Vehicle utilisation

Vehicle utilisation describes how much of the available transport capacity is being used. Depending on the freight, it can be measured by weight, volume, floor space, pallet positions or operating time. One percentage rarely tells the whole story.

Formula by capacity type

The base formula is used capacity ÷ available capacity × 100. Payload matters for dense goods, while volume or loading metres matter for bulky freight. Pallet positions can suit standardised loads.

Example: payload free, floor full

A van may carry 1,200 kilograms. A 600-kilogram shipment gives 50% weight utilisation. However, large non-stackable furniture occupies the entire floor: 100% floor-space utilisation. Another order will not fit despite 600 kilograms of nominal payload remaining.

Utilisation across a route

Capacity changes after every collection and delivery. A daily average of 70% could hide a vehicle that starts full and spends the second half nearly empty. A segment-level calculation weighted by kilometres is more informative. Empty runs should be reported separately.

Common errors include measuring only weight, using nominal rather than usable space, comparing averages without route profiles, and treating overloading as productivity.

Route optimisation can consider capacity, stop sequence and time windows together. A TMS needs complete dimensions, weights and vehicle data to do this. Maxmove shows free capacity in its order and route context; operational loading and safety checks still remain essential.