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What is route optimization?

Route optimization is the use of algorithms to assign trips to vehicles and order the stops so that the fleet covers all trips with the least total driving, while respecting each trip's pickup window, appointment time, level of service, vehicle capacity, multi-load limits and driver shift hours. Modern NEMT software runs optimization overnight for the next day and re-optimizes during the day as trips change.

Why route optimization matters for NEMT

Optimization is the largest single lever on NEMT profitability after rate negotiation. Providers moving from manual dispatch to optimized routing routinely report 15 to 30 percent fewer miles for the same trips and one fewer vehicle on the road. Try the route optimization calculator to estimate the savings for your fleet, and read the NEMT dispatch guide.

Related terms

  • Trip Manifest
  • Dispatch
  • Deadhead Miles
  • Door-to-Door Service
  • Level of Service
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