2 July 2024

Optimise transport with Simacans Route Book: Efficiency and safety for drivers

The importance of good route information, planning, and logistical support for truck drivers cannot be overstated. For them, it’s essential to know their route with all the associated details to ensure their trips are efficient, safe, and stress-free.

If, as a driver, you don’t know exactly where or how to get somewhere, it can be challenging to pay proper attention to the traffic. This can lead to unwanted situations such as delays, or sometimes even damage. With the digital Route Book, you have the ability to see what to expect both before the trip (pre-trip) and during the trip (on-trip). This allows you to prepare optimally and know what to anticipate. This not only makes your work easier but also increases the safety and efficiency of the transport process.

What is the Route Book?

The Route Book is a digital route book accessible via your browser on your mobile phone, containing all the information you need as a driver to complete your trips. Once a trip planning is active in Simacan, you can view the entire route plan with all stops and times in the Route Book. This provides more peace of mind and clarity, contributing to a more efficient workday and less stress.

What information does the Route Book contain?

The Route Book contains general trip information: a trip ID (which trip it concerns), when it takes place, start time and end time. On the map, you will see the route mapped out, with the possibility of viewing locations in Google Street View. All stop locations can be seen at a glance including planned arrival and departure times.

Preferred first and last miles

If preferred routes are available for the first and last miles to a location, these can also be viewed. With these approach and departure routes, a location manager, such as a store manager, can communicate a recommended route. This preferred route may be one that has been coordinated with the local council for social objectives. It could be a route that is preferable for safety, environmental impact or CO2 emissions over the route shown by standard navigation systems. In this way, the Route Book contributes to a more sustainable and safer transport process and a more liveable city.

Benefits of detailed route information

The use of this digital route information offers numerous benefits for both drivers and transport organisations. Unlike paper route descriptions, the route information is always up-to-date. Changes in the Control Tower are communicated immediately. For instance, when a stop is cancelled in the Control Tower, this adjustment appears in real-time with the notation ‘cancelled location’ in the Route Book. This means that, as a driver, you have the most recent and detailed information, helping to avoid stress and unexpected situations.

Novice or sub-contracted truck drivers

Detailed route information is also essential for novice drivers and those less familiar with certain routes – a subcontractor, for example – or who need to approach a location for the first time. This reduces or prevents the likelihood of unexpected situations, stress, and potentially even damage.

Developments and future aspirations

The Route Book is still in development and is continuously tested with users. One of the features we already wish to test is the addition of location notes and feedback. This will provide the opportunity to give specific warnings for locations, such as “watch out for the post when turning in.” This could significantly improve safety and efficiency in transport operations. Although practical issues need further elaboration, such as determining who can add these notes and who can view them, we are excited about the potential benefits.

Benefits of the Simacan Route Book

The Route Book equips you with the tools you need to hit the road well-informed. The better and more detailed the information, the fewer unexpected situations and greater satisfaction. In a world where time and accuracy are crucial, this is an indispensable development for every transport organisation.

With detailed and up-to-date route information, you can hit the road with confidence, significantly enhancing the efficiency and safety of the transport process. In short, the Route Book is a valuable investment that will further improve the future of transport and logistics.

Safe travels!

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Tagged digital route book, driver information, first mile, instruction, last mile, preferred routes, route information, trip information