The verdict in three sentences
A dedicated route optimization engine for last-mile delivery costs 25,000 to 70,000 EUR and ships in 4 to 6 months. The typical gain is -12 to -25 % of kilometres and +15 % on-time delivery, integrating your real constraints: time slots, vehicle capacity, tail lifts, customer windows. The return is measured first in fuel and driver hours, then in satisfaction and delivery capacity at constant headcount.
How the algorithm cuts kilometres
Optimization is not just ordering points on a map: it balances distance, time, promised slots and business rules. A good engine recomputes continuously and absorbs disruptions (delays, cancellations, new stops).
| Constraint handled | Without optimization | With 2026 engine |
|---|---|---|
| Average km per route | 145 km | 112 - 128 km |
| Stops per route | 22 | 27 - 30 |
| Slot on-time rate | 78 % | 90 - 93 % |
| Planning time/day | 2h30 (manual) | 15 min (auto) |
| Customer-reported delays | High | -40 to -55 % |
Before / after on an urban fleet
The table below shows the impact on a fleet of 10 vehicles running one route per day, 260 days a year, at a full cost of 0.90 EUR/km.
| Indicator | Before | After (-18 %) | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet km/day | 1,450 km | 1,189 km | 261 km/day |
| Fleet km/year | 377,000 km | 309,140 km | 67,860 km |
| Km cost/year | 339,300 EUR | 278,226 EUR | 61,074 EUR |
| Driver hours/day | 80 h | ~70 h | ~10 h/day |
| Project cost (amortised) | - | 55,000 EUR | payback ~11 months |
Mini case study
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Sophie, operations manager at a fresh-produce delivery firm in Nantes, runs 10 vehicles and 377,000 km/year. Deploying a 55,000 EUR optimization engine, she goes from 145 to 119 km per route (-18 %), saving 67,860 km and about 61,000 EUR a year. She also frees 10 driver hours a day, reassigned to extra deliveries without new hires. Payback in under twelve months.
FAQ
What is the realistic mileage gain? A 2026 order of magnitude of -12 to -25 %, depending on point density, slot width and the geocoding quality of your addresses. Dense urban zones get the best results.
Do drivers need GPS? Yes, integration with GPS and a driver app enables real-time tracking, in-route re-optimization and proof of delivery, which maximises the gains.
How long to deploy? Plan 4 to 6 months: constraint scoping, data integration (addresses, capacities, slots), algorithm setup, then a pilot on one depot before rollout.
Does optimization really improve on-time delivery? Yes, +15 % on average, because the engine respects promised windows and flags delay risks early, which also cuts customer calls by 40 to 55 %.
Can we keep our specific business rules? That is the point of custom: tail lifts, weight, ADR, customer priorities and restricted zones are modelled exactly, unlike a generic tool.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of vehicles, stop volumes and slot constraints and we will price an optimization engine with projected fuel ROI. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
