Food distribution in Colombia presents unique challenges for logistics and transportation companies. From geographical diversity to address complexity, ensuring efficient and on-time deliveries is no easy task. One of the most critical — and often underestimated — factors is the quality of the data, especially with regard to directions and geographical coordinates.

In this article, we explore how data impacts the efficiency of food logistics in Colombia and why accurate information is essential to operate successfully.

Food distribution in Colombia and Latin America: a challenging context

Colombia is a country with densely populated urban areas and vast rural regions with limited infrastructure. This territorial diversity represents a major logistical challenge for companies that distribute perishable products. Every delivery must be made in a timely manner to preserve the cold chain and ensure customer satisfaction.

Problem 1: Unstructured or unclear directions

One of the main obstacles is the inconsistency in writing addresses. In many regions, addresses do not follow a standard format and may include non-technical references such as “in front of the school” or “next to the big tree”.

This type of information may work for a local delivery person, but not for an automated route planning system. The lack of structure makes geocoding difficult and slows down the entire logistics process.

Problem 2: Absence of accurate GPS coordinates

Geographic coordinates are the most reliable way to identify exact locations. When companies don't have precise coordinates associated with their addresses, optimization algorithms lose efficiency.

This can translate into:

• Longer or poorly calculated routes
• Increases in fuel consumption
• Delays in deliveries
• Difficulties calculating realistic time windows

Have access to reliable latitudes and longitudes significantly improves system performance and reduces the margin of error.

Solution: How Routal improves food logistics in Colombia and Latin America

Routal is a SaaS solution designed to plan, optimize and monitor distribution routes. To achieve this precisely, it relies on high-quality data and advanced geolocation tools.

Among its key features:

• Automatic address normalization: Convert ambiguous descriptions into standardized formats.
• Precise geocoding: Transforms addresses into ready-to-use coordinates.
• Integration with updated maps and local geographic databases.
• Planning based on real data: allows you to calculate routes considering logistics restrictions, delivery times and business priorities.

Summary: Data is the basis for efficient logistics

Last-mile logistics in Colombia, especially in the food sector, requires more than vehicles and routes: it needs clean, structured and georeferenced data.
Investing in information quality is key to reducing costs, increasing efficiency and improving the end customer experience.

With tools like Routal, companies can transform operational chaos into a fluid, automated and reliable system.

Contact us to learn more!

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The last mile is one of the most critical and complex sections of the entire logistics chain. And although we often talk about route optimization or cost reduction, there is an equally crucial aspect that is often overlooked: communication between the key actors in the cast. We refer to logistics managers, delivery people and, of course, end customers.

In this article we are going to break down the main communication problems that currently exist, why they continue to occur and, most importantly, how we can solve them using modern tools and more efficient flows.

📞 The phone: the king who no longer reigns

In many delivery companies, the main communication tool is still the telephone. It's a fast, straightforward, and widely adopted solution. But it is also the source of numerous problems that directly affect operational efficiency.

Problems with (synchronous) telephone communication between manager and delivery person

1. Time lock
2. A call requires simultaneous attention from both people. If you are busy, the entire operation is delayed.
3. Constant interruptions
4. The manager interrupts the delivery person to answer questions or make adjustments, affecting their concentration and productivity.
5. Mutual dependence
6. If the delivery person doesn't answer, the manager is left without information. If the manager is not available, the delivery person gets frustrated.
7. Lack of traceability
8. The calls leave no clear or organized record of what has been said or agreed.
9. Coverage or noise issues
10. In rural areas or noisy environments, voice communication is inefficient or even impossible.

🧍 ‍ ♂️📱 Deliver-customer communication: the big bottleneck

The other major battle front in the last mile is the interaction with the end customer. Here, too, the telephone reigns, with equally questionable results.

Main customer communication issues

1. Last-minute alerts
2. Many delivery people call just a couple of minutes before arriving, leaving little room for the customer to react.
3. Unanswered calls
4. The customer may be busy, at work, or without coverage. This requires repeated attempts, causing delays.
5. Unnecessary waste of time
6. Coordinating deliveries over the phone multiplies downtime, especially when you have to retry or wait for answers.
7. Ambiguity and errors
8. Poorly indicated addresses, unclear instructions, or last-minute changes without documentation.
9. Unnecessary tension
10. Calls can lead to misunderstandings or even conflicts if there are unpunctualities or unmet expectations.

💡 How to improve communication in the last mile?

1. Using Asynchronous Messaging Platforms

Tools such as Routal they make it possible to establish asynchronous communication channels where information flows without the need for both parties to be available at the same time. This allows:

• Leave clear, written instructions.
• Record incidents and inquiries.
• Send automatic notifications about the status of the cast.
• Notify in advance, generating options for the end customer and for the manager.

2. Smart notifications for the customer

Customers can receive automatic notifications by SMS, email or WhatsApp stating:

• Estimated time of arrival.
• Number of stops remaining before yours.
• Possibility to change the time or place of delivery from the mobile phone.
• Ability to send messages to the delivery person to find solutions or alternatives

3. Real-time tracking portals

A solution such as Routal allows us to offer the customer a tracking link where you can see the location of the delivery person and their progress. This reduces unnecessary calls and increases customer satisfaction.

4. Quick feedback and issue forms

Both the delivery person and the customer can report problems in a structured way (damaged package, wrong address, missing customer...), which avoids long calls and centralizes management.

5. Integration with planning and CRM tools

By having all the information centralized, the logistics manager can make faster and more data-based decisions: redistribute routes, assign tasks, anticipate delays or manage incidents.

🧭 Result

The last mile is not only about kilometers traveled, but about people who understand each other (or not). If we continue to rely on the telephone as the only communication tool, we are doomed to a system that is fragile, inefficient and difficult to scale.

Moving to smarter solutions such as Routal improves coordination, reduces errors and, above all, Save time for the whole team. Because in the end, good communication doesn't just deliver packages... Give peace of mind.

If you feel that you have this type of problem, I encourage you to try Routal Planner or Schedule a call.

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Until now, enjoying advanced technology to plan routes, save gas or replan deliveries in real time seemed like a luxury reserved for large companies. But that's over. With the new application Routal Drivers, autonomous drivers can now access the same tools that large fleets use... from their mobile and in a matter of minutes!

What makes Routal Drivers so special?

We know what it means to be self-employed: every minute counts, every liter of gasoline adds up, and every diversion can mean a failed delivery. That's why Routal Drivers has been designed with you in mind, the driver who does everything. Here are some of its main advantages:

⏱️ Time savings

Routal Drivers automatically generates the best possible route for all your stops of the day. Forget about wasting time reorganizing maps or looking for directions. The app does the work for you, optimizing each journey.

⛽ Fuel savings

Thanks to smarter and more efficient routes, you'll spend less on fuel. That translates directly into more benefits for you, without changing the way you work.

📍 Reach customers faster

Do you have deliveries in new or complex areas? Routal Drivers precisely guides you to the customer's door, using real-time information about traffic and road conditions.

🔄 Replan as you go

Do you have a new stop while you are en route? Does the customer change your address? With Routal Drivers you can add, remove or reorder stops at any time, and the application recalculates your route instantly.

🚶🚴🚛 Multi-mode of transport

It doesn't matter if you go by van, bike or on foot: Routal Drivers adapts to the way you move, to offer you the best route depending on your vehicle and the type of delivery you make.

📲 Download it now and start saving

Whether you're a freelance deliveryman or you're working as a freelancer for marketplaces or small businesses, Solo Drivers is made for you.

• Download on Android (Google Play Store)
• Download on iOS (App Store)

Routal now puts technology in your hands. You don't need to be a big company to work like one. Grow your business with Solo Drivers!

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