JunkHaulers: AI-Powered Logistics and Route Optimization

JunkHaulers is a junk removal and hauling service owned by Mike, operating 3 trucks and employing 6 crew members for 8 years.

The Challenge

With 3 trucks covering a large geographic area, route planning was inefficient. Crews were making unnecessary trips, fuel costs were high, and the company couldn't handle more jobs due to logistics constraints. Mike was manually planning routes each morning, which was time-consuming and often suboptimal. The business was hitting a growth ceiling due to operational inefficiency.

The AI Solution

Zen Companies implemented an AI-powered logistics system that optimized routes for all 3 trucks daily, considering job locations, truck capacity, traffic patterns, and crew schedules. The system could predict demand based on historical data and weather patterns, helping Mike plan crew assignments more effectively. Real-time tracking allowed customers to see when their junk removal would occur.

Results

• Daily Pickups Per Truck: Increased from 4 to 5.5.
• Fuel Costs: Reduced by 25% ($12,000 annual savings).
• Revenue Per Truck: Increased by 35%.
• Time on Route Planning: Reduced by 95%.
• Customer Satisfaction: Improved from 4.3 to 4.8 stars.
• Annual Revenue: Increased by $85,000.

"The logistics system allowed me to do more with the same resources. We're handling 40% more jobs without hiring additional staff or trucks. The efficiency gains are incredible."