns: Real-time data showing congested roads and optimal travel times.
- Time windows: Delivery windows and customer availability constraints.
- Vehicle capacity: Maximizing payload without overloading.
- Terrain and road conditions: Avoiding tolls, construction, or difficult terrain.
3. Group Stops by Geographic Proximity
Never deliver to separate suburbs / zip codes, return, then go back. Instead, complete all deliveries in one area before moving to the next. This reduces fuel consumption, vehicle wear, and—most importantly—time spent driving between clusters.
If you know your area well, you can manually organize this. For larger or unfamiliar territories, let technology handle it.
4. Leverage Real-Time Data and Feedback
Add notes to your app as you learn your route. Mark:
- Problem locations (e.g., "Aggressive dog—leave at gate")
- Hidden shortcuts or faster entry points
- Customer preferences (e.g., "Leave package in back")
- Seasonal hazards (flooding, construction)
Over time, this feedback transforms your app into a personalized navigation system that learns your route's unique challenges.
5. Time Your Deliveries Strategically
If you have flexibility in your start time, consider traffic patterns. Early morning (6-8 AM) often has lighter traffic than mid-day. Avoid peak congestion times when possible. Additionally:
- Schedule difficult or time-consuming stops when you're fresh.
- Batch quick, straightforward deliveries together for momentum.
- Avoid right turns in heavy traffic if you drive on the left side and avoid left turns if you drive on the right side (they take longer and are riskier).
- Consider weather—rain, snow, or extreme heat slow you down.
The Bottom Line: Professional delivery optimisation isn't complicated, but it does require intention. Routed automates route planning based on your deliveries, lets you add personal notes for every stop, and continuously learns from your feedback. For more insights on why manual planning costs you money, read our guide on manual route planning costs.