A new Truck File can be created that will automatically populate the necessary header columns and allow manual input of all necessary data. Or, if you already have a spreadsheet file with current fleet information, it can be used by copying the information into the Truck File. 

  • From the menu, select File > Open > Truck or File > New > Truck.
  • Update, or enter (copy/paste) each vehicle’s data directly into each column of the spreadsheet; or double-click each row to open the Truck Dialog box and update/enter all the data for each vehicle in one window.
  • The Truck File Fields and Descriptions Table identifies and explains each field that is required or recommended to be used in each Truck File.

 

The Truck Dialog box is divided into the following six sections: 

  • General: Includes Truck ID, special equipment codes, and availability (if the One-way route box is marked, the Redispatch feature is not used; if Redispatch is required, set it to TRUE, enter minimum time and turnaround time); change Zone if you wish to adjust the speed for this truck.
  • Location: Add location information, symbol, and color code options; Lat/Long for the depot or dispatch start point can be added later, during the Geocode process.
  • Costs: Enter any known fixed costs for each vehicle.
  • Work Rules: Enter all restrictive work rules for each vehicle, including start times and dates (Day 1 is the first day of the routing scenario) (LatStart should be left blank to allow DirectRoute to best calculate the time required to meet Time Windows).
  • Time of Day Speed Adjustments: Enter any, if needed.
  • Capacity: Enter capacities in the volume fields; should match those in the Stop File.
  • User Fields: Add any fields/entries needed; see Routing Preferences and Options Table for additional information.

  Truck File Record

 

When all entries have been completed, click Close > Accept, and then repeat as necessary for each additional vehicle.

 

After all vehicle data has been entered into the Truck File:

  • Geocode the Truck File to find Lat/Long for each record in the file, see Geocoding Records).
  • Finally, save the updated Truck File in the DirectRoute Data Folder).
  • Select File > Save, or File > Save As, and assign a name to the file.