Benefits of route optimization software
NEMT drivers have an important job: get passengers to and from their appointments on time and safely. Sounds pretty easy, right? On the surface, non-emergency medical transportation is a simple idea. It’s essentially a ridesharing service for Medicaid beneficiaries, created to ensure that people who don’t have the ability to drive themselves have a way to get to important healthcare appointments. The difficulty with NEMT comes from poor planning techniques. Because of this, many providers find themselves dealing with problems that could have been avoided with the right tools. This is why non-emergency medical transportation providers everywhere need to understand the importance of route optimization software, and how it can change the way they operate.
What is route optimization?
Route optimization, in a nutshell, is the process of using software to pinpoint the most efficient routes for every trip. This includes analyzing traffic patterns, weather forecasts, accident reports, and anything else that could interfere with trip progress. Routing software makes it possible to do this for every trip in just seconds. Along with the routes, the system takes into consideration vehicle capacity, driver availability, and passenger destinations to find multiloading opportunities. Ultimately, this allows for a smoother trip process, ensuring that your drivers arrive on time for every pick up and keep your schedule in tact.
Route optimization benefits
Software completely changes the way your business runs. There are a variety of benefits you’ll see when you choose to invest in route optimization software. We’ve highlighted some of the biggest ones below.
Reduce fuel cost
No matter the size of your fleet, fuel cost is something you’ll have to budget for. Transportation routing software reduces your overall fuel cost by finding the most efficient route every time. Additionally, searching for multi loading opportunities decreases the amount of vehicles on the road, saving you both mileage and gas.
Improve driver scheduling
Finding the best routes for every trip means you deploy fewer drivers each day. This benefits the provider, since you have to pay fewer drivers overall, and it also benefits the drivers who will get paid the same amount as usual but face simpler schedules.
Safer driving
When you map routes through software, your drivers will find themselves on safer routes. This means the system will avoid u-turns and left turns, which typically result in more accidents, when possible. In addition, your drivers can focus on providing the best trip experience possible rather than worrying about going the right way, making last-minute turns, etc. when transporting passengers.
Save on maintenance costs
If you have fewer vehicles on the road, you’ll likely face less maintenance issues. This is as simple as fewer oil changes per year, which can save you a nice sum of money in the long run. Vehicles are expensive, and maintenance costs are nothing to scoff at. Even the most profitable businesses can use a break when it comes to mechanics.
See how NEMT routing software fits into your business
You know the pros outweigh the cons—now it’s time to commit to finding the best software for your business. The team at iSi would love to show you a free demo of our product! Sign up for yours today.
