AbstractA new method for planning the routes of a fleet of carriers subject to a maximum load restriction is outlined. It is derived from a combination of the well-known "savings" heuristic rule and Monte Carlo simulation. Without increasing the level of complexity of the search routine beyond that already employed in "savings" based programs a marked reduction in total route length can be obtained. This is demonstrated with the aid of three much-considered problems, and for one of these, distances have been found that are below any previously recorded, even for those algorithms with the support of more elaborate logistics.