route planning

[audi1961]

is it generally thought that a parcel delivery man starts delivering from the furthest away point rather than the nearest

[hc4361]

Hopefully a multi drop driver will deliver 'in the round' and come back a different way, dropping off all along the route.
It uses a lot more fuel to drive a fully laden vehicle than an empty one and is a waste of fuel to come back empty.

[audi1961]

sorry should have explained better, delivery is for only 4 small items so no real weight to consider, so is it best to do these as furthest point first or nearest first as there isnt a specific route only to be done shortest route, if that makes sense

[hc4361]

That's different. Depends what time you set out and how far the closest drop is. If it's a business it is usually pointless delivering before 9am and householders don't appreciate getting up at 6am.
Whatever suits the delivery driver best, really.
Let's say the furthest drop is 200 miles away and the nearest 10 miles. Driver wants to make an early start so it makes sense to drive 200 miles for the first drop.

[audi1961]

thanx alot much appreciated

[Hopkirk]

You need to put the cafe into the route, and the preferred time for eating breakfast before you can make this decision.

[McMouse]

In USA United Parcel Service (UPS) has developed route planning software that eliminates the need for delivery drivers to make left turns. This has saved them millions in fuel costs.