With the rise of omnichannel shopping, last mile delivery has become more complex and important. It’s not just about delivering products from a warehouse to a home or business anymore. Supply chains have to move in new directions and be agile enough to adapt quickly to different delivery methods.
Crucial: Although this is the final stage of product delivery, and after the goods have already undergone a long and multi-stage process, last mile delivery is the point that is most crucial for customer satisfaction. It is at this stage that the customer is most affected by the transport process.
Complicated: It is also the most complicated stage, as the final leg of shipment typically involves multiple stops with low drop sizes.
Expensive: It’s also the most expensive stage. As a share of the total cost of shipping, last mile delivery costs are substantial comprising 53% overall.
Problematic: Last-mile deliveries are also the biggest source of urban pollution, noise and congestion. For example, in Brussels alone around 16,000 trucks and 26,000 vans enter the city centre every day.
Supply chain professionals are under pressure due to high customer expectations, cost management, environmental concerns, port congestion, inflation, and restrictions in urban areas. Additionally, challenges arising from the recent pandemic, geopolitical tensions, social conflicts, and labour shortages exacerbate these constraints.
We know the challenges of last mile deliveries very well! That’s why we’ve prepared this guide providing insights into new market trends and solutions to help brands navigate these challenges and efficiently ship products worldwide.
