A regional depot decision compares long-haul transport with rent and local operating costs. Kilometres or trip counts alone are not enough; compare the same customer demand and delivery service across each option.
Make the current network measurable
By route, collect weekly stops and trips, round-trip distance, vehicle load factor, delays, failed deliveries and inventory dwell. For chilled freight, add recorded product readings and where loads wait during transfers.
Build the total cost for three scenarios
For current-depot delivery, include trunk and local transport; for a transfer point, handling, waiting area and extra handovers; for a new depot, rent, energy, staff, inventory and local trips. Use the same order volume, delivery windows and product groups in each case.
Test the assumption in the field first
If possible, trial a temporary transfer or route change in a limited area before committing to a depot. Record arrival and departure times, load IDs and temperature readings. Compare transfer dwell with the product specification and written control plan; do not assume suitability.
