As online shopping continues
to grow, sustainable logistics are greatly in demand. Therefore, it’s only
logical that bicycle deliveries are also taking off.
Bicycle couriers are getting busier all the
time. Cycling to and fro for each individual order is not very efficient; it’s
better to take several packages at a time. Although this is possible, working
out the quickest route between addresses can be a real brain teaser.
Useful tool
Online route planner RouteXL has been on the
case, and this useful tool is now available for cyclists. “There is a lot of
demand for bicycle routes, so we recently added them to our route planner”,
says owner Paul Mars. “Using route optimisation saves a lot of time, both in
terms of planning and during delivery. It’s a logistical must
have”.
RouteXL is based on the bicycle routes of
OpenStreetMap, the freely editable map service. Once a route has been drawn up
it can be shared with colleagues using, for example, Whatsapp.
Virtually all existing mobile navigation apps can be used to give directions en route.
Cycling promoter Jos
Sluijsmans no longer works as a bicycle courier, but he would have really
appreciated this service: “Bicycle couriers who have been in the business for
longer have generally worked out their own system, but this is a great tool for
newcomers”.
Free for the first 20 stops
RouteXL is free for the first 20 stops for
general use. To try it, go to www.routexl.com. Click on Options > Routing > Vehicle and select bicycle
routes.
