Why the fastest route is not always the best choice

for fleet managers

When managing a fleet, it’s natural to always select the fastest route, especially when delivery windows are tight and you want to ensure good customer service. Yet, only ever selecting the quickest option means neglecting several factors which can significantly impact safety, cost, and overall efficiency. 

In this article, we’ll explain how the fastest route isn’t always the best, including why data is integral to routing decisions for fleet managers. 

Hidden risks of choosing the fastest route 

1. More chance of delays 

Despite seeming efficient, the shortest journey in terms of time does not account for unexpected events like crashes, road closures, or sudden construction, which exposes fleet drivers to a greater risk of delays and consequent stress.  

2. Reduced safety 

Though safer roads may take slightly longer, they decrease the risk of incidents, the cost of which entirely negates shaving a few minutes off a journey. As such, it’s worth fleet managers avoiding narrow rural roads, for instance, even if they sometimes imply lower levels of congestion. 

3. Increased cost 

Fast routes tend to take drivers through zones with high traffic counts, meaning they increase fleet operating costs. This is because stop-start traffic leads to idling and therefore higher fuel consumption. Not to mention, poorly surfaced roads accelerate vehicle wear and tear on tyres and other components, necessitating maintenance expenses. 

4. Higher environmental impact 

Higher fuel consumption directly translates to heightened carbon emissions. This is a clear downside for fleet managers today in that they now face environmental regulations in order to contribute towards governmental sustainability goals alongside their own responsibility to create greener roads. 

Why an alternative approach to routing is necessary ?

With these aspects in mind, the aim for fleet managers is not simply to arrive faster, but rather to arrive consistently. Through considering overall safety, the added costs, and environmental impact when making routing choices, fleet managers can thereby support both short-term efficiency and long-term sustainable transport. 

Importantly, however, this requires moving beyond a mindset which regards the fastest route as being the best, instead turning towards planning that uses technology and data as a basis. 

How fleet managers can choose the best route ?

The use of data and AI in routing can result in cost savings, lower emissions, longer vehicle lifespans, and a better experience for drivers in general, making certain technology essential: 

• Fleet management platforms: With AI, fleet management platforms make it possible to process both real-time and historical data to identify elements such as risk hotspots, traffic and road conditions, weather patterns, as well as seasonal congestion, like during summer. 

• Telematics: Telematics systems provide real-time data on vehicle location and driver behaviour (speeding, harsh braking etc.). By integrating such driver performance data with analytical insights, fleet managers can spot inefficiencies in routes and driving events at the same time. 

How MICHELIN helps fleets optimise routing 

Ultimately, small time-savings in routes don’t equate to the best choice for fleets. Managers can achieve safer journeys, lower costs, and more reliable operations by taking a more comprehensive approach to routing. 

At MICHELIN Mobility Intelligence, we help move past speed as the sole measure of efficiency. Our solutions pair telematics, AI, and incident data to find the most effective routes. With actionable insights, we partner with providers to enable fleet managers to reduce risks and improve performance in a range of areas, without compromising productivity margins. 

If you’re interested in putting smarter route planning into practice, then contact us today to learn how our products can help. 

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