As the final step of the delivery process from a distribution center or facility to the end user, last mile delivery can range from a few blocks to 100 miles. Though it may only be a small part of the shipment’s journey in terms of distance, that final stretch is actually the most crucial.
With a 50% increase in last mile services in the past 18 months, demand is surging in the B2C eCommerce sector. Retailers are expecting a lot from their providers to fulfill their customers’ expectations, including: full visibility, next-day delivery, and even same-day delivery. (Source: eft, Last Mile Retail Study 2018)
Keeping up is not a simple task. As of 2018, consumers’ expectations are on a whole new level, and it’s up to shippers to keep up, or potentially miss out on opportunities.
How can businesses boost their last mile delivery capabilities?
As a supply chain optimization company, we here at Zero Down suggest focusing on the three most important aspects of last mile supply chain management:
Visibility is essential.
Customers want to know where their purchase is, at all times. Providing real-time tracking capabilities will help businesses stay ahead of any WISMO (“Where Is My Order”) calls.
Use a modern TMS.
How old is your current provider’s transportation management system technology? If it’s anything more than a few years, chances are it’s completely outdated. With the last mile crunch now making or breaking sales, businesses need to be able to quickly and easily select the right mode, the right service, and the right carrier – all at the point of shipment.
Consider USPS or regional carriers.
USPS is keeping up with the times. For them, adding a parcel to a home delivery is an incremental cost, since they are making the stop anyway. Assigning the delivery to a national carrier like UPS or FedEx means an independent stop and an increased cost for the shipper.
How Zero Down can help?
Not only do we provide small parcel auditing services, parcel auditing services, and business intelligence services for supply chain as a full-service supply chain optimization company, but we are powered by our own industry-leading transport management system software and supply chain management software.
See for yourself with a preview of our proprietary software for supply chain management:
Contact one of our team members today for a complimentary demo of our service offerings and see how we can be the answer to last mile delivery success.
