Online sales continue to grow and sustainable logistics is under great interest. Combine both developments and it makes sense that bicycle delivery is growing rapidly.
Bicycle couriers are getting busier. Cycling back and forth for each assignment separately is usually not efficient. We prefer delivering multiple packages at the same time. Bicycles with a larger load capacity are available, but designing the fastest route along multiple addresses can sometimes be a tough puzzle.
Handy tool
RouteXL online route planner responds to this and can now also be used for bicycles. “There is a lot of demand for it and that is why bicycle routes have recently been added to our route planner,” says owner Paul Mars. ‘Planning your trip with route optimisation saves a lot of time, both in planning and implementation. A must have in logistics.”
RouteXL is based on cycling routes from OpenStreetMap, a free editable chart. When a route is mapped out, it can be shared with colleagues, for example through WhatsApp. Almost all existing mobile navigation apps can be used for guidance on the road.
Bicycle promoter Jos Sluijsmans himself no longer works as a bicycle courier, but in the past he would certainly have appreciated the service. “The bicycle couriers who have been around for a long time have often already developed their own systems, but it is certainly a handy tool for newcomers in the field.”
Free up to 20 shops
For regular use up to 20 addresses per route, RouteXL can be used free of charge. For those who want to give it a try can do so at www.routexl.nl. You choose bicycle routes via the Options> Routing> Vehicle button.
