Assigned routes can also be <b>set up between storage units</b> to further optimize your operations, as shown below. Just make sure the destination storage has the {0} slider enabled (1). You can optionally assign trucks to the receiving storage to be dedicated to this supply line (2). There are also two toggles (3) that let you restrict the storage to only accept deliveries from connected sources and assigned trucks, since routes are not exclusive to the destination by default.

The following example shows how a train line, combined with assigned routes, can reduce truck trips when dumping mined material. First, assign the {0} to a nearby ore sorting plant (1). The plant is connected to a destination storage unit via a train line (2). That unit has a route set to export to a nearby mine control tower (3), which has a designated dumping area.

It is efficient to use conveyor belts and pipes to transport goods from production buildings to storage units, while letting trucks balance inventory between them. This keeps truck utilization high, as they can always travel fully loaded. It also gives machines extra buffers, helping them operate without interruption.

For example, {0} can benefit by having {1} and {2} storage units attached via conveyor belts.

For storage you don't want to fill (such as {0}, pictured below), you can use the <b>{1}</b> slider to set a threshold. One that level is reached, vehicles will automatically remove the material and deliver it to another available unit.

You can also <b>set up alerts</b> to be notified if a storage unit becomes too full or too empty, which could prevent connected machines from working properly. This is especially helpful for critical resources like coal for power plants, where a shortage can disrupt power production.

Once machines are connected via belts or pipes and a first product is delivered / received, trucks will stop delivering or collecting that product from those machines. You can manually override this behavior using the {0} and {1} dropdowns in each machine's window.

Storage & logistics

Pipes and conveyor belts (also categorized as transports) are highly effective for transporting products around your factory. They reduce the load on your truck logistics and provide a more consistent flow of products.

Trucks are the most versatile option to transport products around the island. They can transport almost every product except molten materials or hot gasses such as steam.