Geo2 Route Planner:
Last-Mile Delivery Glossary
Clear delivery and logistics terms for delivery drivers, helping delivery routing stay fast and accurate.
A
Alternate Routes
If you have ever been stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, watching the estimated arrival time on your GPS climb higher and higher, you understand the value of alternate routes. For logistics professionals and delivery drivers, these backup pathways aren't just about convenience, they are essential for efficiency, cost-saving, and customer satisfaction.
Automated Compliance Reporting
Automated compliance reporting isn't just another piece of tech; it's a way to get your time back. It uses software to automatically track, record, and report on all your compliance activities. This means you can focus on the road ahead, confident that you’re meeting all legal standards without drowning in paperwork. It's about working smarter, not harder, and ensuring your operation runs smoothly and efficiently.
Automated Dispatching
Manual dispatching is a headache. Juggling routes, dealing with last-minute changes, and keeping customers in the loop—it's a tough grind that burns time and fuel. This is where automated dispatching comes in, offering a smarter way to manage your deliveries without the manual chaos.
Average Speed Zone
If you're a driver, you’ve probably seen them: yellow signs with a camera symbol, marking the start of an average speed zone. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? Let's break it down. An average speed zone is a designated stretch of road monitored by a speed camera system to enforce speed limits. Unlike traditional speed traps that clock your speed at a single point, this system calculates your speed over a longer distance. This approach is all about encouraging drivers to maintain a steady, safe speed, which helps improve overall road safety and reduce accidents.
B
Back Order
A back order happens when a customer places an order for a product that is temporarily out of stock. Instead of turning the customer away, the business accepts the order with the promise to ship it once inventory is replenished. This usually happens when demand for certain stock items unexpectedly spikes, there are delays in the supply chain, or a product simply sells out faster than anticipated.
Backhaul Trips
An empty truck on the road is a missed opportunity. For logistics managers and drivers, seeing a vehicle return to its starting point without any cargo is a common headache. It represents wasted fuel, time, and money. This is where backhaul trips come in. They turn a costly problem into a profitable solution.
Batch Shipping
If you're in the delivery game, you know that time is money. Wasted fuel and tangled routes eat into your earnings. That's where batch shipping comes in. It's a straightforward method to make your delivery process smarter, not harder. This guide explains what it is and how it helps you get the job done right.
Breadcrumb Trail
The term "breadcrumb trail" might make you think of the story of Hansel and Gretel. In the digital world, it serves a similar purpose: showing you the path you've taken. It's a key feature for anyone managing deliveries, giving a clear view of a vehicle's route history.
C
Carrier Facility
A carrier facility is a central logistics hub where packages are received, sorted, and prepared for the next stage of their journey. It serves as a critical checkpoint in the supply chain, ensuring your shipment is routed correctly before heading to its final destination.
Cash on Delivery
Cash on delivery (COD) is a payment method where customers pay for goods at the time of delivery, rather than upfront. It offers convenience and builds trust, especially in e-commerce.
Cloud-Based TMS?
A cloud-based transport management system (TMS) is a type of logistics software hosted online rather than on physical, on-site servers. This web-based approach helps businesses plan, manage, and optimise how goods are moved, all while aiming to reduce costs.
Compliance Management
Compliance Management is the process of ensuring an organisation's operations adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, standards, and ethical practices.
Concealed Damage
Concealed damage refers to any damage to goods that is not immediately visible upon delivery. It is usually only discovered after the package is opened and unpacked.
Contactless Delivery
Contactless delivery, or no-contact delivery, is a fulfilment method where goods are delivered without direct physical interaction between the delivery driver and the recipient. Instead of a hand-to-hand exchange, the delivery person leaves the order at a designated safe spot and confirms delivery digitally, ensuring safety and convenience for both parties.
Cost per Mile
Cost per mile (CPM) is a key metric in logistics and delivery that shows the total cost to run a vehicle for every mile it travels. It includes expenses like fuel, maintenance, insurance, and driver wages, giving a clear picture of your operational costs.
Customer Address
A customer address is the specific location a customer provides to receive goods or services. This information is a critical part of the logistics and delivery process, ensuring that items arrive at the correct destination successfully.
Customer Expectations
Customer expectations refer to the standards and quality of products and services that a person anticipates when interacting with a business. These expectations are shaped by past experiences, marketing messages, and word-of-mouth, and they cover everything from product quality and pricing to the speed and friendliness of service.
Customer Experience Management
Customer Experience Management is the process of designing and reacting to customer interactions to meet or exceed their expectations, ultimately increasing satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.
Customer Satisfaction Tracking
Customer satisfaction tracking is the process of monitoring and analysing customer feedback to measure how happy they are with a company's products or services. This is typically done using metrics like CSAT, NPS, and real-time feedback collection.
D
Defect Reporting
Defect reporting is the process of identifying, documenting, and tracking issues or "defects" found in a product or system. This process is crucial for ensuring quality and making improvements, whether it's in software development or managing a fleet of vehicles.
Delivery Address
A delivery address is the specific location where a package or shipment is meant to be delivered. It includes key details like the recipient's name, street, city, and postal code to ensure the item reaches the correct destination.
Delivery Analytics
Delivery analytics is the process of tracking and studying data about your deliveries. It helps you see important information like how long deliveries take, the routes you use, how vehicles are being used, and how happy your customers are. By analysing this data, businesses can make smarter, data-driven decisions to improve their delivery operations.
Delivery Areas
Delivery areas are specific geographic zones defined by a business to manage shipping services and logistics. By grouping locations, often by zip code or neighbourhood, companies can assign drivers, optimize routes, and ensure packages delivered arrive on time.
Delivery Efficiency
Delivery efficiency refers to the ability to complete deliveries in the quickest time possible while minimising resource usage, such as fuel, time, and costs. It’s about optimising the entire delivery process to ensure goods are delivered on time and with minimal waste or delays.
Delivery Exception
A delivery exception is a term used in the shipping and logistics industry to describe any situation where a package or shipment is not able to be delivered as expected. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as incorrect address information, missing or damaged items, weather delays, or other issues.
Delivery Instructions
Delivery instructions guide drivers on safely and timely delivering packages, including specific details for each delivery.
Delivery Logistics
Delivery logistics involves planning, managing, and overseeing the movement of goods from their origin to the final customer. It includes critical elements such as route optimization, transportation methods, real-time tracking systems, and last-mile delivery to ensure timely and accurate shipments.
Delivery Management
Delivery management is the process of getting goods or services from a business to its customers. It involves planning, coordinating, and overseeing the entire delivery journey. It involves ensuring timely, efficient, and accurate deliveries while optimizing resources and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Delivery Notifications
Waiting for a package can feel like a guessing game. Is it on the way? Did it get dropped off? That's where delivery notifications come in. They're the simple updates that keep everyone in the loop while a package is on the move.
Delivery Performance Metrics
Delivery performance metrics are key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure and improve the effectiveness of delivery operations. These metrics provide valuable insights into various aspects of the logistics process, including speed, reliability, cost-efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Delivery Reliability
Delivery reliability refers to a business's ability to consistently deliver goods to the correct customer, on time, and in good condition.
Delivery Route
A delivery route is the planned course that drivers follow to complete their scheduled drop-offs as efficiently as possible. These routes are carefully designed to minimise travel distance, conserve time, and reduce fuel consumption, all while ensuring that deliveries are accurate and completed on schedule.
Delivery Schedule
A delivery schedule is a plan or timeline that outlines when and where goods or services are to be delivered. It typically includes specific timeframes, locations, and details about the deliveries to be made.
Delivery Status
Delivery status refers to the current stage of a package or shipment in the delivery process, from when it's prepared by the sender until it reaches the recipient.
Delivery Time Accuracy
Delivery time accuracy refers to how precisely a scheduled delivery matches the actual arrival time. It measures the difference between two times. The first refers to the estimated time of arrival (ETA) provided to the customer, while the second pertains to the actual delivery time of the goods.
Delivery Time Estimation
Delivery time estimation is the process of predicting when a package, shipment, or delivery will arrive at its intended destination. It plays a key role in logistics and delivery services, helping both drivers and customers stay informed about expected arrival times.
Delivery Time Windows
Delivery time windows are specific, scheduled periods during which a delivery is expected to arrive at its destination. Unlike an open-ended delivery date, a time window provides a defined slot—ranging from broad (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM) to narrow (e.g., 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM)—giving customers certainty and allowing logistics teams to plan precise routes.
Delivery Tracking
Delivery time estimation is the process of predicting when a package will arrive at its destination. It's a vital part of modern logistics, keeping customers and drivers in the loop with expected arrival times. It relies on a good delivery tracking system to function.
Delivery Updates
Delivery updates are real-time notifications that provide status reports on a shipment's location and progress. These updates are shared with both customers and fleet managers. By offering transparency through live tracking links and dynamic ETAs, these updates improve operational efficiency and customer trust.
Delivery Zones
Delivery zones are geographical areas that businesses define to manage and organise their product and service deliveries.
Direct Store Delivery
Understanding direct store delivery is essential for businesses looking to optimise their supply chain. It is a streamlined distribution method where products bypass distribution centres and travel straight from the supplier to the retail store, ensuring fresher goods and faster speed to market.
Dispatch Management
Dispatch management is the engine room of any delivery operation. It’s the process of planning, organising, and coordinating the movement of goods or services from A to B. This includes everything from assigning tasks and optimising routes to monitoring progress in real-time, all to ensure deliveries are on time and efficient.
Dispatch Optimization
Dispatch optimization refers to the process of improving the efficiency and coordination of dispatch operations. It involves planning, routing, and executing deliveries in the most effective way by balancing factors like vehicle capacity, driver schedules, delivery routes, and customer requirements to minimise delays and operational costs.
Dispatch Tracking
Dispatch tracking is the real-time monitoring of goods from a warehouse or distribution center to their final destination. This process provides transparency by offering updates on shipment status at every key stage.
Distribution Centre
Understanding Distribution Centres: A distribution centre (DC) is a specialized facility designed to store, manage, and ship goods efficiently. Unlike a standard warehouse, a DC focuses on the rapid movement of products within the supply chain, receiving items from manufacturers and dispatching them to retailers or customers.
Driver Compliance
Driver compliance is the practice of ensuring drivers and fleet managers adhere to all safety regulations, vehicle usage policies, and working condition rules. This includes managing driving hours, rest periods, vehicle maintenance, and maintaining accurate records to stay on the right side of the law and keep the roads safe for everyone.
Driver Fatigue Monitoring
Driver fatigue monitoring involves tracking a driver's condition to spot signs of tiredness that could compromise safety. This process uses technology to help drivers and logistics teams follow legal rules on driving hours and rest periods, making the roads safer for everyone.
Driver Handover Notes
Driver handover notes are a critical communication tool used in logistics and transportation to ensure the seamless transfer of information between drivers during shift changes or route swaps. These notes, whether physical or digital, detail route specifics, vehicle condition, delivery status, and customer requirements, serving as a safeguard against operational errors and miscommunication.
Driver ID Verification
Driver ID verification is a process for confirming a delivery driver's identity. This ensures only authorized individuals can perform jobs and handle deliveries.
Driver Messaging
Driver messaging refers to real-time communication systems that let drivers, dispatchers, and even customers talk to each other instantly. It’s all about sending and receiving quick updates to keep deliveries running smoothly.
Driver Performance
Driver performance refers to the measurable effectiveness of delivery drivers in executing their daily tasks. It encompasses punctuality, adherence to schedules, clear communication with customers, safe driving habits, and efficient route navigation.
Driver Scheduling
Driver scheduling is the process of organising a delivery driver's work schedule. This includes their shifts, routes, and break times. The goal is to ensure drivers complete deliveries on time while meeting legal and safety rules, like required breaks and maximum work hours.
Driver Scorecard
Driver scorecards are more than just a report card—they are a data-driven tool used to measure, analyze, and improve driver behavior, safety, and efficiency across a fleet.
Driver Tracking
Driver tracking is a system using GPS and other tech to monitor a delivery driver’s real-time location, route progress, and performance. It provides an accurate way to manage deliveries and ensure packages reach their destinations efficiently.
Drop-and-Hook
Drop and hook is a logistics method where a truck driver drops off a full trailer at a location and immediately picks up another pre-loaded trailer. This process eliminates the need for the driver to wait for the trailer to be loaded or unloaded, saving significant time.
Drop-off locations
A drop-off location is a designated spot where a driver leaves a package for a recipient. This could be a front porch, a secure locker, or a business reception desk.
Dynamic Routing
Dynamic routing is a process where a network automatically adjusts data paths based on real-time conditions. Instead of using a fixed, manually set path (static routing), dynamic routing protocols allow routers to communicate with each other and choose the best route to send information, adapting to changes in the network.
E
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the automated exchange of business documents between organizations in a standardized digital format. Instead of mailing paper invoices or emailing PDF purchase orders, computers talk directly to computers.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a piece of technology used in commercial motor vehicles to automatically track a driver's Hours of Service (HOS). It connects to the vehicle's engine to record data, replacing older paper logs and ensuring compliance with regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Electronic Proof of Delivery
Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) is a digital method for confirming that a delivery has been successfully completed. It replaces traditional paper-based proof of delivery by using electronic tools like digital signatures, photos, and GPS data to provide real-time, verifiable confirmation.
Empty Returns
Empty returns refer to the return journey of a delivery vehicle carrying no cargo or freight. This phenomenon, often called "deadhead trucking" or "empty miles," represents a significant inefficiency in logistics, wasting fuel, time, and driver effort without generating revenue.
Exception Alerts
Exception alerts are notifications that trigger when a delivery encounters a problem, such as a wrong address, weather delay, or failed attempt, allowing teams to resolve issues quickly.
F
Failure Reporting
Failure reporting is the process of recording why a specific delivery or task was not completed successfully. In logistics, it involves drivers or systems logging specific reasons—known as failure codes—when a package cannot be delivered, turning missed stops into actionable data to improve future performance.
Fleet Analytics
Fleet analytics is the process of gathering and examining data from vehicles and drivers to understand performance. It helps businesses track fuel use, delivery times, and driver safety to improve efficiency and cut costs.
Fleet Management Systems
A fleet management system is a software solution that helps organisations manage their vehicle fleets efficiently. It combines tools for tracking, monitoring, maintenance scheduling, fuel management, and driver performance analysis into one centralised platform.
Fleet Monitoring
Fleet monitoring is a process used to track and manage company vehicles. It uses GPS technology and software to gather data. This includes vehicle location, engine health, and driver habits. The goal is to improve safety and lower costs.
Fleet Optimization
Fleet optimization is the practice of enhancing the efficiency and performance of a company’s vehicle operations. This process uses advanced tools, algorithms, and real-time data to identify the best routes, schedules, and resource distribution for vehicles. The primary objective is to maximize time savings, minimize costs, and improve overall delivery efficiency.
Fleet Scheduling
Fleet scheduling is the process of organizing vehicles and drivers to ensure efficient deliveries. It includes planning routes, assigning tasks, and tracking vehicles to save time, cut fuel costs, and boost performance.
Fleet Tracking
Fleet tracking allows companies to efficiently track and manage their vehicles in real-time. This technology uses tools like GPS tracking devices or telematics software. It helps monitor a fleet's location, speed, and other important data.
Freight Audit
A freight audit is the process of checking freight invoices to make sure they are correct and match the agreed rates, fees, and terms. This means looking for mistakes like wrong charges, duplicate bills, or hidden fees.
Freight Procurement
Freight procurement is the strategic process of sourcing and managing transportation services to move goods efficiently while keeping costs low. It involves selecting suitable carriers, negotiating rates, and managing contracts to ensure cargo arrives safely and on budget.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency measures how far a vehicle can travel using a specific amount of fuel. Better efficiency means you use less gas, save money, and reduce pollution.
G
GPS Navigation
GPS navigation (Global Positioning System navigation) is a technology that uses satellite signals to pinpoint precise locations and provide turn-by-turn directions. It allows drivers to plan the most efficient routes, avoid traffic delays, and reach their destinations safely and on time.
Geocoding
Geocoding is the digital translation process that turns a street address into specific geographic coordinates, usually latitude and longitude. It allows a map to pinpoint exactly where a delivery needs to go, ensuring drivers don't waste time searching for a location.
Geofencing
Geofencing is a location-based service that establishes a virtual perimeter around a specific geographic area. When a mobile device or vehicle enters or exits this zone, the geofencing software triggers a pre-set action, such as sending an alert or logging a timestamp.
Green Logistics
Green logistics refers to eco-friendly practices in managing logistics and supply chains. It focuses on reducing harm to the environment, like cutting down on carbon emissions and other negative effects, during transportation, storage, and delivery of goods.
H
Hands-Free Navigation
Hands-free navigation lets drivers get step-by-step directions using voice commands and audio prompts, so they don’t have to touch or use a device while driving. This feature makes driving safer by reducing distractions and more convenient, especially for delivery drivers who need accurate routes and full focus on the road.
Hours of Service (HOS)
Hours of Service (HOS) refers to regulations that limit the number of hours commercial drivers can work and drive within a specific period. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue and keep roads safe.
I
Inventory Tracking
Inventory tracking involves monitoring a company's stock levels, locations, and movement. This process ensures accurate record-keeping and is critical for businesses managing physical goods to operate efficiently and avoid stock discrepancies or disruptions.
Itinerary Planning
Itinerary planning is the strategic process of organizing and refining a route or schedule for multiple deliveries or pickups. It ensures efficiency by accounting for distance, traffic, and priority.
L
Last Mile Delivery
Last mile delivery is the final stage of the shipping process where a package is transported from a transportation hub, such as a distribution centre or warehouse, to its final destination—usually the customer's doorstep.
Last Mile Tracking
Last mile tracking is the process of monitoring a delivery's final journey. It follows a package from a local distribution center or transportation hub to the recipient's doorstep. This system provides visibility for both the logistics company and the final customer.
P
R
Real-time traffic updates
Real-time traffic updates give you live information about what’s happening on the roads. This includes traffic jams, accidents, construction, and road closures. The data comes from sources like GPS devices, driver reports, and traffic monitoring systems, keeping you informed as conditions change.
Road Closures
If you’re a driver, you know that a blocked road can throw off your entire day. Road closures are temporary or permanent blockades that stop vehicles from passing through. They’re a major headache for delivery drivers and fleet managers trying to stick to a schedule. Understanding what causes them and how to deal with them is key to keeping your deliveries on time and your stress levels down.
S
T
Time At Stop
In logistics, every minute counts. Understanding and managing time at stop is a crucial part of making sure your deliveries are efficient and your customers are happy. It might sound simple, but getting it right can make or break your daily schedule. Let's break down what time at stop means, why it’s so important, and how you can manage it better.
Traffic Conditions
Traffic conditions refer to the state of vehicle flow on roads. This includes everything from speed and congestion levels to accidents and road closures. These conditions change constantly based on the time of day, weather, or special events, directly impacting how efficiently you can travel and make deliveries.