Running efficient routes is one of the biggest daily challenges for truck dispatchers and fleet operators in European transport logistics. That’s where IMPARGO’s truck routing software makes a real difference. The platform offers four powerful routing modes—Standard, Cost Optimized, Avoid Toll Roads, and Shortest—each designed to save time, reduce costs, and simplify route planning across Europe.
But routing is only one part of the job. A full Transportation Management System (TMS) goes further by helping you calculate transport costs, manage fleets and subcontractors, and plan every trip from one digital dashboard. With IMPARGO’s TMS platform, you can make smarter decisions that keep your trucks rolling efficiently and your operations under control.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the top four routing modes in truck routing software work—and show how combining them with a full TMS solution can boost productivity and profitability in your logistics business.
On This Page
- Top 4 Routing Modes for HGV Truck Navigation
- Routing & TMS Software for Truck Transport Logistics
- Book a Free 1-on-1 Demo of IMPARGO TMS
Top 4 Routing Modes for HGV Truck Navigation
1. Standard Routing Mode – Fastest Routes for Deliveries
The Standard Routing Mode focuses on speed and reliability. It calculates the fastest route based on real-time traffic data, helping dispatchers plan tight delivery windows and reduce waiting times. If your priority is on-time arrival, this is your go-to option.
- Best For: Time-sensitive loads where speed matters more than toll costs.
- Example: A logistics company delivering fresh produce from Germany to Italy uses Standard Mode to ensure goods arrive fresh and on time.
- Pro tip: Refresh traffic before driver breaks; IMPARGO will keep the route HGV-compliant automatically.
2. Cost-Optimized Mode – Reduce Toll Fees, Driver Wages, and Fuel Costs
The Cost-Optimized Mode finds the most economical route by balancing driving time and cost factors such as tolls, driver wages, fuel consumption, and AdBlue usage. Dispatchers can easily calculate trip costs with IMPARGO’s Truck Cost Calculator to choose the most efficient option.
- Best For: Fleets aiming to lower costs without sacrificing delivery deadlines.
- Example: A carrier operating between France and Poland selects this mode to save on tolls and fuel while staying on schedule.
- Pro tip: Combine with accurate vehicle profiles (weight/height) to ensure all savings are HGV-legal on every segment.
3. Avoid Toll Roads Mode – Save on Costly European Toll Networks
If you need to cut expenses further, the Avoid Toll Roads Mode helps you bypass toll-heavy routes—especially useful in high-cost countries like France, Germany, and Spain. This mode finds toll-free alternatives while respecting all truck restrictions for your vehicle profile.
- Best For: Companies looking to minimize toll costs or plan toll-free routes for non-urgent loads.
- Example: A transport company moving goods between Spain and France uses this mode to avoid costly toll highways.
- Pro tip: If a toll-free detour risks entering LEZs/time bans, IMPARGO will re-route to a legal alternative.
4. Shortest Routing Mode – Minimize Distance for Local and Regional Deliveries
The Shortest Routing Mode selects the route with the least total distance. It’s ideal for short-haul or regional deliveries where total mileage directly impacts fuel costs and driver time. IMPARGO automatically avoids restricted streets and low bridges using your truck’s dimensions and weight.
- Best For: Local deliveries or regional transport routes where distance savings matter most.
- Example: A haulier operating between Rotterdam and Antwerp uses Shortest Mode to reduce fuel consumption and optimize driver hours.
- Pro tip: Keep vehicle height/weight/ADR updated; the system will honour HGV limits and suggest lawful, shortest paths.
Routing & TMS Software for Truck Transport Logistics
Routing modes are just one part of efficient transport planning. A full Transportation Management System (TMS) like IMPARGO’s goes beyond route optimization—it brings cost control, fleet management, and order tracking into a single platform. It’s designed for dispatchers who want a clear overview of every truck and every cost.
Use the Truck Cost Calculator for Full Fleet Cost Control
IMPARGO’s Truck Cost Calculator makes it simple to control your fleet’s expenses. From fuel consumption and driver wages to AdBlue costs, the calculator breaks down every detail so you can plan accurate budgets and price your transport services more competitively.
- Driver Wage Calculator: Estimate driver pay based on trip duration and distance.
- Fuel Expense Calculator: Calculate fuel costs per route to identify savings potential.
- AdBlue Costs: Track and manage AdBlue usage to reduce operational overheads.
Manage Your Fleet and Subcontractors Online
IMPARGO’s Carrier Management Features give dispatchers complete control over their fleet and subcontractors in one place. Assign transport orders, request quotes, and track every shipment in real time—without endless phone calls or Excel files.
- Fleet Management: Monitor trucks, drivers, and routes in one dashboard.
- Subcontractor Management: Assign jobs digitally and follow delivery progress live.
Truck Restrictions & Vehicle Profiles in IMPARGO
IMPARGO’s routing engine automatically accounts for HGV restrictions based on your vehicle profile. Set truck height, width, length, weight, axle loads, trailer type, and optional ADR/hazardous goods flags, and the software will avoid low bridges, weight-limited roads, and HGV bans. It also respects LEZ/UZ (low-emission zones), tunnel categories, seasonal/time-window restrictions, and city delivery windows where applicable.
- What to configure: Dimensions, GVW/axles, ADR, number of trailers, emissions class.
- Why it matters: Accurate profiles = legal routes by default across Europe.
- Dispatcher tip: Save presets for common vehicle types (e.g., 18t rigid, 40t artic, tanker) to speed up planning.
Book a Free 1-on-1 Demo of IMPARGO TMS
IMPARGO’s truck routing software and TMS platform bring everything together—routing, cost control, and fleet management—in a simple, digital workflow. You’ll spend less time coordinating and more time moving freight efficiently across Europe.
Want to see how it all works? Book a free 1-on-1 demo and get a personalized tour of the platform.
During the session, you’ll see how IMPARGO’s routing modes, truck cost calculators, and carrier management tools combine to optimize your logistics workflow from end to end.
Click here to book your free demo and find out how IMPARGO helps you plan routes faster, lower costs, and simplify your transport operations.
FAQs: Truck Routing Software for European HGVs
Is “Fastest” always better than “Shortest”?
No. Fastest minimizes transit time with live traffic; Shortest minimizes distance. IMPARGO keeps both modes HGV-legal based on your vehicle profile, so you can pick speed or mileage savings per job.
How does IMPARGO handle LEZs and city bans?
Your vehicle profile (emissions class, weight, dimensions, ADR) drives routing. The engine avoids restricted segments (LEZ/UZ, time windows, tunnel categories, low bridges, weight limits) and proposes legal alternatives.
Can I combine “Avoid Tolls” with cost control?
Yes. Use Avoid Tolls to remove tolled segments, then compare fuel, wages, and AdBlue with the Truck Cost Calculator to choose the lowest-cost option that still meets deadlines.
