Operations & Supply Chain

Transport Planning and Route Optimisation

Transport is often the largest logistics cost. This course covers transport strategy, mode selection, network design, route planning and optimisation, load planning, carrier management, transport management systems and sustainability.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Better transport planning reduces costs, emissions and delivery failures. This course gives you practical tools to plan and optimise transport operations.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course uses route optimisation exercises, case studies, carrier evaluation workshops and technology demonstrations.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Develop transport strategy and mode selection
Plan efficient routes and schedules
Optimise loads and vehicle utilisation
Select and manage carriers
Use transport management systems
Measure transport cost, service and emissions

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Transport and logistics managers
Distribution planners
Fleet managers
Supply chain analysts
Procurement professionals buying transport

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Transport strategy
Route optimisation
Load planning
Carrier management
TMS use
Transport KPIs

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Transport Strategy

09:00–09:54Role of transport
09:54–10:48Mode characteristics
10:48–11:00Cost structures
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Cost structures (continued)
12:12–13:06Service requirements
13:06–14:00Exercise: Mode selection

Day 2Route Planning

09:00–09:54Routing principles
09:54–10:48Time windows
10:48–11:00Optimisation software
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Optimisation software (continued)
12:12–13:06Delivery density
13:06–14:00Lab: Route optimisation

Day 3Load and Fleet Utilisation

09:00–09:54Load planning
09:54–10:48Consolidation
10:48–11:00Backhauling
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Backhauling (continued)
12:12–13:06Utilisation metrics
13:06–14:00Exercise: Load planning

Day 4Carrier Management

09:00–09:54Carrier selection
09:54–10:48Rate negotiation
10:48–11:00Performance management
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Performance management (continued)
12:12–13:06Freight audit
13:06–14:00Case study: Carrier tender

Day 5Technology and Sustainability

09:00–09:54Transport management systems
09:54–10:48Visibility tools
10:48–11:00Emissions reduction
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Emissions reduction (continued)
12:12–13:06KPIs
13:06–14:00Capstone: Transport improvement plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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