{"id":8727,"date":"2026-01-25T14:46:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T20:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routeware.com\/blog\/route-optimization-with-every-turn-of-the-wheel-weve-got-your-back\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T10:26:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:26:07","slug":"route-optimization-with-every-turn-of-the-wheel-weve-got-your-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routeware.com\/en_gb\/blog\/route-optimization-with-every-turn-of-the-wheel-weve-got-your-back\/","title":{"rendered":"Route Optimization: With Every Turn of the Wheel, We’ve Got Your Back"},"content":{"rendered":"

Routeware started off selling route optimization software \u2013 it is, quite literally, the foundation of our name.<\/p>\n

Even as our waste management solutions have expanded and evolved over the decades, a dedicated and reliable route optimization system has only become more of a priority for our customers. As the prices of gas, labor, and equipment continue to increase, saving fuel and time on routes, reducing wear and tear on trucks, and providing drivers with more balanced schedules are more important than ever.<\/p>\n

Additionally, with shifting market conditions, rapidly fluctuating service populations, and driver turnover and absence, staying dynamic and flexible with routing has never been more essential.<\/p>\n

Routeware has grown and evolved since we first tackled the routing challenge over twenty years ago, but one thing remains very much the same: we\u2019ve got your back at every turn with the best route optimization software for waste management.<\/p>\n

When private hauler Meridian Waste, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, undertook our route optimization system in one of its markets, it freed up 34 percent of solid waste vehicles and eliminated 26 percent of trash routes while reducing route miles and related emissions by 21 percent. Additionally, they were able to phase out aging collection vehicles without the need to replace them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How Our Routing Optimization Software Helps<\/h2>\n

Costs Down, Profits Up<\/h3>\n

By conservative estimates, digitally-aided route optimization projects generally create a cost saving of 10 to 15 percent<\/a>. How? Optimized routes use fewer trucks, need fewer drivers, and consume less fuel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Making the most of resources is at the heart of optimization. Placing the right trucks and drivers in the right places at the right times delivers the efficiencies that make undertaking route redesign worthwhile.<\/p>\n

American Refuse, a private hauler located in California, can now complete rerouting to accommodate additional customers in about two hours, allowing the business to scale. \u201cThe route management software is the heartbeat of the company,\u201d says Jeff Martin, Owner of American Refuse.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Another way to grow profitability<\/a> is to increase route density. If your trucks are passing prospective customers on their daily routes, that\u2019s an opportunity you shouldn\u2019t miss. It may be as simple as sending marketing communications to businesses in close proximity to your existing routes, or you may offer more competitive pricing to customers that are easier for you to serve.<\/p>\n

As you bring new customers on and route density increases, you\u2019ll need to look at optimizing and rebalancing route plans. That\u2019s why Routeware offers route optimization tools<\/a> designed to intelligently sequence and balance stops as part of our platform. By distributing work more effectively across routes, haulers can accommodate growth in customer numbers while using fewer trucks and staff.<\/p>\n

Time is Money With Route Optimization Tools for Waste Management<\/h3>\n

When time is of the essence, it\u2019s especially important that software tools are easy to master.<\/p>\n

Routeware\u2019s truck route optimization tool is \u201ceasy to use and easy to train\u201d, said Sean Steves, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Solid Waste Operations for Casella Waste Systems, Inc<\/a>. \u201cWe have experienced great success with utilizing the tool across the full spectrum of route optimization.\u201d<\/p>\n

Route optimization software is the fastest way to plan more efficient waste collection routes \u2013 enabling you to implement new routes that reduce costs and emissions while balancing human resources. Digital route planning can be done in a fraction of the time compared to manual, paper-based processes. This means you can rebalance routes more frequently and deliver them to drivers much faster.<\/p>\n

In Loveland, CO, \u201cDrivers used to finish so late, they weren\u2019t able to do daily maintenance.\u201d Now \u2013 thanks to Routeware’s route optimization tools \u2013 the number of stops per route decreased by up to 30 percent, meaning drivers finish earlier, complete daily maintenance, get home to their families, and keep their vehicles safe.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nJeremy Stewart, Business Analyst – Loveland, CO<\/a><\/p>\n

Plus, in-cab computers<\/a> connecting trucks to the back office provide instantaneous communications to ensure that costly, one-off bin collection scenarios \u2013 like going back to collect a missed bin or non-collection of a contaminated bin \u2013 are minimized or resolved as efficiently as possible.<\/p>\n

Digital in-cab communications allow supervisors to notify the nearest crew immediately so a problem can be dealt with quickly and without unnecessary miles or a costly return visit. On-board computers dramatically improve customer service by providing residents with up-to-the-minute route information, reducing case resolution times.<\/p>\n

Onboarding & Routing Simplified<\/h3>\n

Municipal and private haulers used to redesign routes a few times in their careers. As neighborhoods changed, longtime drivers made accommodations and improvised alongside their colleagues to make things work.<\/p>\n

The most complex rerouting projects likely involved paper maps, a whiteboard, and several hours in the conference room. Generally, the analysis ended there, and everyone would simply have to hope that they\u2019d made the correct routing choices.<\/p>\n

Today, solid waste collection \u2013 and indeed the entire waste industry \u2013 is in the midst of an ongoing digital transformation. Many waste haulers have abandoned legacy waste collection routing processes in favor of digital waste management solutions, and forward-looking leaders are taking things a step further by focusing on efficient, agile solutions that consider future route changes, as well as inefficiencies within current waste collection routes.<\/p>\n

At Casella Waste Systems, a recent acquisition project reduced miles by 21%, cut fuel use by 5,000 gallons\/year, and prevented 52 metric tons of emissions\/year. Plus, a quicker routing process for new routes leads to faster integration overall, including quicker insights into return on investment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Routeware\u2019s route optimization system employs advanced algorithms to guide the fleet management & route dispatch process. Additionally, fleet managers can layer in additional criteria (e.g. narrow streets, required turns, low bridges, etc.) and other street data to further refine the route optimization<\/a> for waste management. To solve those problems, fleet managers can edit travel paths directly in the software, enabling the routes to remove undesirable streets or make required turns at certain intersections or hard-to-service streets.<\/p>\n

These custom routing sequences can be uploaded directly into the fleet management dashboard for immediate implementation.\u00a0On-board computers that provide complete route information and turn-by-turn directions offer guidance and eliminate guesswork, allowing new and veteran drivers alike to feel confident about their work. With the use of tools such as these, driver training in Loveland, CO, has been reduced from three months to just two weeks.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can train a person to run a trash truck in two weeks, and after that, we can just let them go,\u201d said Crew Supervisor Nathan Rasmussen. With on-board tools and a complete route optimization system, \u201cthey don\u2019t need to know the routes or the streets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sustainability Savvy<\/h3>\n

The role of solid waste in global warming is not insignificant \u2013 the industry is responsible for more than 3 percent of greenhouse gas production annually. That means there are many opportunities to decrease emissions and meet critical sustainability goals.<\/a><\/p>\n

In an industry that involves visiting every address on the map with heavy trucks multiple times per month, along with load hauling and decomposition on a massive scale, only a concerted effort on multiple fronts will make a dent in greenhouse gas production. As cities and private fleets implement longer-term initiatives, like shifting to EV vehicles and capturing landfill emissions, digital waste management solutions, such as route optimization software, are a valuable tool for meeting sustainability goals.<\/p>\n

Fleets that undergo regular waste management route optimization exercises improve their fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle wear and tear. Our truck route optimization software provides municipalities and haulers with detailed fleet reporting and analytics<\/a> to help them plan and quantify greenhouse gas reduction strategies and cost-saving targets.<\/p>\n

Lexington, KY, was able to reroute collections of 360,000 carts across garbage, recycling and yard waste streams \u2013 over a million service points \u2013 in just three months with Routeware\u2019s route optimization software. By planning and resourcing properly and selecting the right tool, the city saved considerable time on a project that previously would have taken two years.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Stay flexible, nimble, and ready to win. Use Routeware\u2019s Routing Management Software<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Route Optimization Software Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Routeware’s route optimization system saves on time, money, and emissions, all while keeping your fleet operations flexible and agile enough to deal with any and all changes that come your way.<\/p>\n

The days of one-and-done, paper-based route optimization are past. Today\u2019s forward-thinking fleet operators are working toward increased agility and resilience within a continuous improvement model and digital solutions.<\/p>\n

As populations grow, new collections are added and others are removed, collection weights go up and down, and crew and fleet makeup change over time. Those fleet operators who commit to keeping data up to date in a continuous fashion will realize the greatest efficiencies in their operations while saving money for their organizations.<\/p>\n

Waste collection route optimization is one of the most important steps towards sustainable, cost-effective operations. Routeware\u2019s expertise can help you make this first step.<\/p>\n

Gaeta Green Environmental Services, a private hauler located in New York, improved routes, optimized system data, and decreased mileage and associated emissions. \u201cRouteware has definitely helped with efficiency. We analyze our operations using the breadcrumbs feature in the route optimization system, which helps us cut down on emissions to fulfill our environmental mission.\u201d
\n\"\"<\/a>
\nRachel Lattanzio, Chief Operations Officer – Gaeta Green Environmental Services<\/a><\/p>\n

Interested in learning more about what our truck route optimization software can do for you? Get Started<\/a> today with your initial quick and free consultation.<\/p>\n