Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “deal with failed deliveries, wrong addresses and nobody home”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

30 min
typically, every day
40%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

AutomationBest fix

Send customers automatic arrival texts with a live tracking link

Customers get a text the day before, another when the driver is on the way, and a live map link. Most "where is it?" calls stop, and fewer people are out when you arrive.

Typically saves about 60% of the time1 h to set up
  1. 1Turn on customer notifications in your delivery or route app.
  2. 2Write short templates: scheduled, on the way, delivered, missed.
  3. 3Let customers reply to confirm, leave instructions or reschedule.
  4. 4Track missed deliveries before and after.

Tools: Route4Me, OptimoRoute, Onfleet, Circuit or Samsara routing · Your TMS

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Capture proof of delivery on the phone

Electronic proof of delivery takes the signature, photo, time and location in a few taps and updates the office and customer straight away. No paper to hand in.

Typically saves about 60% of the time45 min to set up
  1. 1Turn on proof of delivery in your route or delivery app.
  2. 2Set what is required: photo, signature, or both.
  3. 3Add reasons for failed deliveries drivers can tap.
  4. 4Stop printing delivery sheets once it is working.

Tools: Route4Me, OptimoRoute, Onfleet, Circuit or Samsara routing · Samsara, Motive or Geotab

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Do customers get automatic texts with a live tracking link?
Customers get a text when the driver is on the way, with a map link. It cuts "where is my delivery?" calls and missed deliveries.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Fleet / transport dispatchers