Route Planning and Optimization Checklist
Daily and weekly workflow a dispatcher or operations manager runs to build, optimize, and review delivery routes for a motor carrier or last-mile fleet. Covers load and constraint intake, TMS-based route building, driver dispatch, and post-run performance review.
Load and Constraint Intake
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Pull tomorrow's loads from the TMS
Additional steps
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Confirm pickup and delivery windows
For each stop, capture the appointment time, dock-hour range, and any FCFS (first-come-first-served) windows. Flag any window under 60 minutes — those drive sequencing constraints. Note appointment-required shippers separately so they anchor the route.
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Verify weight, pallet count, and freight class
Pull weight, pallet count, and NMFC class from the BOL or rate confirmation. Confirm cube fits the trailer (53' dry van ≈ 26 standard pallets / 45,000 lb payload). Hazmat, reefer, and over-dimension loads get flagged here so they don't end up on the wrong equipment.
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Flag hazmat and special-handling loads
Identify placardable hazmat (49 CFR 172), reefer set-points, food-grade tanker washouts, team-required loads, and high-value freight. Each category restricts which drivers and equipment can run the lane.
Collects list
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