Why route optimization matters
Fuel is one of the largest variable costs for waste haulers. Inefficient routes—driving extra miles, backtracking, idle time—burn cash. Route optimization software sequences stops to minimize total distance and time. Haulers commonly save 5+ gallons per truck per day. At $3.50/gallon and 20 trucks, that's $10,000+ per month. Use our ROI calculator to estimate your savings.
How manual routing falls short
Dispatchers building routes by hand rely on experience and intuition. That works for small fleets but doesn't scale. New stops, service changes, and traffic patterns make manual routing time-consuming and suboptimal. Software considers all stops, time windows, and constraints to find better sequences in minutes.
What optimization software does
Route optimization tools ingest stop locations, service times, and constraints (e.g., one-way streets, weight limits). Algorithms minimize total drive time and distance while respecting capacity and time windows. Results are sequences that drivers follow via mobile apps or printed route sheets. TrashLab integrates optimization with dispatch and billing.
Real-world savings
Haulers report 10–20% reductions in miles and fuel. Some achieve 5+ gallons saved per truck per day. Labor savings come from faster routes—more stops per day or shorter shifts. Fewer miles also mean less wear on trucks and lower maintenance. See our industry statistics for benchmarks.
Implementation tips
Start with accurate stop data—addresses, service frequency, container sizes. Clean up duplicates and bad addresses. Run optimization daily or weekly as orders change. Train drivers on the new system; some resistance is normal. Measure before and after: miles, fuel, stops per day.
Beyond fuel: Labor and asset utilization
Optimization also improves labor productivity. Drivers finish routes faster, allowing more stops or earlier finishes. Container turns improve when pickups are scheduled efficiently. Use our salary guide to benchmark labor costs. Better routes mean more revenue per driver hour.
Integration with dispatch and billing
Standalone optimization helps, but integration is better. When dispatch, routing, and billing share data, orders flow smoothly from request to invoice. TrashLab connects route optimization with service records and invoice generation.
Frequently asked questions
How much can route optimization save?
Haulers often save 10–20% on fuel and see 5+ gallons per truck per day in reductions. Use our ROI calculator for your fleet.
How does route optimization software work?
Software uses algorithms to sequence stops, minimizing total distance and time while respecting constraints like capacity and time windows.
Is route optimization worth it for small fleets?
Yes. Even 5–10 truck operations see meaningful savings. Percentage gains can be higher when current routing is suboptimal.
What data do i need for route optimization?
Stop addresses, service frequency, container sizes, and any time windows or special constraints. Clean data improves results.
Next steps
Run your numbers through our ROI calculator. Get in touch with TrashLab to see route optimization in action.
