ROI from a load planner - how much does a company really save?

How much does a company really save with a load planner? Logistics ROI can be seen in just a few months – fewer empty runs, shorter planning time, and better utilization of cargo space are real savings for your company.

Load planner ROI – how much does a company really save?

Digitalization of logistics processes is no longer a future, but a necessity. However, managers are increasingly asking not whether to implement new solutions, but when the investment will begin to pay off. In the case of load planning applications, the answer is surprisingly simple – financial benefits can be measured in months, not years.

Note: The data below are estimates and based on a model example of a medium-sized transport company.

Where do losses arise in traditional planning?
In most companies, the load planning process still relies on employee experience and trial and error. The result is:

• unused space in vehicles (on average 10-20% empty volume),
• the need for repacking and loading delays,
• excessive trips and increased fuel costs,
• unnecessary work hours for warehouse workers and drivers.

These "minor" losses translate into hundreds of thousands of zlotys annually.

Case Study - Medium-Sized Transport Company
Let's take a look at a logistics company operating 40 truck combinations. It carries out approximately 10,000 domestic and international trips annually.

Initial situation (without the planner):

• Average cargo space fill rate: 82%
• Average planning time per load: 45 minutes
• Empty runs: 8% of all routes
• Annual fuel cost: approximately PLN 8.5 million

After implementing the load planner:

• Cargo space fill rate: increased to 93%
• Load planning time: decreased to 15 minutes
• Empty runs: reduced to 5%
• Annual fuel cost: decreased to approximately PLN 8 million

Let's calculate the estimated savings:

- Better space utilization

Thanks to an 11% increase in cargo space, companies need approximately 500 fewer trips per year. Average cost per trip: PLN 2,500 → approximately PLN 1.25 million in savings.

- Shorter planning time

10,000 loads × 30 minutes savings = 5,000 hours per year. With an average labor cost of PLN 50/hour, this translates to approximately PLN 250,000 in savings.

- Reduction in empty runs

3% fewer empty runs = 300 fewer trips. PLN 2,500/trip → approximately PLN 750,000 in savings (estimated to correspond to the average trip cost).

- Fuel savings

Reduction in fuel costs by approximately PLN 500,000 annually thanks to improved organization.

- Total effect: up to approximately PLN 2.75 million in savings annually
(conservatively, assuming typical market rates).

ROI in practice
The cost of licensing and implementing a load planner for a company of this size is several hundred thousand zlotys. This means that the investment typically pays for itself within the first 3-6 months.

Management Conclusions
A load planner is not only operational support but also a tool that significantly reduces costs. Savings include fuel, labor, and delivery times.
The investment is easy to quantify and quickly visible in financial reports.
For transportation and manufacturing companies, this is a rare example of an IT solution that delivers a measurable, rapid, and multi-level return on investment.

Want to calculate the ROI for your organization? Conduct a quick audit of your loading processes and compare it with the data from your planner—the numbers usually speak for themselves.