As fleet managers know, fleet optimization is about cutting costs, using trucks efficiently, and keeping them on the road. For many carriers, this is easier said than done. Trucks break down, drivers get stuck in traffic, paperwork gets lost and delayed — but it doesn’t have to be like this.
That’s where fleet optimization strategies, and the right software, come into play.
This post explains how fleet optimization solves problems for carriers and how software simplifies fleet optimization.
Common Inefficiencies in Trucking Operations
Fleet optimization challenges many carriers — from inefficient routes and unpredictable fuel costs to compliance demands, driver safety, and vehicle reliability. Even minor inefficiencies can result in significant costs and lost revenue. Identifying these problem areas is the first step toward improving truckload efficiency. Here are some of the most common barriers
Limited flexibility for smaller shipments
Direct shipping is only efficient for businesses consistently filling trucks or containers. Smaller or irregular shipments lead to wasted space and unnecessary costs.
Higher costs for low-volume shippers
Low-volume shippers often pay for unused space, making LTL shipping a more cost-effective option.
Restricted delivery routes
Direct shipping is fast but lacks flexibility for multi-stop deliveries. LTL or shared shipping offers more adaptable routes.
No consolidation opportunities
Dedicated shipping prevents goods from being consolidated with other businesses, missing out on cost savings.
Increased empty miles
Dedicated shipments may return empty without a backhaul, wasting fuel and revenue. Carriers frequently run empty for 15-30% of their total miles. In 2023, 43% of truckloads moved less than half full.
Compliance and regulatory costs
Direct shipping must meet various regulations on weight and size, adding complexity and expense.
Volume requirements for discounts
Volume pricing is only available for businesses shipping large quantities, limiting cost savings for inconsistent shippers.
Knowing where these inefficiencies lie allows you to focus on solutions that drive real improvements.
Value of Strategic Load Planning
Truckload efficiency begins with careful load planning. Here are some easy ways to make each load as efficient as possible:
- Optimize cargo placement: Arrange loads based on size, weight, and priority to prevent damage and maximize capacity. Heavier items should be placed on the bottom, with lighter or fragile goods secured on top.
- Leverage multi-stop routes: Combine compatible deliveries into multi-stop routes to increase load density and reduce empty miles.
- Use load planning software: Automate load optimization based on dimensions, weight limits, and delivery priorities. This reduces planning time and minimizes loading errors.
- Set clear loading guidelines: Standardize loading procedures for drivers and warehouse teams to ensure balanced weight and secure cargo. This reduces the risk of damage and improves unloading speed.
- Monitor efficiency metrics: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) like load factor (space used versus available capacity), load density (weight per cubic meter), and load accuracy. Regular reviews can highlight areas for improvement.
By continuously monitoring and adjusting load strategies, fleet managers can enhance truckload efficiencies, lower fuel consumption, and improve delivery reliability.
How a TMS Improves Truckload Efficiencies
Achieving truckload efficiencies can be challenging without the right tools. A transportation management system (TMS) provides the structure and visibility needed to overcome these challenges. It streamlines operations by providing drivers, dispatchers, and back-office teams with real-time visibility into tasks, transforming complex processes into automated workflows.
How a TMS improves truckload efficiencies:
- Real-time scheduling: Adjust routes and delivery times instantly, reducing delays and last-minute changes.
- Capacity management: Quickly match drivers with loads based on their skill sets and availability, ensuring optimal resource utilization, even during peak demand.
- Backhaul optimization: Automatically match empty trucks with nearby loads to reduce empty miles.
- Centralized tracking: Monitor driver locations, track load status, and communicate with drivers—all from one platform.
- Data-driven decisions: Access reports on delivery times, loaded miles, and fuel efficiency, helping you spot improvement areas.
With a TMS, your fleet runs with clear processes instead of guesswork. It reduces costs, improves service, and helps you get more out of every mile.
Customer Success Story: Masonite
Masonite, a leading manufacturer, faced operational challenges with their outdated TMS. Manual shipment entries, limited visibility into carrier performance, and inefficient spot bidding were just a few of the issues that hindered their growth.
But then Masonite switched to PCS, a leading TMS provider that makes full truckload shipping easier with better route planning, automated billing, and real-time tracking.
Here is what changed.
- Increased shipment volume: Weekly truckload shipments rose by 37%, from approximately 950 to 1,300, without needing to add extra staff.
- Enhanced visibility: The new TMS provided real-time insights, identifying 150–200 weekly shipments that were previously unmanaged.
- Optimized spot bidding: Masonite tripled their spot quotes using PCS’s Market Rates feature, while maintaining strict control over spot rates through benchmarking.
- Improved financial oversight: PCS enabled better management of fuel programs and accessorial charges, improving spend visibility.
Masonite’s experience is just one of many success stories that show why PCS is the preferred TMS for carriers.
Run a More Efficient Truckload Operation with PCS
PCS TMS helps you coordinate your entire operation, cutting waste, driving efficiency, and boosting profitability.
PCS unifies dispatch, routing, driver communication, compliance, billing, and tracking—replacing disconnected tools and paperwork chaos.
You don’t need to fix everything at once. Start with what’s costing you the most, and we’ll help you build a faster, more profitable operation.
Request your personalized demo today and see how the PCS TMS can help you streamline your operations.
FAQ
Empty miles are a top contributor. When trucks aren’t loaded, every mile driven cuts into profit. Reducing those miles through better planning and full truckload shipping leads to quick improvements.
It automates invoicing once drivers upload paperwork from the road. Invoices are generated with the correct documents attached and sent immediately, improving truckload efficiencies.
No. PCS is designed to work in stages. You can start with billing, dispatch, or routing—whatever makes the most sense—and add features as you go.
PCS’s TMS optimizes full truckload shipping by streamlining route planning, load management, and driver communication, ensuring better truckload efficiencies.
