AI use-case directory · Logistics & Warehousing

Route optimization: real AI examples and a starter prompt

Optimization algorithms plan delivery routes that cover all stops and time windows with fewer miles, fuel and drivers.

Best for: Logistics leads

Real-world examples

UPS

ORION routing cut 6 to 8 miles per route and was expected to save 100 million miles, 10 million gallons of fuel and more than $300 million a year at full U.S. rollout.

Source: UPS press release (GlobeNewswire, 2015)

Tools

Free or low-cost options first, then enterprise platforms.

Google OR-Tools (free, open source)
Route4Me / Circuit (low-cost)
Descartes
ORTEC

Starter prompt

Replace the [BRACKETS]. Remove names and confidential numbers first.

I run [N] delivery stops a day from one depot with [V] vehicles and time windows. Explain how to set this up as a vehicle routing problem in Google OR-Tools, what data columns I need, and how to compare the result with today's routes.

Related Brief coverage

#freight

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