Last-mile logistics is the final stage of a logistics process where the goods are moved from the transportation hub to its final destination. Last-mile logistics is a critical aspect of the logistics process that is responsible for the timely delivery of goods. It also happens to be extremely expensive compared to the rest of the journey. One of the main culprits behind this is vehicle idling. It may seem harmless at first but it has many repercussions for the business’s sustainability.
In this blog, we will understand what is vehicle idling, its effects on operational efficiency, and the key strategies you can use to reduce vehicle idling.
A] What is Vehicle Idling?
Vehicle idling occurs when drivers keep the engine running when the vehicle is parked. This can happen when the goods are being loaded and unloaded, while it is stuck in traffic, or during document reviews. This happens due to ignorance or as a habit; however, it is detrimental to the environment and also results in wasted resources and higher operating costs.
B] How Does Vehicle Idling Impact Operational Efficiency?
- Vehicle Maintenance: The extensive engine running has adverse effects on the engine’s longevity and also increases the wear and tear on other components. Idling leads to constant vehicle maintenance and repairs.
- Time Management and Driver Productivity: Vehicle idling increases the delivery delays and also decreases the driver’s productivity. By removing vehicle idling, drivers can do more deliveries in less time.
- Environmental Impact: Running the vehicle for extended periods leads to excessive carbon emissions. By reducing vehicle idling businesses can prioritise sustainability and environmental health.
- Fuel Charges: Vehicles consume fuel when the engines are running, even if the vehicle is not moving. Unnecessary fuel consumption increases the operational cost of last-mile delivery and also affects the environment.
C] Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Idling in Last-Mile Logistics
1. Adopt Advanced Technology
Using advanced technology like adaptive analysis, intelligent algorithms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning can help to improve the delivery process. This does not only help to shorten the delivery time but also improve productivity. Drivers can also incorporate live GSP systems in their vehicles to choose the fastest routes. This reduces the driver’s work as they have to drive less while also minimising unnecessary detours, idle time, and fuel wastage. Shortening the delivery time is especially important in the case of cold chain logistics.
2. Driver Training Programs
Vehicle idling is oftentimes an unconscious decision from the driver. Drivers simply keep the vehicle running because it is the convenient option without even realising its effects. An effective solution here would be to educate drivers on the negative effects of vehicle idling in logistics and create a training program. A training program could ensure that drivers are operating at optimal efficiency. The training program could also be designed to take in feedback from drivers and address the on-ground challenges they face.
3. Optimise Routes and Schedules
Another way to reduce vehicle idling time is to optimise the routes and schedules for delivery. One of the major factors leading to last-mile delivery vehicle idling is city traffic. Drives often get stuck due to busy roads, ongoing construction, or long traffic signals. While training drivers to turn off the engine in such situations is a start, it only cures the symptoms and not the root cause. Using last-mile delivery software businesses can figure out the best routes, schedules, and slots for delivery. Route optimisation reduces the driver’s work, saves fuel, and improves customer service.
4. Smart Delivery Practices
Smart delivery practices like reducing waiting time and involving micro-fulfilment centres can be a great way to optimise last-mile delivery. Improving process coordination helps to reduce wait times for vehicles during the acquisition and delivery of goods. Micro-fulfilment centres on the other hand allow businesses to streamline the last-mile delivery by reducing the delivery distance. Businesses can partner with several local warehouses throughout different cities to connect with customers faster. This helps to reduce wait times and delivery costs.
5. Use of Sustainable Vehicles
Using vehicles that have a higher mileage and consume less fuel helps to reduce the environmental and financial impact of idling. You can adopt electric or hybrid vehicles for your delivery fleet. These vehicles have less emissions, reduce air pollution, and are environmentally sustainable. While this may not reduce idling, it removes several negative impacts of idling. The shift to sustainable transportation is a critical step towards environmentally friendly and economical last-mile delivery solutions.
6. Utilise Real-Time Data To Identify Inefficiencies
Predictive analytics is a modern technology that helps businesses identify potential inefficiencies by tracking and monitoring historical as well as real-time data. With predictive analytics, businesses can predict demand patterns and adjust delivery schedules accordingly. With enough foresight, businesses can prepare for possible problems like traffic to optimise routes and delivery slots. A shorter route with fewer stops along the way means the vehicle will have less chance to stay idle.
D] Benefits of Tackling Vehicle Idling
1. Reduced fuel costs and operational expenses.
One of the most prominent advantages of minimising vehicle idling is lower fuel consumption. Businesses can save money on fuel costs and bring down operating costs as well. Lesser operational costs mean the business can have a higher profit margin and stay more competitive.
2. Lower environmental impact and compliance with regulations.
An engine running emits toxic elements like greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants are hazardous to the environment and lead to several respiratory and auto-immune health issues. Lower emissions have a positive impact on the environment.
3. Enhanced efficiency in last-mile delivery operations.
Reducing vehicle idle time involves strategies like route optimisation, fewer stops, and partnering with local warehouses. While these things reduce vehicle idle time, they also help reduce delivery time. Thus enhancing last-mile efficiency.
Conclusion
Last-mile delivery is the most important, costly, and complex part of the entire logistics process. Vehicle idling is an unnecessary aspect of last-mile logistics that only adds to this problem. By using advanced technologies like GPS, intelligent algorithms, machine learning and training drivers to turn off the vehicle when parked the problem of vehicle idling can be tackled effectively. Additionally, using real-time data and sustainable vehicles can also reduce delivery time and emissions.
If you are looking for a reputed last-mile logistics company that can help you with vehicle idling, get in touch with JustDeliveries today.
