Logistics Route Optimization: Guide in 2025
July 12, 2024
Table of Contents
Samsara is a leading fleet management platform that provides real-time tracking, dispatching, and telematics solutions. It enables businesses to monitor vehicle locations, optimize fleet performance, and improve operational efficiency. With Samsara’s dispatching system, fleet managers can assign jobs, track vehicle movement, and ensure timely deliveries.
On the other hand, NextBillion.ai offers an advanced route optimization solution that enhances fleet operations by optimizing delivery routes, reducing travel time, and improving ETA accuracy. Its AI-powered algorithms help businesses plan efficient routes, dynamically reroute vehicles based on real-time conditions, and minimize fuel costs.
This article explains how businesses can connect Samsara with NextBillion.ai and take their fleet efficiency to the next level. This integration ensures smarter dispatching, real-time route adjustments, and improved resource utilization—leading to reduced operational costs and better customer satisfaction.
Overview of Samsara Vehicle Telematics
Samsara’s vehicle telematics helps businesses track and manage their fleets in real-time. It combines hardware and software to give fleet managers better visibility into their vehicles, improving efficiency, safety, and compliance.
Vehicle Gateway: Keeping Fleets Connected
Samsara’s Vehicle Gateway connects vehicles to a central platform, sending data over 4G LTE. It provides fast, reliable connectivity and even includes a WiFi hotspot for laptops and mobile devices.
Real-Time GPS and Compliance
With real-time GPS tracking, fleet managers can see exactly where their vehicles are, monitor speed, and track sudden movements. Samsara’s FMCSA-approved ELD ensures drivers stay compliant, even in areas with weak signals, thanks to offline data storage.
Durable and Reliable
The Vehicle Gateway works with all kinds of vehicles, from light-duty trucks to heavy-duty rigs. It monitors engine diagnostics to catch issues early. Built for harsh environments, it has 99.99% uptime and comes with Bluetooth, RFID, USB, and Aux inputs for added functionality.
OEM Telematics: One Dashboard for Everything
Samsara lets fleet managers track vehicles with factory-installed telematics from brands like Ford and General Motors. No extra hardware is needed. Everything is accessible in one place with a single login.
For large fleets, Samsara’s cloud-based OEM telematics makes it easy to scale. It works out of the box, speeding up deployment without extra installations.
Easy Integration with Other Systems
Samsara’s open API connects fleet data with TMS, maintenance software, and other fleet tools. This helps businesses optimize dispatching, maintenance, and overall fleet performance without extra hassle.
Challenges in Fleet Dispatching Without Smart Integration
Managing a fleet without smart integration can be a real headache. Dispatching gets messy, routes aren’t optimized, and operations become inefficient. Here’s how it affects daily fleet management:
Inefficient Route Planning = Higher Fuel Costs and Delays
Without proper route planning, vehicles take longer routes, get stuck in traffic, or make unnecessary detours. This burns more fuel, increases costs, and delays deliveries. A poorly planned dispatch system can also lead to drivers covering the same areas twice or missing stops, making things even worse.
No Real-Time Optimization in Dynamic Environments
Things change fast on the road—traffic jams, last-minute order changes, or vehicle breakdowns happen all the time. Without real-time updates, dispatchers can’t adjust routes on the fly. This leads to late deliveries, unhappy customers, and inefficient fleet operations.
Inconsistent Dispatch Management Hurts Productivity
When dispatching relies on manual planning or outdated systems, things get chaotic. Some drivers may be overloaded while others have too little work. Vehicles might not be assigned efficiently, leading to missed deadlines and wasted resources. A lack of smart integration means businesses spend more time fixing problems instead of preventing them.
Without a smart dispatch system, businesses lose time, waste fuel, and struggle to meet demand. The solution? Integrating fleet management tools that optimize dispatching and routing in real-time.
Let’s have a look at NextBillion.ai’s solutions for smart dispatching.
Overview of NextBillion.ai’s Route Optimization API and Route Planner App
NextBillion.ai’s Route Optimization API is built to handle complex multi-vehicle and single-vehicle routing challenges. It helps businesses cut costs, improve efficiency, and plan smarter routes. Whether you’re managing deliveries, service appointments, or large-scale logistics, this API takes the hassle out of route planning.
Key Features of NextBillion.ai’s Route Optimization API
1. Multi-Dimensional Capacity Constraint
Fleet capacity isn’t just about weight and volume—some vehicles need to handle multiple limits at once. NextBillion.ai’s API lets businesses set custom capacity constraints for things like:
- Weight (kg/lbs)
- Volume (cubic meters/feet)
- Number of passengers or items
For example, a construction truck might have:
- 100 kg weight capacity
- 10 cubic meters volume capacity
- Space for 5 construction workers
Instead of guessing, this ensures vehicles are loaded efficiently without exceeding their limits.
2. Over 50 Routing Constraints for Smarter Planning
The API factors in over 50 constraints, making route planning more accurate and efficient. Some key ones include:
- Time windows – Deliveries and pickups happen on time.
- Vehicle capacity – Assign tasks based on available space.
- Traffic conditions – Adjust routes based on real-time traffic.
- Loading/unloading sequences – Minimize wait times.
By automating these, businesses save time, reduce costs, and improve delivery accuracy.
3. Re-Optimization for New and Unassigned Tasks
Things change fast in logistics—new orders pop up, schedules shift, and sometimes tasks don’t fit into the original plan. Instead of scrambling, NextBillion.ai’s re-optimization features handle this on the fly.
For New Tasks:
If a new high-priority order comes in, the API updates existing routes instead of starting over. This means faster adjustments without disrupting ongoing deliveries.
For Unassigned Tasks:
If some deliveries didn’t get assigned due to capacity or timing issues, the API reallocates resources to fit them in. It tweaks constraints like shift times or vehicle availability to ensure every task gets completed.
This keeps operations smooth, even when things don’t go as planned.
NextBillion.ai’s Route Planner: A No-Code Solution for Route Optimization
Not a developer? No problem. NextBillion.ai’s Route Planner UI Tool (available in the Cloud Console) gives users a simple, no-code way to plan and optimize routes using the same powerful Route Optimization API.
Key Features of the Route Planner Tool
- Easy Data Input – Upload jobs, shipments, and vehicle details via CSV files or JSON data.
- Customizable Constraints – Set rules like Max_vehicle_overtime, Max_vehicle_lateness, and Max_activity_waiting_time to fit business needs.
- Objective Functions – Choose from pre-set optimization goals or create custom ones.
- Routing Mode & Traffic Timestamps – Plan routes using real-world traffic data for better accuracy.
What Can You Do with the Route Planner?
- Review and Edit Routes – Adjust optimized routes directly in the interface.
- Plan Efficiently – Save time by optimizing routes without needing coding skills.
- Manage Logistics, Appointments & Deliveries – Streamline operations across industries.
Why Businesses Love NextBillion.ai’s Route Planner
- Boosts Efficiency – Cuts down time spent on manual planning.
- Improves Decision-Making – Lets teams adjust plans based on real-time data.
- Scales Easily – Works for businesses of all sizes, no technical expertise required.
- Adapts in Real-Time – Adjusts to changing traffic and conditions for smoother operations.
With NextBillion.ai’s Route Optimization API and Route Planner, businesses get faster deliveries, lower costs, and happier customers. Whether you’re handling last-mile logistics or field services, this solution makes route planning simple and efficient.
Steps to Connect Samsara with NextBillion.ai
Integrating Samsara with NextBillion.ai helps streamline fleet dispatching and route optimization. Follow these steps to set up the connection and start optimizing your fleet operations.
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A Samsara account with access to vehicle and address data.
- A NextBillion.ai Cloud Console (NCC) account to manage integration and route planning.
Setting Up the Connection
To begin integrating Samsara with Fleet Hub, follow these steps:
- Log in to NextBillion.ai Cloud Console (NCC).
- Go to ‘Fleet Hub’ > ‘Telematics Integration’ from the left-hand menu.
If you don’t see ‘Fleet Hub,’ reach out to [email protected] for access. - Click ‘Add New Connection.’
- In the ‘Telematics Connection Editor,’ enter a Connection Name and your API token.
- Click ‘Save’ to confirm the integration.
Your Samsara account is now linked to NextBillion.ai’s Fleet Hub!
Step 2: Import Address Data from Samsara
Once the integration is set up, you can import address data:
- Click ‘Addresses’ from the left toolbar.
- On the Addresses screen, click ‘Import Data’ > ‘From Connections.’
- Select ‘Samsara Telematics’ from the list of available connections.
- Choose to import Individual addresses or use the Group tab to import multiple addresses.
- The system will automatically fetch address data from your Samsara account.
Step 3: Import Vehicle Data from Samsara
Follow similar steps to import vehicle data:
- Click ‘Vehicles’ from the left toolbar.
- On the Vehicles screen, click ‘Import Data’ > ‘From Connections.’
- Select ‘Samsara Telematics’ from the available connections.
- Choose to import individual vehicles or use the Group tab to import multiple vehicle records.
- The system will retrieve vehicle data from your Samsara account.
Step 4: Use Route Planner to Optimize Routes
With address and vehicle data imported, you can generate optimized routes:
- Open the ‘Route Planner’ app from the left toolbar.
- Click ‘Start’ on the input screen.
A window will appear where you can configure your input data. The screen is divided into the following tabs.
Configure Tab
- Select API type: Fast or Flexible.
- Choose Samsara Telematics from the ‘Select Connection’ dropdown.
- Click ‘Next’ to proceed.
Jobs Tab
- Use ‘Select Addresses’ to fetch Samsara address data.
- Choose the addresses you want to include and click ‘Upload.’
- Map VRP attributes to match uploaded data fields, then click ‘Next.’
Shipments and Depots Tab
- Upload shipments and depot data as needed or click ‘Skip’ if not required.
Vehicles Tab
- Use ‘Select Vehicles’ to fetch Samsara vehicle data.
- Select the relevant vehicles and click ‘Upload.’
- Map VRP attributes and click ‘Next.’
Options Tab
Configure additional parameters:
- Constraints: Max vehicle overtime, max lateness, max waiting time.
- Objective: Minimize travel cost (distance/duration) or set custom optimization goals.
- Routing Mode: Select Car or Truck and specify a Traffic Timestamp.
Click ‘Finish Import’ to complete the setup.
Step 5: Generate and Dispatch Optimized Routes
- After finalizing the setup, click ‘Compile’ to visualize routes on the map.
- Click ‘Run’ to execute the route planner and generate optimized routes.
- To dispatch routes to Samsara:
- Click ‘Share’ and select ‘Dispatch to Connection.’
- Choose the Samsara Telematics connection from Fleet Hub.
How This Integration Enhances Dispatch Efficiency
Integrating Samsara with NextBillion.ai’s Fleet Hub streamlines dispatch operations by:
- Automating Data Imports: Eliminates manual entry errors and saves time.
- Optimizing Routes: Reduces travel distance and fuel costs, improving efficiency.
- Real-Time Fleet Visibility: Ensures better tracking and on-the-fly adjustments.
- Seamless Dispatching: Allows direct route sharing with Samsara, reducing operational delays.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: Provides data-driven insights for smarter resource allocation.
Key Benefits of Samsara Route Planning with NextBillion.ai
Integrating Samsara with NextBillion.ai takes fleet dispatching to the next level. It helps businesses plan better routes, adjust in real-time, and use their vehicles more efficiently. Here’s how:
Optimized Route Assignments – Less Travel Time, Lower Costs
With smart route planning, drivers take the fastest and most efficient routes, cutting down on fuel costs and mileage. No more unnecessary detours or backtracking—just straightforward, optimized trips that save time and money.
Dynamic Re-Routing – Adapts to Traffic, Weather, and Delays
Things don’t always go as planned—traffic jams, road closures, and weather changes can throw a wrench in schedules. With real-time re-routing, Samsara and NextBillion.ai automatically adjust routes on the fly, helping drivers avoid delays and stay on track.
Improved Fleet Utilization – Get the Most Out of Every Vehicle
Fleet efficiency isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about using every vehicle wisely. With better dispatching and route planning, businesses avoid overloading some vehicles while underutilizing others, ensuring the entire fleet runs at peak efficiency.
Enhanced ETA Accuracy – Keep Customers in the Loop
Customers expect accurate delivery times. By factoring in real-time conditions, optimized routing ensures precise ETAs. This means fewer missed delivery windows, happier customers, and better reliability.
With Samsara and NextBillion.ai, fleets become more efficient, drivers spend less time stuck in traffic, and businesses deliver on time, every time.
Use Cases: Industries Benefiting from Fleet Efficiency Software
Fleet efficiency software isn’t just for delivery trucks—it helps businesses across industries streamline operations, cut costs, and improve service quality. Here’s how different sectors benefit from Samsara and NextBillion.ai integration:
Last-Mile Delivery – Faster Orders, Fewer Delays
For e-commerce, grocery, and parcel delivery companies, speed is everything. With optimized routes and real-time adjustments, drivers avoid traffic delays and take the fastest routes. This means:
- Quicker deliveries to customers.
- Less fuel consumption and lower costs.
- Fewer missed delivery windows.
Field Service Operations – Smarter Dispatching, Better Response Times
Service businesses—like HVAC, plumbing, and telecom—need to get technicians to job sites quickly and efficiently. Fleet efficiency software ensures:
- Techs take the best routes to reduce travel time.
- Real-time updates allow dispatchers to adjust schedules.
- More jobs completed per day, boosting productivity.
Waste Management – Optimized Collection, Lower Costs
Waste collection routes can be tricky, especially in high-traffic or large urban areas. With smart fleet software, waste management companies can:
- Plan efficient collection routes to reduce fuel and time waste.
- Avoid unnecessary stops and backtracking.
- Improve pickup accuracy with real-time adjustments.
From last-mile delivery to service operations and waste collection, fleet efficiency software keeps businesses running smoothly, reducing delays and cutting costs.
Conclusion
Integrating Samsara with NextBillion.ai helps businesses optimize routes, improve fleet utilization, and make real-time adjustments based on traffic, weather, and new tasks. This means lower fuel costs, faster deliveries, and better dispatching efficiency.
This integration ensures smoother operations and happier customers for businesses that rely on last-mile delivery, field service operations, or large-scale logistics. With smarter route planning and automated dispatching, fleets can reduce delays, maximize resources, and stay ahead of the competition.
Ready to take your fleet dispatching to the next level? Get started with NextBillion.ai’s Route Optimization API today and start optimizing your operations for efficiency and growth!
