Postal and Parcel Logistics

Logistics Optimization

MJC²'s planning and routing solutions have solved some of the most complex scheduling and optimization problems in the postal and express logistics sector.

We provide powerful, flexible express software solutions which can plan and optimize all aspects of the network on a strategic or real-time basis:

• Pick-up & Delivery (PUD): strategic route planning - real-time routing - driver scheduling
• Linehaul & Trunk Planning: linehaul scheduling - resource optimization - driver rostering
• Sortation & Consolidation: hub optimization - real-time dock allocation - yard scheduling
• Courier Dispatch: real-time automated dispatch planning - GPS tracking

We provide integrated software solutions that model all relevant aspects of the network, including depot operations, hub sortation, PUD activity, inter-modal movements, haulier assignment, linehaul, trunking and vehicle/driver routing.

This ensures that the resulting schedules take account of all necessary operational rules and constraints and can be applied in a straightforward manner even to very complex operations.

Pick-up & Delivery Scheduling

Our parcel routing and delivery scheduling software provides strategic and real-time solutions for the optimization of PUD operations.

At the strategic level, optimized routes and territories can be created for drivers and vehicles, maximising utilisation and service levels while adhering to time windows and depot capacity constraints.

Our strategic network optimization tools can calculate the ideal assignment of customers or territories to depots, or determine the best location for a new collection facility.

In real-time the scheduling software can dynamically re-plan in response to daily fluctuations in volume and last-minute orders, using live feeds from POD and GPS tracking systems to maintain an updated view of the operation.

Our real-time parcel delivery software can manage thousands of vehicles and delivery/collection locations and is ideally suited to large, complex parcel and express operations.

Integration with innovative tracking and anomaly detection algorithms provides enhanced visibility and security in the network.

Linehaul Planning

MJC²'s linehaul optimization software creates trunking schedules for linehaul movements between collection/delivery depots and sortation centres.

Our logistics planning software can model complex networks, including multiple sortation centres, regional hubs, international freight, intermodal operations, direct customers, B2B, B2C, etc.

The optimization solution is designed for very large express and postal networks that need to address the challenges presented by ever-increasing pressure on costs, demand for environmentally sustainable solutions and a continuously evolving technological landscape.

Typical applications include:

• Scheduling of linehaul and trunking operations.
• Calculating ideal fleet profiles and employee work patterns.
• Planning linehaul driver rosters and corresponding warehouse/hub rotas.
• Analysing parcel tracking data to estimate future demand profiles.
• Optimizing the location of new sortation or distribution centres.

All relevant constraints are modelled, such as deadlines, vehicle capacity, sortation capacity, labour availability, commodity type, service levels, carrier schedules, bulky items and driver shift rules.

Hub Sortation Software

Our hub optimization solutions enable sortation centres to maximise throughput and increase efficiency through better planning of resource utilisation:

• Linehaul scheduling: balance throughput and prioritize urgent traffic; dynamic allocation of ad hoc movements to minimise cost and disruption to operation; optimization of hub and vehicle resources through the sortation period.
• Hub staff rostering: shift planning for warehouse/sortation personnel and drivers; job allocation; employee hours balancing against forecast demand profiles.
• Door/dock allocation: real-time allocation of trailers to docks based on deadlines and freight type while taking into account hub capacity and availability of sort teams.
• Yard Management: shunter scheduling, trailer planning and reduction of congestion around the hub/depot by reducing unnecessary movements and smoothing the profile of activity through the day.

Real-time Courier Dispatch Software

Automated Dispatch

Our real-time scheduling and allocation algorithms can optimize thousands of transport movements in seconds, enabling dynamic response to real-time events such as delays, last-minute orders, congestion, etc.

This allows same-day courier operations to be automatically optimized in real-time. Live feeds of information such as courier location (from GPS or tracking systems), consignment status (e.g. from POD systems) and new orders is used to automatically update the transport schedule.

Integration with in-cab solutions enables real-time updates to drivers, ensuring that the operation is continuously optimized as the day progresses.

Electric Vehicles & New Delivery Modes

The increasing use of electric vehicles for urban delivery operations is modelled by the optimization approach used in our software - please see for example this summary.

The use of micro-hubs, cargo bikes and low emission vehicles improves air quality in cities, and MJC²'s innovative planning and scheduling algorithms have the flexibility to maximise the benefits from these new strategies.