Route Planning

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
M/617/5695
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Aim

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

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand route planning.

  • Key factors
    Availability of appropriate vehicles; type and nature of the goods; capacity utilisation; ability/capacity to adapt to changes; opportunity/desirability to use of third-party shippers.
  • Reducing costs
    Less driving/shorter distance; improve fuel efficiency; save time; service more customers – fewer vehicles used; reduce wear and tear of vehicles; reduce servicing and maintenance costs of vehicles; increased safety; less stressful on drivers.
  • Technology and route planning
    Suggest effective and efficient routes; monitor vehicles; monitor driving hours; integrate transport into logistic management systems.
  • Monitoring
    To meet customer requirements; to maintain/improve efficiency; to benefit from back loads; to keep delivery schedule on time; to track time of deliveries.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Outline key factors which should be considered when planning a route.

  • 1.2

    Explain how effective and efficient route planning can reduce business costs.

  • 1.3

    Explain how route planning technologies are used to support effective and efficient route planning.

  • 1.4

    Explain why monitoring a planned delivery route is important.

2

Understand how information is used to plan a route.

  • Information from
    -     Colleagues
    Goods despatched to correct receiver; correct vehicle selected (capacity v weight/size); goods despatched on time; identify if goods are to be collected; are special vehicles required (hazardous freight, chilled/frozen goods); allocate appropriate driver.
    - Receiver
    Identify delivery restrictions; establish delivery time/time frame; identify goods for collection; establish if there are special instructions.
  • Using the Internet
    Avoid roadworks and/or barriers to delivery; use real time road traffic information to monitor the route; track vehicle movements; real time updating of deliveries once signed for; live delivery routes can be shared with receivers.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Explain how information from internal colleagues informs the planning of a route.

  • 2.2

    Explain how information from the receiver of goods informs the planning of a route.

  • 2.3

    Explain how information obtainable from the internet can be used to support effective and efficient route planning.

3

Be able to plan a delivery route.

  • Barriers
    Re-route a delivery to avoid road traffic accidents and unforeseen road closures; liaise with transport staff to ensure availability of appropriate vehicles and drivers; liaise with receivers to overcome restricted access; keep a manual record of the route in the event of IT failure; timely confirmation of delivery with customers to establish unforeseen change to customer requirements.
  • Monitoring
    To meet customer requirements; to maintain/improve efficiency; to benefit from back loads; to keep delivery schedule on time; to track time of deliveries.
  • Documents
    Summary sheet; delivery dockets; collection notes; specialist documents (e.g. for dangerous goods); bill of lading; customs documents; consignment notes.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Outline ways to overcome factors which a planner cannot control but which have an impact on route planning.

  • 3.2

    Produce an effective and efficient complex route plan.

  • 3.3

    Organise documents relating to a planned delivery route.