Today, anyone dealing with shipping and delivery services knows the term last mile delivery. Focus has shifted recently from producing a smooth interaction during the ordering process. Now the same attention is focused on serving end customers in the last mile. That’s why last mile optimization initiatives have become vital to continued recovery and growth for transportation service providers
Understanding the benefits of the last mile can providers ensure they make the most of consumer demand while offsetting rousing expenses and rates.
“As a share of the total cost of shipping, last mile delivery costs are substantial — comprising 53% overall. And with the growing ubiquitousness of ‘free shipping,’ customers are less willing to foot a delivery fee, forcing retailers and logistics partners to shoulder the cost.” Insider Intelligence reports, “As such, it’s become the first place they’re looking to implement new technologies and drive process improvements.”
These increases and constraints on transportation providers profits and budgets add to the reasons why last mile solutions are vital to optimizing final mile delivery.
How Last Mile Optimization Should Work
A press release shared by Supply Chain Dive in spring 2022 noted that “half of the retail and supply chain leaders surveyed said they offer or would offer same-day delivery because customers expect and demand it.”
Benefits of Optimization in the Last Mile
- Innovative and personalized solutions for customer-driven last mile solutions.
- Real-time tracking and monitoring of shipping and delivery services.
- Development of unique services to improve final mile delivery and hand-off.
- Reduced risks of loss and damage during the transportation process.
- Lower costs and expenses while boosting bottom line profits.
- Streamline end-to-end delivery and handling of specialty orders and loads.
Reaping the benefits of last mile optimization makes quality delivery services easier and much more attainable. It comes down to combining transportation management systems and existing services in the most effective way possible.
Future Growth and Success Await Last Mile Solutions
The benefits of the last mile can be far-reaching and impactful for quality delivery and last mile optimization. Continued recovery and perfection of last mile solutions are essential to keeping shipments moving. Regardless of the future of the domestic and global supply chain, one thing is constant – personalization is key to future growth and success with transportation solutions.
Optimization of last-mile services and operations will continue to guide and direct recovery efforts across multiple industries and markets now and in the future. A June 2022 review by SupplyChainBrain mentioned that “the future of fast delivery will be governed by growing consumer demand for customized service, with many options. In the future, fulfillment and delivery are going to have to get more personal. You’ve got to meet the customer where they are. You need to get them the product they want, how they want it.”
The focus must remain on last mile optimization, personalized delivery, and supply chain logistics strategy in 2022 and beyond.
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Knowing where to turn for assistance and guidance is the key to getting the most out of supply chain optimization and customer-focused last mile solutions. Download our eBook, Last Mile Optimization: Solving the Last Mile Delivery, to see how MercuryGate helps transportation providers overcome final mile adversity.
