How Does USPS Plan Its Delivery Routes

In this digital age, everything is just a tap away. With smartphones and the internet, people can get what they need instantly. This convenience has benefited not only individuals but also businesses. Enhanced communication, data collection, and connectivity have allowed various sectors to expand and thrive.

Take logistics, for example. In the 1900s, package deliveries took weeks or even months. Now, same-day and two-day deliveries are standard. The USPS (United States Postal Service) has been a key player in revolutionizing logistics.

Ever wondered how USPS plans its delivery routes? This blog will give you an inside look at how the company operates and handles long-distance deliveries.

In this post:

• How USPS Plans Its Delivery Routes
• How Other Delivery Companies Plan Their Delivery Routes
• How Route Planning Software Boosts the Delivery Process
• How eLogii Simplifies Route Planning
• FAQs About Usps Delivery Routes

How USPS Plans Its Delivery Routes

USPS, the United States Postal Service, is run by the US federal government. They manage over 31,000 local post offices and deliver more than 140 billion pieces of mail every year.

USPS handles the entire journey of a package, from the mailbox or local post office to your doorstep.

1. USPS Priorities and Planning

USPS has a huge workforce, so they need a system to stay organized. That's where routing plans come in. These plans help USPS decide what each employee will do every day.

The routing plans are split into two parts: the "day-before" plan and the "daily" plan. The day-before plan covers tasks like sorting mail and moving packages to different facilities. The daily plan details what mail carriers will do on their route, like delivering mail and packages.

The daily plan is broken into sections called "runs," based on location. Each run has a set amount of time for employees to complete it.

2. DBCS and Route Optimization

Efficiency is key for any business, and USPS focuses on it by optimizing routes and delivery times. They consider factors like the amount of mail, delivery locations, and the experience of each carrier. USPS uses different types of software to help with this.

One of these tools is the Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS). This software reads the barcodes on each piece of mail and sorts them into the best order for delivery.

DBCS teams up with other systems to streamline the process. The Automated Package Processing System (APPS) sorts packages by size and weight, while the Automated Flats Sorting Machine (AFSM) handles flat mail by size. Together, these systems ensure efficient distribution of all mail types, from First-Class letters to Priority Mail packages.

The last step in route optimization is crucial: using 360-degree cameras to photograph every address in America. Yes, every mailbox, including yours, has been photographed!

These photos help carriers learn their routes faster, saving time and improving delivery accuracy. They also assist in planning holiday deliveries more effectively, which is essential when over 900 million pieces of mail are sent during the holidays.

Check out what to consider when choosing a delivery route planning app for your business.

How Other Delivery Companies Plan Their Delivery Routes

FedEx Route Planning

FedEx delivers over 6 million packages daily to 400 destinations using 650 planes. Their efficient network includes superhubs, delivery vehicles, drivers, and ground staff. Here's how they plan routes:

1. Sorting by Zip Code FedEx drivers sort packages by zip code, making area coverage easier. Sorting starts early, with drivers beginning their routes at 11 a.m., delivering the closest packages first.
2. Loading by Route At the hub, packages are scanned and loaded onto trucks based on the driver’s route. The scanner alerts if a package is not on the correct route.

UPS Route Planning

UPS delivers to 220 territories with over 500,000 employees. In 2019, they handled about 5.5 billion packages. Here's their approach:

1. ORION Software UPS uses ORION (On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation) to save fuel and time. This software optimizes routes based on extensive data analysis.
2. Curbside Delivery UPS only picks up or delivers parcels on the right side of the vehicle, reducing stops and allowing right turns at red lights. This method helps save fuel and streamlines the delivery process.

How Route Planning Software Boosts the Delivery Process

Route planning is key to successful delivery services. The process starts with picking up items from suppliers and ends with delivering them to their destination. It involves stages like pick-up, warehousing, inventory management, distribution, and final delivery.

After receiving the goods, they are temporarily stored in a warehouse. This involves loading the items onto trucks, transporting them to the warehouse, and unloading them.

Once stored, the goods are kept until they’re ready for distribution. If you run a delivery business, route planning software can help you manage and optimize these routes more effectively.

Route planning software makes it easy to manage many routes efficiently. If you have several warehouses for product delivery, you can set up different routes for each one and keep track of all your contacts separately. This software helps cut down delivery time and reduces fuel costs.

Learn more about what is delivery route planning and why it is helpful for your business.

How eLogii Simplifies Route Planning

eLogii is built to address the challenges customers, logistics companies, and delivery drivers face. It’s a route optimization tool that finds the best routes for your vehicles and handles last-minute changes, considering factors like delivery destinations, traffic, and weather.

It removes the hassle of manual planning, reducing the chance of errors. eLogii’s algorithm suggests routes that use less fuel and help drivers deliver more packages in less time.

In the end, eLogii benefits everyone involved—customers, delivery drivers, and logistics companies. It even provides paperless proof of delivery when drivers mark packages as delivered. eLogii plays a crucial role throughout the entire delivery process.

FAQs About Usps Delivery Routes