Route Planning, Scheduling and Costing
Domain focus
This domain tests how to sequence stops, build a schedule and calculate trip cost. The exam expects route selection using distance, time windows, vehicle capacity, traffic and return travel, plus separation of fixed and variable costs. You should be able to compute cost per kilometre and explain empty running.
Core rules and concepts
- Route planning considers stop sequence, delivery windows, road restrictions, vehicle size, driver hours and loading/unloading time.
- Fixed costs include permit, insurance, vehicle finance and salary; variable costs include fuel, tyres, maintenance and tolls. Cost per km = total trip cost ÷ total km.
- Avoid empty running and unnecessary backtracking. A shorter distance is not always faster if traffic or multiple time windows intervene.
- The trip sheet should record start and end odometer, fuel, tolls, stops, delays and proof of delivery.
Worked example
Route A serves three stops with distances 5 km, 7 km and 4 km, totalling 16 km. Route B serves the same stops in a different order with 6 km, 9 km and 7 km, totalling 22 km. Variable cost is ₹28 per km, so Route A costs ₹448 and Route B costs ₹616, a saving of ₹168. If fixed cost per trip is ₹500, total costs are ₹948 and ₹1,116. Choose Route A only if its sequence still meets all time windows and road restrictions. The reasoning compares distance, cost and service constraints.
Traps that cost marks
Do not choose the shortest distance if it misses a time window. Do not omit the return trip or loading time. Do not compare routes on fuel alone. Do not record only distance and ignore tolls, delays and odometer readings.
Key points
- Plan stop sequence around distance, time windows and capacity.