Route Planning

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 1
Unit No:
K/617/5596
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
27 hours

Aim

The aim of this unit is to develop a learner’s ability to plan an effective and efficient simple delivery route using information obtained from internal colleagues, and the receiver of the goods.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Know about route planning. 

  • Importance of route planning
    Effective and efficient use of resources; to meet customer demand; to meet delivery promises; optimise use of drivers and vehicles; improve customer service.
  • Benefits of route planning
    Less driving; reduce costs; improve fuel efficiency; save time; service more customers; support customer retention; support repeat business; reduce wear and tear of vehicles; reduce servicing and maintenance costs of vehicles; increased safety; less stressful on drivers.
  • Technologies used in route planning
    Route planning and optimisation software; GPS based vehicle monitoring units; tachographs; transport management systems.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Give examples of why route-planning is important to business and domestic customers.

  • 1.2

    Explain the benefits, to a business, of effective and efficient route planning.

  • 1.3

    State different technologies which can be used to support effective and efficient route planning.

2

Know about the information required to plan a route.

  • Information from
    -     Colleagues
    Name and address of the receiver; size of load; agreed delivery times; availability of vehicles and their size and constraints; possible customer returns; type of goods being delivered (e.g. fragile, hazardous); availability of drivers and their type of licence.
    - Receiver
    Required delivery time; access restrictions to premises; goods for collection; special delivery instructions.
  • Using the Internet
    Identify actual and planned roadworks and/or barriers to delivery; provide real time road traffic information; track vehicle movements; real time updating of deliveries once signed for; live delivery routes can be shared with receivers.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Outline the information required to support route planning which is obtainable from;

    • internal colleagues
    • the receiver of the goods
  • 2.2

    Give examples of information which can be obtained from the internet to support effective and efficient route planning.

3

Be able to plan and monitor a delivery route.

  • Factors
    Road traffic accidents; unforeseen road closures; availability of appropriate vehicles; availability of appropriate drivers; restricted access to receiver; IT failure; unforeseen change to customer requirements.
  • Documents
    Summary sheet; delivery dockets; collection notes; specialist documents (e.g. for dangerous goods); bill of lading; customs documents; consignment notes.
  • Monitoring
    Ringing/messaging drivers; ringing messaging receivers; electronic tagging of vehicles; electronic receipting of delivery; vehicle tracking systems

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    State factors which a planner cannot control but which have an impact on route planning. 

  • 3.2

    Produce an effective and efficient simple route plan.

  • 3.3

    Give examples of documents relating to a planned delivery. 

  • 3.4

    Give examples of how a planned delivery route can be monitored.