USP
Using dynamic routing to keep deliveries moving during disruption
Climate-related network risk:Â Extreme weather, road closures, storms, flooding, congestion and last-mile delivery disruption
Solution pathway: Dynamic routing, route optimisation, real-time data and flexible delivery planning
Business type: Large logistics and parcel delivery
Sector: Parcel delivery, freight and logistics
Geography: Global, with major operations in North America and Europe
In practice
UPS has invested in route-optimisation systems, including ORION, its On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation system. ORION analyses delivery points, pickup times, road conditions, driver routes and operational data to support more efficient routing. UPS has also added more dynamic routing capability, allowing routes to adjust as new pickups, conditions or constraints emerge during the day.
For climate and weather disruption, this kind of routing capability matters because static route plans are less effective when roads flood, storms close routes, heat affects traffic conditions or disruption changes throughout the day. Dynamic routing gives logistics operators more flexibility to respond in real time, reduce unnecessary mileage, avoid blocked or unsafe routes and keep deliveries moving.
The case is useful for this section because it shows how network resilience can be built into day-to-day logistics operations. Route reliability is not only about having more roads or vehicles; it is also about using data, algorithms and operational flexibility to adapt when normal routes become unreliable.
Why this example was selected
This case study was curated because UPS’s ORION system has been externally profiled as a major route-optimisation and logistics technology example. UPS has also received recognition through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay programme for freight efficiency and operational sustainability.
The case is relevant to climate adaptation because dynamic routing is one of the practical tools businesses can use to manage weather-related disruption. It helps logistics networks adapt when routes become slower, unsafe or unavailable due to extreme weather, flooding, congestion or other disruption.
Key lesson
Businesses can improve route reliability by using dynamic routing systems that combine real-time data, operational flexibility, and route optimization to respond quickly when normal transport routes are disrupted.
