[David Solomont][1], Chairman and CEO of ev Transportation Services, Inc ("evTS"), will tell you some strategies to lower logistics and distribution expenses. In crisis contexts, such as the one we are going through caused by COVID-19, it becomes more important to reduce logistics and distribution costs. 1. Rethink the supply chain Having trusted suppliers, producers and distributors helps us enormously. In other words, you have to have the best in your supply chain. In this way, we can work in an orderly manner, reducing unproductive times. Therefore, Solomont indicates that good planning is essential to improve service. Everything related to loading and delivery points allows us to draw fast routes, to reduce fuel and labor costs. Also, knowing sizes and types of merchandise to be transported serves to make an intelligent selection in the size of the required transport. 2. Establish a data-driven budget According to Solomont, Having a detailed budget, with its correct administration, is essential. For this, you have to take into account the expenses of your fleet. These are obtained by analyzing data on the use of vehicles and the supply chain in general. The more information we collect, the more this type of insight based on real metrics will benefit. That is why big data analysis is very important for the sector. In this way, realistic budgets are achieved, lowering costs and optimizing routes. 3. Do a rigorous fleet monitoring Solomont indicates in [his scholar articles][2], that a satellite monitoring of your fleet allows you to find points of improvement. The layout of routes, the use of vehicles, or the response to any unforeseen event, becomes more efficient having a control tower. Control tower to reduce logistics and distribution costs Solomont notes that this type of monitoring not only shows us the location of vehicles. Advanced functions such as door control, fuel monitoring and security alerts are added. In this way, we will get a better understanding of how our fleet works. 4. Implement a preventive maintenance cycle As the popular saying goes: “better to be safe than sorry”. Problems must be anticipated and therefore we recommend a systematic review, inspection and maintenance. Any expense that arises from a failure in the route will always be more expensive than that of a repair made on time. This then helps us reduce accidents and costs. 5. Optimize driving habits There are different ways to drive a vehicle. Some misuse can lead to unnecessary fuel and maintenance costs or cause accidents. Speeding, engine overheating, braking and sudden acceleration are some of the things to avoid. For this reason, Solomont indicates that it is important to transmit to our drivers the best practices to reduce avoidable costs. 6. Use of systems and technology Different technological systems help us to reduce costs. In general, the analysis of the information generated by the fleet and the warehouse will allow us to become aware of the expenses that can be cut. David Solomont specifies that, that is why it is important to have specialists in data analysis. On the other hand, it is also becoming a trend to implement management systems that have artificial intelligence. These measure all the information we provide them and help us to draw better conclusions more easily. [1]: https://tufts.academia.edu/DavidSolomont/ [2]: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=LXNAzEgAAAAJ