How SeaRates' Route Planner API Optimises Logistics Planning

Route planning software digitises the labour-intensive planning process for logistics professionals, finding optimal routes from origin to destinations in seconds. Planning routes digitally offers a range of benefits that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall operational performance.

The latest logistics route planner solutions use advanced technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, which enable smart resource allocation and optimised delivery schedules. For logistics professionals, this means that they can maximise productivity in minutes rather than hours. This intelligent approach not only streamlines operations but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions by optimising vehicle usage and reducing fuel consumption.

The best logistics route planning software solutions automate the complex process of order segregation, route planning, and resource allocation, saving valuable time and human resources. This automation extends to data-driven decision-making, allowing logistics businesses to refine their planning strategies based on real-time insights and historical performance data.

The ROI on route planning software can be substantial; by minimising empty miles, vehicle idling time, and optimising capacity utilisation, these systems significantly reduce overall transportation costs. This week, we’ll explain the route planning basics and how to make the most of our Route Planner API.

The Route Planning Basics

Traditional route planning for logistics involved these basic manual steps:

1.????? Understanding your cargo: Assess the type, size, and any special needs of your shipment.

2.???? Picking your transport: Comparing air, sea, rail, and road options based on speed, cost, and what suited your cargo best.

3.???? Mapping out possible routes: Searching for different paths, considering travel time, expenses, and potential delays or regional disruptions.

4.???? Finding reliable carriers: Identifying trustworthy transport companies, individually checking and comparing schedules, to make sure they had space for your shipment.

5.???? Trimming the costs: Negotiating quotes, via telephone or email, factoring in extra fees, and exploring money-saving tactics like combining shipments.

6.????? Double-checking compliance: Ensuring accurate paperwork, customs rules, and evidence that all the legal boxes were ticked for a smooth journey.

Using the SeaRates Route Planner tool

Our route optimisation API is designed for ease of use. Plan your routes effectively and achieve a new level of supply chain transparency and visibility, all in a few clicks and minutes.

How to get started:

1.????? Enter your container's reference or order number.

2.???? Complete the description form.

Next, you'll see a table for loading and discharge points. Here you can:

3.???? Select location types (Sea Port, Land/Warehouse, Airport, Rail Station)

4.??? Input transit details and dates in the Place and Event fields

5.???? Your route will then be displayed on an interactive map.

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Two ways to integrate Route Planner

Web integration: Embed route information directly on your platform or website. Web integration allows you to seamlessly embed real-time shipment data directly into your website, providing customers with instant access to route information without leaving your platform.

API integration: Connect the tool with your existing CRM, ERP, or TMS systems. API integration, on the other hand, enables smooth data flow between the Route Planner and your existing systems like CRM, ERP, or TMS, streamlining your internal processes and ensuring consistent, up-to-date information across all your business tools.

Boosting Multimodal Shipping Efficiency

Cost optimisation is a standout feature of the Route Planner tool. It meticulously analyses various mode combinations, finding an optimal balance between speed and expense, often uncovering cost-effective solutions that might be overlooked or inaccessible to logistics managers planning manually.

The Route Planner tool seamlessly connects with SeaRates' Tracking and Booking systems, creating a unified platform for end-to-end logistics management. Shipping IDs generated in Route Planner are instantly accessible in the Tracking System, for continuous visibility.

This integration provides accurate, real-time data for each booking, providing users with automatic updates to tracking information based on booking numbers, creating a fluid, interconnected workflow.

By combining these key functions, businesses can access a single streamlined solution in Route Planner API that increases efficiency, reduces errors, and provides a comprehensive view of multimodal shipping operations.

Final Thoughts

SeaRates' Route Planner is versatile, catering to all your logistics needs, offering comprehensive solutions for both port-to-port and door-to-door services. ?By digitising your logistics planning, logistics managers can effortlessly plan routes between any loading point and final destination while providing instant access to transit times, route descriptions, and competitive freight rates for a wide range of shipping services.

Request an IT Quote?for the best logistics route optimisation API and a smooth supply chain processes.