Logistics 4.0

Boost your business as an autonomous carrier by optimizing your routes, monitoring your deliveries in real time and billing with precision. With tools like Routal, you reduce costs, save time and improve your customer experience by having all your work centralized on a single platform. Turn every day into more productivity, less stress and greater profitability for your business.
Logistics
Autonomous carrier guide: optimize your working day, monitor all your deliveries and invoice quickly and accurately

Ser autonomous carrier has its advantages: flexibility, control over your schedule and the ability to manage your own business. However, it also involves challenges, such as route management, the organization of deliveries and the correct billing of the services provided. Fortunately, new technologies and optimization tools can make your workday much more efficient and organized, allowing you to focus on what really matters: deliver on time and offer quality service.

In this guide, we'll provide you with the best tips for Optimize your working day as an autonomous carrier, monitor all your deliveries in real time and bill quickly and accurately. With the right tools, such as Routal, you can significantly improve your day-to-day efficiency, reduce errors and increase your profitability.

1. Optimize your working day with intelligent routes

Route optimization is one of the keys to making your journey as an autonomous carrier more productive. Long or poorly planned trips can create unnecessary delays, increase fuel consumption and wear down your resources. Use a route planning software like Routal allows you to organize your deliveries efficiently, saving time and resources.

How to optimize routes?

  • Smart planning: Route optimization tools such as Routal calculate the best route considering variables such as traffic, road restrictions and delivery times. This way, you can reduce road time and make more deliveries in less time.
  • Avoid traffic jams and congestion: Optimized routes are adjusted in real time according to traffic conditions, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and other situations that may delay your day.
  • Personalized routes: You can configure your routes according to your preferences and needs, choosing stops in an order that maximizes your efficiency.

Benefits

  • Time and fuel savings: Optimized routes reduce kilometers traveled and fuel consumption.
  • Higher productivity: By reducing delivery time, you can complete more deliveries during your day.
  • Less stress: Planning your routes efficiently helps you better manage your time, avoiding the pressure of meeting tight schedules.

2. Monitor all your deliveries in real time

The ability to monitor your deliveries In real time, not only does it improve your efficiency, but it also allows you to have total control over your work. With tools such as Routal, you can keep track of all your deliveries, from departure to arrival at the destination, and be informed at all times about any incident or last-minute change.

How to do it?

  • Delivery tracking: With Routal, you can see the status of each delivery in real time, allowing you to act quickly in case of unforeseen events, such as an absent customer or a change in address.
  • Alerts and notifications: The platform will send you automatic notifications about any changes in the delivery process, such as changes in the time window or traffic delays, so you're always prepared.
  • Incident control: If there are any problems during delivery (for example, a damaged package or an incorrect address), you can easily register and manage the incident, without the need for phone calls.

Benefits

  • Greater control and transparency: You can follow all your deliveries in detail, improving the Managing your time.
  • Better communication with customers: Having access to real-time information allows you to proactively communicate with customers, informing them of any change in their delivery.
  • Reduction of incidents: Monitoring deliveries allows you to act quickly in the event of any unforeseen event, preventing problems from turning into delays or returns.

3. Invoice quickly and accurately

One of the most important tasks for the autonomous carrier It's the right one turnover of the services provided. Manual or disorganized billing can be time-consuming and increase the risk of errors. That's why using digital tools that Automate billing can greatly simplify this process and allow you to keep full control of your income.

How to bill efficiently?

  • Automatic generation of invoices: With tools such as Routal, you can automatically generate invoices based on the details of your deliveries. You only need to enter the corresponding data and the platform takes care of the rest.
  • Electronic Invoicing: Modern platforms allow you to generate and send electronic invoices, which not only speed up the process, but also facilitate the traceability and compliance with tax regulations.
  • Payment control: Some tools also allow you to keep track of outstanding payments and record when the payment has been received, avoiding confusion and ensuring that your cash flow is kept up to date.

Benefits

  • Time savings: Billing automation allows you to generate invoices in minutes, without the need to waste time with manual calculations.
  • Accuracy in the accounts: By automating the process, you reduce the possibility of making errors, ensuring that each delivery is correctly invoiced.
  • Easy to manage your finances: With all your bills organized digitally, you can have clear control of your income, making it easy to financial management and the payment of taxes.

4. Maximize your efficiency with tool integration

To further optimize your working day as an autonomous carrier, it is essential to have tools that integrate with each other, so that you can manage all areas of your work in a coherent and fluid way. Routal offers a comprehensive platform that allows you to manage everything from route planning to billing, all in one place.

What to integrate?

  • Integration of GPS and routes: The platform connects to systems of GPS navigation to provide you with updated and optimized routes in real time.
  • Incident Management: Problems that arise during the delivery process are recorded directly on the platform, allowing you to Resolve them quickly without wasting time on calls or additional procedures.
  • History of deliveries and invoices: By having all the information centralized, you can easily check the history of deliveries made and invoices issued, allowing you to keep a more organized record of your activity.

Benefits

  • Simplification of processes: By integrating all the tools, you save time and effort on administrative tasks.
  • Better organization: Centralizing information allows you to have clearer control of your working day.
  • Access to real-time data: All the information you need is at your fingertips, allowing you to make more informed and faster decisions.

5. Benefits of technology for the autonomous carrier

Technology has transformed the world of logistics and distribution, offering autonomous carriers powerful tools to improve their productivity, efficiency and profitability. By integrating digital solutions such as Routal, autonomous carriers can manage all aspects of their work more efficiently, reduce operating costs and improve the customer experience.

Key benefits of technology:

  • Increased efficiency: With optimized routes, real-time tracking and automatic billing, your day will be more productive.
  • Reduction of errors: Automating tasks reduces the risk of human error, which translates into greater accuracy in deliveries and billing.
  • Improved communication: Digital tools allow us to maintain constant communication with customers and improve incident management.

Boost your business with tools that optimize every aspect of your day

As an autonomous carrier, managing your journey efficiently is essential to maximize your profitability and ensure customer satisfaction. With the right tools, such as Routal, you can optimize your routes, monitor your deliveries in real time and bill quickly and accurately, all from a single platform. Implementing these practices will not only improve your operational efficiency, but it will also allow you to focus on what matters most: providing exceptional, cost-effective service.

Autonomous carrier guide: optimize your working day, monitor all your deliveries and invoice quickly and accurately
The last mile is full of hidden costs—such as failed deliveries, downtime, or inefficient routes—that directly affect profitability and customer experience. These expenses tend to go unnoticed but accumulate day after day, generating operational and commercial losses. Intelligent planning with tools such as Routal makes it possible to reduce these mismatches by optimizing routes, avoiding reattempts and prioritizing strategic deliveries.
Discover the hidden costs of the last mile and how efficient planning minimizes them

The last mile is one of the most expensive and complex sections of the entire logistics chain. Although the costs of this phase are often associated with fuel, personnel or vehicles, there are numerous hidden costs that have a silent but direct impact on the profitability of companies.

Cumulative delays, failed deliveries, poorly designed routes or unplanned waiting times generate invisible losses that add up day after day. And the most worrying thing: they tend to go unnoticed until they result in customer complaints, logistical overruns or reduced margins.

In this article we analyze what those are hidden costs in the last mile, why they occur and how you can avoid them. You'll see how an intelligent planning tool like Routal can help you identify these mismatches and optimize each delivery, saving time, money and frustration. Because A poorly managed last mile not only costs more, it also affects the customer experience.

The problem: costs you don't see, but you do pay

Many logistics managers believe they have delivery costs under control because they know the price of fuel, the salaries of the delivery people or the maintenance of the fleet. However, Most of the relevant last-mile costs don't show up in traditional spreadsheets. They're harder to measure, but they have a real impact.

Some common examples:

  • Delays due to inefficient routes, which increase the total time of each day.
  • Waiting times at delivery points, especially when the customer is not available.
  • Failed or rescheduled deliveries, which involve double work and more kilometers.
  • Poorly informed manual decisions, which generate logistical errors or overlaps between routes.
  • Lack of real-time visibility, which prevents reacting to unforeseen events or redistributing tasks in an agile way.

These factors cause a cumulative loss that often goes unnoticed. And the most worrying thing: directly affect customer satisfaction, causing complaints, returns or even loss of loyalty.

In short, without efficient, data-based planning, last-mile operations become more expensive, less predictable, and much more difficult to scale.

How to reduce hidden costs with efficient planning

The good news is that most of these invisible costs can be significantly reduced through a more intelligent planning strategy, based on data and supported by technology. Here are the keys to achieving this:

Real-time route optimization

The first step in reducing cost overruns is to have a tool that generate efficient and adaptable routes. Routal Planner allows you to create itineraries taking into account multiple variables: traffic, road restrictions, order priority, type of customer or load capacity.

Thanks to this optimized planning:

  • Kilometers traveled and fuel consumption are reduced.
  • Transit time between stops is minimized.
  • Common problem areas or bottlenecks are avoided.

All of this translates into more profitable days and faster deliveries, without the need to expand the fleet or equipment.

Reduction of failed deliveries and reattempts

Each delivery that is not completed the first time generates a double hidden cost: re-planning and moving again. To avoid this, it is key to:

  • Notify the customer in advance of the estimated time of arrival.
  • Offer the possibility to choose the most convenient time slot.
  • Allow last-minute changes from an online portal.

Routal technology allows you to automate all these communications, facilitating coordination and reducing failed attempts. This not only saves costs: improves the customer experience and reduces operational stress.

Elimination of downtime

Waiting times and non-productive downtime are often among the most invisible and frequent costs. By not having visibility into what is happening at each delivery point, many companies accumulate Avoidable downtimes.

With Routal you can:

  • Monitor the progress of each route in real time.
  • Detect if a delivery person is stuck or has had an incident.
  • Reassign deliveries on the fly so as not to lose efficiency.

This allows for a much more agile operation, in which every minute of work is used to the maximum.

Prioritization of strategic deliveries

Not all orders generate the same value. A delivery to a key customer, an express delivery or a perishable merchandise should be given preference over other, less critical shipments. However, many companies continue to plan all deliveries with the same logic.

Advanced planning such as that offered by Routal allows:

  • Assign automatic priority levels.
  • Order routes to maximize business impact.
  • Avoid errors due to uninformed manual decisions.

This translates into fewer incidents, better use of resources and a service that is more aligned with business objectives.

Discover the hidden costs of the last mile and how efficient planning minimizes them
In the HORECA sector, punctuality and reliability in distribution are key, since any failure directly impacts customer service. Although the competition has revolved around price for years, the real value lies in offering an impeccable and consistent level of service. With Routal, distributors can ensure on-time and error-free deliveries, scaling their operation without losing quality.
HORECA distribution: The challenge of always delivering on time (and without margin for error)

In the world of hospitality, catering and catering — better known as the HORECA sector — distribution is much more than simply transporting products. It's a race against the clock in which every delivery has to be punctual, complete and error-free. Because if something fails, the impact is not only logistical: it directly affects the service of the end customer, and that is unacceptable in a sector where the demand is highest.

An industry where service level is everything

Customers of the HORECA channel don't just buy products: they buy reliability. They expect their supplier to meet the agreed deadlines, that the order will arrive complete, that the delivery person will be on time... and that there will be no surprises. The pressure is daily, because restaurants, hotels and catering services operate under very tight time schedules. A delivery error can mean an incomplete menu, an empty room, or a damaged reputation.

This is where technology makes the difference. With Routal, distributors can plan optimized routes in detail, assign tasks to drivers and track each delivery in real time. That means fewer unforeseen events, more punctuality, and a stronger and more professional customer experience.

Price vs. Service: The Industry's Silent Battle

For years, competition on the HORECA channel has been waged primarily around price. Margins are tight and distributors have fine-tuned their structures to the maximum to be competitive. But there is a limit to this price war. And many companies have already realized that the real competitive advantage lies not in being the cheapest, but in being the most reliable.

Because when it comes to supplying restaurants or industrial kitchens, what is worth gold is not the savings of a few cents per kilo, but the peace of mind of knowing that the order will arrive, complete and on time. And in that, Routal becomes a strategic ally: it helps to guarantee error-free deliveries, to notify the customer of any incident and to provide total visibility of each operation. Not only does this improve customer satisfaction, but it also reduces complaints and reprocesses.

Scaling without losing quality: the great challenge

Many distributors face the dilemma of growing in volume without losing quality of service. As more customers and routes are added, the risk of losing control increases. Hand tools or spreadsheets are no longer enough. A solution is needed that automates, optimizes and scales with the business.

With Routal, not only is it possible to manage more routes with less effort, but it is also possible to anticipate needs, redistribute loads in real time and provide a level of traceability that was previously unthinkable. And the best part: all this without losing the human touch that characterizes good service.

The result? More efficient distributors, happier customers and a service that leaves a mark. Because in the HORECA sector, being punctual is not a virtue, it's an obligation. And with Routal, that obligation becomes a competitive advantage.

Do you want to know more? Read this article about how Guillen Foods, a HORECA frozen food distribution company, has achieved savings of more than 27% thanks to Routal. Read here

If you're curious to know how much it could impact your business, Let's talk!

HORECA distribution: The challenge of always delivering on time (and without margin for error)
In modern logistics, fast delivery is no longer enough: companies must find an intelligent balance between delivery time, operating cost and environmental sustainability. This involves moving from traditional planning to a multi-criteria approach, which considers multiple variables simultaneously. Tools such as Routal Planner facilitate this change by automating route design using real-time data and advanced algorithms, allowing for a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible operation.
Logistics
How to design multi-criteria delivery routes: balancing time, cost and sustainability

Designing efficient delivery routes is no longer just a matter of arriving fast. Today, companies are faced with the challenge of optimizing their operations considering multiple variables at the same time: minimize delivery times, reduce logistics costs and maintain a firm commitment to sustainability. Is it possible to achieve that balance? The answer is yes, but it requires strategy, technology and a mindset aimed at intelligent efficiency.

In this article, we explain how companies can integrate these three factors —weather, cost and sustainability— in a realistic and scalable route planning model. In addition, you'll see how tools like Routal Planner facilitate this process with automation, real-time data and advanced optimization algorithms.

The pressure to deliver faster without increasing costs or polluting more is transforming logistics. Here you'll discover how to adapt without giving up on any goal.

Why is a multi-criteria approach necessary in route planning?

Traditionally, many companies have designed their logistics routes prioritizing only the shortest possible delivery time. However, this strategy ignores other key elements that directly impact the profitability and environmental responsibility of the operation.

An approach Multicriteria allows you to take into account variables such as:

  • Time of delivery, to ensure punctuality and improve the customer experience.
  • Operating costs, including fuel, working hours and vehicle wear and tear.
  • Sustainability, with routes that minimize emissions and reduce the number of kilometers traveled unnecessarily.

Balancing these factors isn't easy manually. This is where technology comes in as a key ally.

Technology applied to intelligent planning

A solution such as Routal enables automatically design routes based on multiple simultaneous objectives. The system analyzes variables such as:

  • Delivery time windows requested by the customer.
  • Traffic restrictions or real-time conditions.
  • Location and capacity of each vehicle.
  • Geographical distribution of deliveries.

The result is a plan that prioritize efficiency without sacrificing sustainability. Thanks to optimization algorithms, each route is evaluated for its total impact, not just speed.

Practical strategies for balancing time, cost and sustainability

1. Intelligent grouping of deliveries

Grouping deliveries close geographically allows you to reduce kilometers traveled, minimize stops and improve energy efficiency. It's a simple but very powerful tactic when combined with automatic planning systems.

2. Use of Key Indicators (KPIs) for each objective

Balance can only be maintained if it is measured continuously. Some key metrics include:

  • Average delivery time.
  • Cost per kilometer.
  • CO₂ emissions per completed route.

Routal allows you to monitor these KPIs in real time to adjust the strategy when necessary.

3. Inclusion of environmental variables

Many cities already impose restrictions on polluting vehicles. Designing routes that avoid restricted areas or that prioritize less polluting vehicles allows not only to comply with regulations, but position the brand as socially responsible.

4. Dynamic replanning for unforeseen events

Traffic, delays or customer absences are inevitable. A system like Routal can reoptimize routes on the fly, avoiding bottlenecks and ensuring that the rest of the operation is not affected.

Concrete benefits of multi-criteria planning

Companies that have adopted this model report benefits such as:

  • 15-25% reduction in operating costs, thanks to shorter and more efficient routes.
  • Reduction of emissions by up to 30%, combining better planning and sustainable vehicles.
  • Improved NPS (Net Promoter Score) for more timely and accurate deliveries.

In addition, greater satisfaction is achieved from logistics teams, who work with less pressure and better information.

Result: Efficiency with purpose

Designing multi-criteria delivery routes is no longer an option, but a necessity for any company that wants be competitive, profitable and responsible. Balancing time, cost and sustainability is possible thanks to specialized tools such as Routal Planner, which integrate data, automation and the ability to react in real time.

Adopting this model not only improves the logistics operation. Also strengthens brand reputation, generates medium-term savings and prepares the company to respond to the new demands of the market and the planet.

How to design multi-criteria delivery routes: balancing time, cost and sustainability
Optimizing the distribution of frozen foods is key to reducing operating costs and ensuring product quality, especially in summer, when fuel consumption skyrockets. Guillen Food Company managed to save more than 27% in fuel and improve its processes thanks to intelligent planning with Routal. Every kilometer saved isn't just time: it's efficiency, sustainability and competitive advantage.
Digitalization
How to optimize the distribution of frozen foods?

In the world of logistics, every kilometer counts. But when we talk about the distribution of frozen products, every kilometer doesn't just mean time: it also involves a large amount of fuel, additional costs for cooling, vehicle wear and, especially in summer, a greater risk of losing the cold chain. Optimizing routes in this context ceases to be a desirable improvement and becomes a critical need.

In this article, we tell you how technology, and specifically Routal, can help you reduce these costs, ensure product quality and improve operational efficiency. And as proof of this, we share with you the success story of Guillen Food Company, a company that managed to save more than 27% in fuel consumption and improve its distribution processes with an integrated and scalable solution.

The challenges of distributing frozen foods

Distributing frozen products is not the same as distributing any other type of merchandise. Here temperature is a critical variable. The slightest delay or deviation can compromise the quality—and safety—of the product. In addition, these vehicles often require cooling systems that consume even more energy, especially in hot months.

Some of the key challenges include:

  • Cold chain maintenance: Any unnecessary stop or extended route can break the ideal temperature.
  • High operating costs: Fuel consumption in refrigerated trucks is considerably higher.
  • Pressure for punctuality: Customers, especially supermarkets and hospitality, require deliveries in very tight time windows.
  • Management of returns and returns: When a product does not meet standards, the logistical impact is twofold.

Optimizing distribution is therefore a mix of precision, agility and real-time control.

Every kilometer saved counts (and a lot)

When talking about route optimization, we often think about getting there faster. But in the case of frozen ones, Every kilometer saved not only reduces time: it also means great savings in fuel, especially in summer, when cooling systems are working at peak performance.

A journey of 15 km less per vehicle can translate into tens of liters of fuel saved per week. And if you have a fleet of several vehicles, the economic and environmental impact is enormous.

In addition, better planning makes it possible to make the most of load capacity, reduce empty paths and minimize unnecessary downtime.

Success Story: Guillen Food Company

Guillen Food Company, specialized in the distribution of frozen products throughout the Iberian Peninsula, faced several of these challenges:

  • Inefficient routes, planned manually.
  • High fuel consumption, especially in summer months.
  • Lack of visibility on the status of deliveries and shipments.
  • Difficulties integrating logistics data with your ERP system.

The company decided to implement Routal as a central tool for planning, optimizing and monitoring your last mile. The results were not long in coming.

✔ 27% savings in fuel consumption

Thanks to Routal's route optimization engine, Guillen Food Company was able to reduce unnecessary trips and plan smarter routes taking into account factors such as traffic, type of vehicle and time windows.

✔ More standardized logistics processes

Before Routal, each planner had their “way” of organizing routes. Today, the company works with unified criteria and clear rules, which has made it possible to reduce errors, gain consistency and facilitate the training of new operators.

✔ Easy integration with your ERP

One of the aspects most valued by Guillen was Routal's ability to easily integrate with its existing ERP. This allowed them to automate the import of orders, synchronize customer data and generate centralized reports, without the need for manual processes or additional tools.

✔ Improved traceability and visibility in real time

With Routal, logistics managers can monitor the location of vehicles in real time, know the status of each delivery and react quickly to any unforeseen event. This not only improves the internal operation, but also the customer experience.

Keys to optimizing your frozen food distribution

If you're facing similar challenges, here are some practical tips to start optimizing:

  1. Invest in an intelligent planning tool: Excel is no longer enough. You need specialized software to help you reduce kilometers and optimize each delivery.
  2. Automate as much as possible: from assigning orders to generating reports. Automating saves you time and reduces errors.
  3. Take advantage of data: analyze which routes are less efficient, which areas generate the most incidents or which vehicles consume the most. Optimization is an ongoing process.
  4. Establish clear planning rules: Define time windows, maximum capacities, product types and priority zones. The more detail, the better the optimization will work.
  5. Prioritize integration: Make sure that your logistics tool can easily connect with your ERP, CRM or other platforms. Integration is key to scaling without friction.

Conclusion

Optimizing the distribution of frozen foods is not only a matter of efficiency, but of survival in an increasingly demanding and competitive market. Reducing kilometers means reducing costs, protecting product quality and caring for the environment.

The Guillen Food Company case demonstrates that with the right tool, it is possible to transform a complex logistics operation into a controlled, efficient and scalable process.

Do you want to know how Routal can help you achieve this? Write to us and start saving from the first route.

How to optimize the distribution of frozen foods?
Routal for Drivers allows delivery people to optimize their routes directly from their mobile phone, without going through the desktop, achieving routes that are up to 30% more efficient. This translates into shorter working hours, less fuel consumption and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. In short: you save time, money and take care of the planet while you do your work.
Drivers
Why are more and more delivery people using Routal for Drivers to optimize their working hours?

Imagine this: you get home sooner, you save fuel, you know exactly what time you'll finish and, by the way, you help the planet. It's not science fiction, it's what many delivery people are already achieving thanks to Routal for Drivers, our app designed specifically for those who are behind the wheel every day.

Unlike other tools that rely on planning from a desktop, Routal for Drivers puts all the power of optimization directly in the hands of the delivery person. Literally.

Fast planning, in the palm of your hand

Forget about Excel, last-minute calls or those eternal routes that seem to have no end. With Routal for Drivers, you can upload your stops directly from your mobile phone and optimize them in seconds. It's as easy as selecting your drop off points, pressing a button and starting to drive.

The result: routes up to 30% more efficient. And that shows.

1. Time savings: get home early

Yes, we know. After many hours behind the wheel, all you want is to get home. Intelligent route optimization does just that: reduces driving time, eliminates unnecessary laps and improves the sequence of stops.

Thanks to this, many delivery people are already seeing shorter working hours while still fulfilling all their deliveries. More time for yourself, your family or just to rest.

2. Lower fuel consumption: lower costs, more efficiency

Fewer kilometers traveled means less gasoline or diesel consumed. And that, in these times, translates into very tangible savings at the end of the month.

By avoiding unnecessary detours or poorly planned routes, Routal for Drivers helps significantly reduce fuel costs. More efficiency, more money in your pocket.

3. Better forecasts: you know exactly what time you'll finish

The app not only gives you the optimal route, but it also tells you the estimated completion time. Do you have an appointment in the afternoon or do you want to better organize your day? With Routal, you can do this without surprises or unforeseen delays.

La total visibility over your day gives you the control and peace of mind you need to plan better.

4. Lower emissions: better driving also means taking care of the planet

This benefit is enormous and sometimes goes unnoticed. By reducing the distance traveled and driving time, CO2 emissions are also reduced. That means, without changing vehicles or making costly investments, you're doing your part for a cleaner planet.

With each optimized delivery, you're contributing to more sustainable logistics.

Who is Routal for Drivers for?

For autonomous delivery people, small fleets, last-mile teams and any driver who wants to optimize their daily lives without complications. You don't need to be a logistics expert or have access to a computer: everything you need is on your mobile.

Conclusion: Drive Better, Live Better

Life on the road is intense, and any improvement counts. Routal for Drivers allows you to take control of your day, be more efficient and, above all, Get home early. Save time, fuel and stress, while doing your job more sustainably.

Haven't you tried it yet? It's time to start.

Why are more and more delivery people using Routal for Drivers to optimize their working hours?
The lack of automation in the last mile creates problems such as inefficient routes, poor communication with customers and poor visibility of the status of deliveries. Software like Routal optimizes planning, sends automatic notifications to customers and provides real-time monitoring, reducing costs and improving the experience. If your company is facing delays, high costs, or a lot of order inquiries, it's time to digitize delivery management.
Logistics
Automation in the last mile: When should you implement delivery management software?

Last-mile logistics is one of the biggest challenges for any company that manages deliveries. The lack of automation in these processes can lead to problems such as delays, high operating costs, customer dissatisfaction and chaotic delivery management. In this article, we analyze when is the right time to implement delivery management software and how solutions like Routal can transform the efficiency of your operation.

The problems of not automating the last mile

Many companies still manage their deliveries with spreadsheets, phone calls and manual processes. While this can work on a small scale, as the volume of deliveries grows, the problems multiply:

📌 1. Inefficient route planning

The problem

If routes are planned manually, a lot of time is wasted in organizing and the routes may not be the most optimal. This translates into higher fuel costs, longer working hours and fewer deliveries over the same period.

🔴 Real example: A food distribution company creates routes based on the manager's experience, without considering real-time traffic or the best sequence of stops. As a result, drivers travel longer and more expensive than necessary.

The solution with Routal

✅ Routal optimizes route planning in seconds, considering factors such as traffic, time restrictions and load capacities. This way, deliveries are faster, more efficient and more cost-effective.

📌 2. Inefficient communication with customers

The problem

Customers want to know where their order is and when it will arrive. Without an automated platform, deliverymen or the customer service team must constantly answer calls, creating a heavy workload and potential errors in information.

🔴 Real example: An online store receives dozens of calls a day asking about the status of orders. As the team must check with the delivery people manually, the answers are late and inaccurate.

The solution with Routal

✅ With Routal, customers receive automatic notifications with the status of their delivery and a real-time tracking link. This dramatically reduces the number of calls and improves the user experience.

📌 3. Lack of visibility and access to information

The problem

Without a centralized system, delivery managers find it difficult to know what is happening at all times: Has the delivery person already made the delivery? Were there any problems? Does a shipment need to be rescheduled?

🔴 Real example: A logistics operator does not have real-time access to the status of deliveries. When a customer claims an order not received, the only option is to call the driver, who may be busy or can't remember the exact detail.

The solution with Routal

✅ Routal offers a real-time control panel with the status of each delivery. Managers can see the progress of each route and react quickly to any unforeseen event. In addition, the system records proof of delivery (such as photos and digital signatures), reducing disputes with customers.

When is the right time to automate the last mile?

If your company is facing any of these problems, it's probably time to implement delivery management software. Some signs that automation is urgent include:

✅ Increase in the number of deliveries and difficulty managing them manually.

✅ High operating costs due to inefficient routes and higher fuel consumption.

✅ A high volume of calls from customers asking about the status of their orders.

✅ Difficulty giving quick and accurate answers about ongoing deliveries.

Conclusion

Automating the last mile with software like Routal not only improves operational efficiency, but it also reduces costs and improves customer satisfaction. If your company is dealing with planning, communication and visibility issues, it's time to take the leap to intelligent delivery management.

Ready to optimize your operation? 🚀 Try Routal and take your logistics to the next level.

Automation in the last mile: When should you implement delivery management software?
Success story of Tugou, a delivery company in Peru that has saved 15% fuel, 60% of planning time and reduces failed deliveries
Success stories
Tugou Success Story

Tugou, a scheduled delivery company, was looking for a solution to optimize its home delivery routes in Peru. They found SmartMonkey, tested the platform, and stayed with us. Discover the benefits and savings they achieved with SmartMonkey.

Tugou was born in 2020, in the midst of a pandemic to meet a need that entrepreneurs had. The starting point was to migrate from a trusted taxi service to a professional service, with transparency and confidence that your products will arrive in a timely manner. They sought solutions that would allow them to differentiate themselves from the competition as an added value and for that they explored digitization and route optimization tools. They tried two or three alternatives, and after a few months they found SmartMonkey on the market, tried the solution and stayed with it.

There are several reasons why they decided to choose Routal. First of all, in terms of user, administrator and end customer it is easy to use and friendly, therefore the learning curve of anyone who comes to work is short, and this It helps to reduce costs also in the case of staff turnover. On the other hand, it is competitive in the market in terms of investment. The Gorilla license offers in one what other companies offer in separate modules at a higher cost.

Daniel Campos, operations manager at Tugou, comments: “It's a platform that we use 24/7, which has been very supportive, and that in a very short time we have gotten to know thoroughly. It's a very webapp Intuitive and this is very important for someone who uses it on a daily basis.”

As for the tool, they believe that it is relevant to versatility in the planning modules to add restrictions: weight, volume, and distinctive load characteristics. Also important to them is the agility in route planning and visibility in real time, being able to see where the vehicles are located and at what times the deliveries are taking place.

The ability to have simultaneous access to the platform to see the programmed route is something that stands out: “We are 4 people who have access and we review the routes daily. It is one of the differential characteristics and very important to us. Also the fact that for the driver it is a webapp (and not an App) and it is easier for them to view it. Apps sometimes need minimal capacity on mobile phones, next-generation phones, use more battery and data. It's something that drivers value a lot,” explains Daniel.

Email and SMS notifications and alerts build trust with the customer and thus reduce failed deliveries substantially. Thanks to the platform, customers can be sure that their products will arrive at their destination.

“The speed of planning daily routes allows us to look at other business opportunities, for example, adding more customers or outsourcing to other companies.”

Regarding this time savings, Daniel comments: “It is something that we have found that the ease and usability of the platform is opening up the field for us to create an additional line of business to create routes for other customers, other companies that don't have the time or prefer to outsource the service. Otherwise, without this extra time, it would be very difficult for us to venture into other types of businesses.”

Tugou found a solution for their route planning and optimization that provided them with concrete savings in costs and time. This translates into improved productivity and business expansion.

See the results they obtained by optimizing delivery with SmartMonkey:

  • -15% fuel: effect of savings on travel
  • -25% reduction in unit travel
  • -60% planning time
  • -33% fleet: thanks to the optimization of the platform that allows you to make the same deliveries with fewer vehicles
  • -55% investment: lower platform cost for the same benefits or features. (in a single module, without having to pay extra).

If you too want to reduce costs and save fuel Try SmartMonkey free for 10 days.

Watch the video of the case told by his operations manager Daniel Campos and his business manager Henri Malleux:

If you want to know other success stories, I recommend reading A La Casa Delivery in Chile.

Tugou Success Story
How A la Casa Delivery Chile managed to set up a delivery service in Chile with few resources and offering great service to its customers.
Success stories
Success Story: A La Casa Delivery

From entrepreneurs to SMEs: how A La Casa Delivery began distributing its own products out of necessity and today it has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs from all over Chile. From market need to a growing business.

In 2019, Angela and Ignacio moved to Chile and began selling their products. Little by little they grew and came to make more than 20 deliveries per day. At that time and after trying different transport companies, they discovered that they were not satisfied with the delivery services available in their region. They didn't offer the service that their products required and saw the possibility of differentiating themselves by offering a better delivery service, so they decided to hire a person to make their own deliveries. The birth of a business out of its own need.

Over the months, they began to offer other entrepreneurs the service of home delivery with their delivery person. Thus, almost in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, it emerged A la Casa Delivery, a last-mile courier/delivery company for entrepreneurs and SMEs in Chile.

As quarantine restrictions in Chile increased more and more, the demand for delivery due to online purchases increased considerably, and deliveries per day became almost 600. Ignacio planned routes every night so that he could have it ready in the morning, and this required several hours. That work became unsustainable, inefficient and created a lot of problems. For that reason, they looked for a tool that could simplify their route planning work, which Ignacio did manually every day. After analyzing several alternatives, they discovered Routal.

After a demo, they started using the platform and solved their doubts thanks to the videos and articles from Routal. In just a few days they implemented the tool and started using it on a daily basis. Planning routes became a job of just a few minutes for Ignacio. In addition, I could obtain all the information in real time about the vehicles on the road and thus be able to resolve any incident that arises.

With the new addition of direct communication with the customer through SMS notifications, they were able to give more visibility to the recipient and thus reduce the number of failed deliveries. This directly influenced customer satisfaction, improving the score in the surveys that are sent after each delivery made.

Como A la Casa Delivery, hundreds of SMEs that benefit from the implementation of a digital solution for route planning and optimization, offering a better, more efficient and environmentally friendly service. If you are in charge of logistics for a small, medium or large company, we can help you digitize your operations in a few minutes, so that you can use your time on other more important tasks to boost your business.

Click here if you want to try SmartMonkey's Planner free for 10 days

Try it for free!

Success Story: A La Casa Delivery