Logistics is shifting up a gear faster than you can say “last-mile delivery.” If you are a professional in this space, you will notice just how customers want everything fast. No matter if your business delivers groceries, cargo to a warehouse or even pet food delivery.
From my own personal experience in logistics operations, I can tell you that to master the art of this final-mile set you in good stead throughout your operations.
If your business has been struggling to optimize this process, let’s take a closer look at the new frontier of last-mile delivery and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
Why is last-mile delivery important for my logistics business?
I think back to a previous experience during my days as in logistics. I had just finished loading a fleet of trucks destined for various city corners.
My drivers were briefed and we thought this dispatch would run like a dream. But myself and the fleet manager noticed that the final mile was the most challenging.
Traffic jams and wrong delivery addresses were starting to cost the business. I had to find a solution. This is where I decided to invest in last-mile delivery software.
The switch to the software solved this last-mile frustration.
Here’s how:
- Route optimization allows drivers to travel on the best route – no more scenic routes or “favorite” routes that cause delays.
- Real-time tracking lets the team know exactly where drivers are. The customer can also follow the delivery path – and is given an ETA.
When your logistics company masters the last-mile, you will notice happier customers because deliveries are on time and communication is clearer.
Now let’s take a look at a few innovations making waves as the new frontier in last-mile delivery.
Smart lockers provide customers with convenience
Back in the day when parcel lockers were not available, missed deliveries were so frustrating. A logistics company had to repeatedly reschedule deliveries, or spend hours on the phone communicating to a customer.
Fast forward to the present day. The invention of parcel lockers is now a reality.
Parcel lockers solve the missed delivery conundrum. Customers can now pick up their packages at a secure location at their own convenience.
Don’t you think happier customers are the best customers?
Autonomous vehicles: Speed in last-mile delivery
Remember in the 80s people thought self-driving vehicles were from a science fiction movie. Well, now we have autonomous vehicles on our roads.
As a former logistics professional, I can marvel now at a small van loaded with packages navigating the city streets without a driver.
Let’s put you in charge for a second: You own a courier business. There’s a nasty illness doing the rounds and two drivers call in sick. You don’t panic though.
Instead of trying to call other staff to help, you can rely on autonomous delivery vans.
Companies like Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and DHL Supply Chain are reshaping freight transportation in the US with the launch of autonomous operations.
Delivery software: Stay in the loop in your logistics business
So you own a fleet of trucks, these trucks chris-cross the roads of some of the busiest routes you have seen in your logistics career.
You have been manually planning since your very first day on the job. In the present day, you still believe technology is “not that cool.”
Why are you creating more work than you need to?
Last-mile delivery software allows your business to optimize the final stage of the delivery process with route planning, real-time tracking and more to increase customer satisfaction.
Imagine how impressed your customers will be if items actually arrived on time.
If you are still using spreadsheets for dispatch and delivery planning, please stop.
Make the final-mile of delivery faster and smoother with this software:
- Plan better routes for quicker deliveries.
- Save on fuel and costs by reducing time on the road.
- Handle more bookings in less time, boosting your revenue.
Let’s recap: You can stay ahead in Last-mile delivery
Logistics is tough. But thankfully, last-mile delivery is being made easier with the use of technology.
- Parcel lockers: Are helping customers receive parcels at their convenience.
- Autonomous vehicles: Eliminates the crisis to find delivery drivers.
- Last-mile delivery software can ensure your logistics business delivers faster, with smooth operations in the process.
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
