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last mile logistics Archives - Chicago Messenger Service

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Have you ever heard of “final-mile” or “last-mile” delivery? Did you know that companies that specialize in it can significantly reduce delivery times and cost?

Even just a decade ago, single- or same-day delivery was unheard of outside of local businesses. Now it is what consumers expect, and at a minimal cost.

How can final-mile delivery companies guarantee fast and reliable shipping without exorbitant costs? Here’s everything you need to know about how they work, and how they could help your business.

What Is Final-Mile Delivery?

Final-mile delivery is the movement of goods from a warehouse or transportation hub to an individual home or business. This is accomplished by a delivery vehicle, bike messenger, or foot courier. Companies that specialize in this service have grown in popularity. This is due to their efficiency and cost-saving advantages.

Moving goods from a warehouse to a specific address is the most painstaking, time-consuming, and expensive part of the delivery process. In fact, last-mile delivery can account for more than half of the total shipping cost.

Simply put, it is easy and economical to move parcels between locations where other packages are already traveling. Getting a single package to a particular place where nothing else is being delivered demands its own time and cost.

What Are the Challenges for Final-Mile Delivery?

The big challenge for last-mile delivery is simply the courier getting to a specific location. In rural areas, for instance, delivery stops may be far apart. In urban areas, while delivery routes may be shorter, couriers can be delayed by pedestrian or traffic congestion. But there are other challenges beyond logistics.

Growth of Online Ordering

The explosion of online ordering has impacted delivery times. During the COVID pandemic, online shopping and home delivery grew. But the shift from brick-and-mortar to primary online shopping has been happening across industries for some time now.

Businesses are using various avenues for selling goods. This including websites, social media, smartphone apps, and in-person shopping. Companies that use robust omnichannel retailing are edging out their competitors.

A network of communication drives business because it creates a unique buying experience for consumers. In fact, customers are more likely to spend money on products, even in a physical store, if they have engaged with the company online. In short, people like to interact with businesses, view and order products, and do it from the comfort of their own home.

Shifting Customer Expectations

It is easy to see how fast delivery is a huge aspect of this dynamic. Two-day, one-day, and even same-day delivery will continue to be a huge selling point for retailers.

Not only does quick delivery enhance customer satisfaction, but the opposite is true. With so many online alternatives, slow shipping can be the one thing that pushes customers to another business offering similar products. One study showed that more than half of all consumers would switch to a competitor if they offered faster delivery times, even if it was at a higher price.

Also, the variety of types of products available for home delivery continues to grow. Food shipment is ever-increasing. It is possible to order live animals, including fish, online. Many of these need special packaging and handling. Ensuring that they are delivered safely is of growing concern for businesses and the people who purchase these items.

It is easy to see how the sheer growth of online ordering and the customer expectation of efficiency have exacerbated existing inefficiencies in the final phase of delivery.

How Do Final Mile Delivery Companies Address These Challenges?

Last-mile delivery companies specialize in combining delivery speed with reliability. Their expertise helps optimize efficiency and thus save money. There are a few ways they manage to do this.

Route Planning

Meticulous route planning for delivery drivers is one advantage of final-mile delivery. Rather than dealing with large shipments of cargo, these companies focus on coordinating delivery logistics within a specific area. They use advanced technology to quickly dispatch delivery personnel on carefully orchestrated routes.

In many metropolitan areas, these companies have leveraged the growth of the gig economy. Crowdsourcing companies post delivery jobs online that are claimed by independent couriers. This helps keep costs down by eliminating the need for a fleet of vehicles.

Analytics and Communication

Final-mile delivery companies rely on analytics to improve their delivery times. These are used to assess deliveries and improve on problem areas, like bottlenecks in traffic during certain times. This technology allows final-mile companies can mitigate shifting challenges like traffic far beyond the capabilities of standard delivery systems.

Last-mile delivery companies also offer driver tracking and communication with customers. Unlike standard mail delivery, consumers can communicate directly with final-mile delivery personnel through text or an app. This can be useful for last-minute changes to delivery instructions or in assisting a delivery person who is trying to find an obscure location. Notifications and correspondence also have become important as food delivery has increased in popularity.

Extra Services

Final-mile delivery companies often provide specialty services, like bringing large packages into a particular room inside the home. Staying while the customer opens the package to ensure the contents are correct is another common service. These “little extras” can go a long way to improving customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on Final-Mile Delivery

Final-mile delivery companies can provide many advantages over traditional delivery networks. Efficiency and reliable delivery of products can make all the difference between customer satisfaction and loss of business.

In short, final-mile companies can help you get more bang for your buck. Being able to offer one- or same-day delivery can boost sales that would offset any increases in shipping costs that you incur.

If you think last-mile delivery can help give you an advantage over your competitors, take a look at the options available in your region. Most companies provide quotes through their website. A reputable last-mile company will be able to tell you what services and speeds they can guarantee, to keep your customers happy and your business growing.


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Last-mile deliveries are a growing need for small business owners across the country. Retail giants like Amazon exponentially increase customer expectations.

But your business can compete. With the right shipping strategy, you can profit in the age of instant gratification.

Check out these 10 hacks to keep the pace of innovation for last-mile deliveries.

10 Strategies for Last-Mile Deliveries

The rush to beat competitors can leave the quality of last-mile delivery services lacking. Here are ten ways to offer a great customer experience when your drivers are scrambling to beat the clock.

10. Update Routes

Siri doesn’t know everything. Always double check delivery routes to make sure you have the most efficient delivery system.

A few minutes off a driver’s route to each stop can make all the difference at the end of the workday.

9. Sort by Destination

Not all packages in your arsenal need to be sorted using the same labels. Separate local deliveries from long-distance deliveries using special bar codes.

The loading process will be much faster when you know exactly where each package gets loaded. Larger logistics companies have complex systems for tracking packages as they come in that you can mimic with a simple ‘local’ and ‘nonlocal’ sorting method.

8. Scan, then Load

This may seem obvious but always scan packages before loading. Repeat delivery routes and customers can make warehousing staff overconfident.

Scan every item even if the same delivery comes in every week. Proper tracking is what sets amateur delivery services apart from the pros.

Share the tracking information with both the driver and customers to keep your delivery system transparent.

7. Get Better Visibility

Tracking packages should be available in real-time when possible. This is the beauty of making sure all packages are scanned.

High delivery visibility means customers know where the driver is and how soon to expect packages to arrive. Major pizza delivery chains like Pizza Hut have mastered this system by allowing you to see your order from the preparation to your front door.

6. Be Available to Chat

Upgrade your visibility by being available to chat with customers. Allow text alerts when possible to communicate with customers with no access to email.

A text alert can supplement the vehicle tracking system or replace it. Avoid text alert systems that don’t allow you to communicate with the driver.

If one-way communication is your only option, include a mobile phone number for the driver in case customers need to connect. Quick notes with last-minute delivery instructions give customers more options in how their product or service is received.

5. Turn Drivers Into Salesmen

The famous fast food phrase “you want fries with that?” can now apply to last-mile deliveries. While a food delivery driver might not actually have fries, soft drinks, chips, and other sides can be made available as an upsell for your business.

Beyond food delivery, consumer packaged goods like paper towels and toilet paper also offer the chance for more sales. Allow drivers to communicate add-on opportunities through text to speed up the transaction.

4. Add Installation

Another way to add revenue to last-mile deliveries is by including white-glove services like product installation. Moving heavy items into the home is also an easy revenue booster.

Be sure to price these items so that they account for the delayed delivery schedule. It might also be beneficial to schedule potential white-glove deliveries as a final stop to ensure all other customers receive items on time.

3. Train the Team

Train your drivers to be professional in residential neighborhoods. Homeowners Associations can help or hurt the delivery process depending on how drivers respect their neighborhoods.

Encourage experienced drivers to share best practices on things like parking, interacting with pets and customer privacy. Drivers should always wear uniforms.

Uniforms both market your business and help build trust with your customers.

2. Focus on Safety

Driver safety can’t be stressed enough. Hold regular safety meetings for drivers especially during peak shipping seasons.

The rush of the holidays combined with the loss of afternoon daylight can be a hotbed for car accidents. Listen to driver comments and complaints about issues they face so you can work towards immediate solutions.

Receiving customer alerts, navigation instructions, and other distractions can create unnecessary anxiety in the delivery team as they drive. These distractions are unavoidable but each can be managed with a solid system for checking communication along the route.

Drivers are the backbone of your business. Make sure they feel safe and supported while out on the road.

1. Get Feedback

They say you can’t please everyone, but every business owner knows that even trying can mean big rewards. Mishaps will happen but responding with next-level customer service sets you apart from competitors.

In a feedback-centered world, customers expect their opinions to be heard. Get ahead of the curve by prompting customers to leave feedback.

Always offer to follow up with an email or phone call to unhappy customers. Never let a driver handle a customer conflict directly.

Require that any driver on the team report customer needs to management so that they can be handled immediately. The positive reviews you receive become a powerful online marketing tool for recruiting new business to your company.

How Fast is Fast?

Customers have a range of expectations in delivery times. It’s important to have a wide range of fulfillment options available for last-mile deliveries.

Same day and one-day deliveries put you on par with major online retailers. The key is understanding the price you need to set to profit on these express services.

For more information on last-mile delivery options, please check out our services.


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You’ve heard the refrain, “consumer behavior is changing”. Many say that it has already changed. In 2016, the Harvard Business Review said that the on-demand economy was alive and well and growing.

The National Technology Readiness Survey confirmed the trend in December 2019. Since 2016, participation in the on-demand economy has almost tripled.

In 2019, 64.8 million consumers purchased on-demand goods or services (24.9 million in 2016) and spent around $110.0 billion (18% up from $92.8 billion in 2018).

Read on to discover what and how to raise your game in this brave new digital world.

What Is the On-Demand Business Model?

Advancing technology has transformed the traditional way of doing business. Customers are demanding a better experience. These are the two main drivers of what has become known as the on-demand economy.

An on-demand business normally shares three things in common. They include

  • a freelancer, or independent worker offering a specific service or product.
  • a consumer who requires a particular service or product immediately, and
  • an online platform that connects the two 

The main sectors affected so far by the on-demand economy are transport, hospitality, finance, temporary or contract employment and media streaming.  Think of businesses such as Uber, Airbnb, and Deliveroo. All three are characteristic of the on-demand business model.

On-demand companies are disruptive. The shift the paradigm that’s been in place for years.  And, as is the case with Uber in many countries in Europe, it is unclear which statutory regulations should be covering their activities 

Online Shopping – Delivery Now

Retail shopping is increasingly becoming involved in the on-demand craze. Established supermarket chains are adding certain on-demand elements to what they offer customers. 

For example, retail giant Walmart has recently created its own network of on-demand delivery drivers from the pool of its own employees. How it works is that some employees deliver orders to customers on their way home from their shift.

Is the On-demand Economy Going to Become the Norm?

If the popularity, speed, and convenience of on-demand products or services are anything to go by, then the on-demand economy is here to stay.

Cutting out the intermediary—formerly known as the middle man—and replacing them with a digital platform, or app that connects the customer with a wide range of service providers is proving popular. 

The cost-savings are one reason. The other reason is that customers and providers alike prefer the autonomy of it all. They like the feeling of control it gives them, and they like the lack of bureaucratic red tape and pink ribbon.

Private lenders, events caterers, plumbers, carpenters, and any other service provider or provider of products you can think of enjoying this vibrant, competitive marketplace.  Customers, for their part. enjoy the attractiveness of being able to purchase something at a competitive price.

Freelancers For Hire

Freelance translators, copywriters, writers, transcribers, computer coders, speechmakers, temporary secretaries, personal trainers, teachers and a host of other professionals all enjoy the type of flexibility that the new on-demand style allows.

Some enjoy this life so much that they have joined the hordes of digital nomads roaming the planet in search of the coffee shop or hostel with the best WiFi.

As providers, they are making a good living, and enjoy being able to care out for themselves the lifestyle they want.

Last-Mile Delivery

The explosion in the number of online shops in recent years has seen a corresponding rise in the number of order fulfillment centers dotted across the landscape.

But what if you’re not an online shop, but need to send something post haste. What is speedy delivery is the deal maker or deal breaker?.  Then courier services will step in to bridge the gap.  Once again, there’s an app for that. ASAP Couriers is a professional courier company that is totally in touch with the on-demand economy.

We realize that as the customer, you need it now. We know that as the provider of the service, you need it delivered now. We also waste no time in getting the job done.

All Sorts of Demands

Getting goods delivered fast is part of keeping the customer satisfied, and keeping the customer loyal.  We know that sometimes, you will have special requirements, such as the need for a refrigerated transport service. We do that too.

Small Businesses Need Flexibility

Small and medium-sized business is the largest growth sector in the economy.  That’s because hardworking people with bright ideas are going out on their own, and getting things done in a dynamic way. As a small business, you cannot always afford to have a set contract with a transport company.

That’s why the on-demand economy is your friend. Because on-demand courier services exist too. ASAP Courier Services is just the kind of company you should call when you need that one-off shipment ultra-fast.

Please contact us on your preferred device, and per your preferred method. We’ll be happy to move forward with you.


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E-commerce is booming. According to Emarketer, the global retail market will exceed $25 trillion in 2019

We live in an age where you can run a business successfully from the comfort of your home office. You can serve customers across the country and even across the globe with just a few strokes of a keyboard. 

Our resources to reach the world also limit our ability to store and deliver our products though. If your business is just you and your computer, you need help moving the product from you to your customers. 

Keep reading to learn about how outsourcing your last-mile delivery will make your business even better. 

What Is Last-Mile Delivery? 

“Last-mile delivery” came from telecommunications companies and not Amazon. Telecommunications engineers referred to the distance from the ISP to the customer’s location, be it a home or office, as the last mile, even if it spanned a few miles or less than a mile.

Nearly all businesses now use the term to refer to the distance between the delivery hub and the customer. So when you order a package, the last mile is not the distance from the warehouse in Portland to your home in Norfolk. It’s the distance from the distribution hub down the road to your front door. 

Last-mile delivery services have one objective: deliver that package to the customer as quickly as possible. That’s their business. They serve both the customer and the business by filling a gap. 

Outsourcing Makes Your Business Better

You can take your business from better to best by outsourcing your door-to-door services. This works especially well if you’re in the in-between stage of being small enough to not hire another individual to do your deliveries but big enough that you can no longer do them yourself.

Here are the ways outsourcing last-mile delivery can benefit you.

You Take Advantage of Technology

You know your business. You understand how to make what you make or do what you do. But you do not always understand the technology that can help streamline your business.

When you outsource the last-mile delivery, you can take advantage of all of the technology that helps your product make its way to your customers’ doorsteps quickly. You do not have to understand how the company moves it quickly or tracks it. You just take advantage of it. 

If you’re looking to outsource any part of your business, then last-mile service makes the most sense. Your customers will notice immediately that you have fast and reliable service.

You can take advantage of all of the apps that last-mile delivery services use as well. Last-mile delivery services can customize an app specifically for your company that mainstreams delivery.  

You Save Money and Time

If you deliver your own products, you understand the cost and time involved with delivery. You have to pay for fuel and car maintenance.

As your business grows, you’ll have to make big decisions. You’ll need to either hire extra workers to produce your product or hire a driver to deliver your products. If you hire a driver, you still carry the liability of a driver using your vehicle, and you still must pay for fuel.

If you outsource your last-mile delivery service, you’ll ultimately save money and time. You can focus on making your product amazing and not think about traffic patterns.

You also don’t have to worry about payroll and delivery deadlines. You don’t have to wonder if a driver is taking care of your car. You can just focus on your product while the delivery service focuses on their specialty.  

You Can Track Your Orders

If you take care of your customers, they’ll stay loyal to your brand. An effective last-mile delivery service will have tracking services for your package. Your customers will be able to see exactly where their package is.

You won’t have to incur the cost for a tracking service since the last-mile delivery service will care for this. You’ll pay for the delivery service, and you’ll make your customers happier. 

Customers care about real-time tracking. Recent studies indicate that 31% of customers care about real-time tracking.  

You’re Insured

A good courier service will have insurance for your packages. They’ll cover it if a package is lost.

This removes your liability once the package leaves your possession. Insurance indicates you can trust the last-mile delivery service.  

You Improve Customer Service

We live in an on-demand world. We can order a pizza and say when we want it done. Because of the commonality of on-demand services, customers are more demanding than ever.

The younger the customer, the more the demand. Studies are showing that approximately 56% of online consumers ages 18-34 years expect same-day delivery. As a result, the majority of consumers are willing to pay extra for same-day service. 

As your business grows, you cannot offer same-day service consistently. You need a last-mile delivery service to ensure that your package arrives when you say it will. 

Improving customer service means increasing the chances of brand loyalty. In short, when you serve your customers well by providing tracking, same-day delivery, and modern delivery technology, your customers will keep coming back and will recommend you. 

Use Outsource as a Resource

Outsourcing is a good thing. It means your business is growing and you’re making wise decisions for your business.

When you outsource, you’ll ultimately save money and time. You’ll also show your customers you care because you’re allowing someone else to make your business even better. 

For all of your last-mile delivery services, contact us


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Parcel delivery is a huge, competitive industry. The total number of parcels distributed around the world each year is 9.84 billion. Finding the best final mile delivery provider to give you a competitive advantage is tough.

Getting final mile delivery can help streamline your business process. Considering this service? Check out these questions to ask your final mile provider.

What is Final Mile Delivery?

Final mile delivery is a specialized aspect of logistics. It involves the shipping of goods from a distribution hub to their final destination. Very often, the final destination is somebody’s home or an office.

The last mile might not be literally a distance of a mile. It might be more. The key is that it is the final part of the package’s journey.

Sometimes a package will have been carried by multiple delivery services. It may have been picked up from source and taken to a hub at which it is consolidated with other packages. It is then delivered to another hub from which the last mile delivery specialist takes it on to the customer.

The phenomenon of last-mile delivery has arisen since on-line and bricks and mortar retailers have partnered with logistics specialists to provide home delivery. E-commerce requires home delivery because these retailers don’t have stores where customers can go to pick up goods. Conventional retailers have responded to e-commerce competition by adopting omnichannel approaches including home delivery.

In this competitive market, the quality of all aspects of service delivery is one of the ways customers discriminate between retailers. A great fulfillment operation can be the difference between success and failure. Customers have stopped making any distinction between channels and instead are interested in great customer experience.

Who is the best final mile carrier for your customers? Here are some questions you should ask?

1. Are You Financially Sound?

It seems like everybody can set themselves up as a final mile delivery provider. You just need a van.

If it’s easy to set up a final mile delivery service of sorts, it’s easy for it to go out of business too. This leaves you and your customers high and dry. 

You should ask for reassurance about the financial resilience of the company. Do they have a track record and what capability do they have to take on your business without over-reaching themselves in the future?

2. What Resources Do You Have?

A key capability you need from a final mile carrier is their capacity to handle demand changes. Can they flex up and down as demand changes? One way of understanding this capacity is to learn about what resources they have.

Resources might include vehicles, distribution centers, and people. Customers value the speed of delivery. Your chosen final mile delivery provider has to be able to meet their expectations at all times.

3. What Makes You Great at Home Delivery?

There are some unique aspects to final mile delivery that are not necessarily part of the skill set of other carriers. What sets your prospective carrier apart from the rest.

One phenomenon that has developed alongside home delivery is expedited delivery. Being quicker than standard delivery is an added value. Can your prospective carrier provide this? 

The unique aspect of final mile carriers is that they meet your customers. That personal contact may be the only human contact the customer receives along the whole customer service journey. How equipped are they to meet or exceed the expectations of your customers?

Contact with customers might be in their homes. Your customers may expect more than a simple delivery drop. Interpersonal skills, courtesy, and respect for someone’s home are all needed.

4. What Visibility Can You Give Me?

Your customers may want to know where their package is at any time. “When will it arrive?”, is a common question. Ask what visibility of the package journey will the carrier be able to give you on the final leg of its journey.

Home delivery has a greater demand for visibility than other deliveries. Customers are not necessarily available at all times to receive a delivery. There’s an element of coordination needed to meet their needs.

Tracking of deliveries, as well as estimated delivery times, helps you and your customer. It’s also important to know if a parcel has been delivered. Your visibility of this helps resolve customer disputes, performance measurement, and supplier management.

5. How Do You Use Technology?

It’s one thing to provide visibility of the parcel journey. It’s another to make use of the information to drive performance improvement. Ask how the carrier uses technology to add value.

Integration with traffic information, routing applications, and demand forecasting are among the ways in which a technology-enabled carrier can reduce costs and improve their service. 

6. What Customer Service Do You Provide?

A final mile delivery provider must take responsibility for the quality of the customer service they provide. Some poorer providers do no more than pick up and drop a parcel. The best ones recognize they deliver your brand as well as the parcel.

Your customer may regard the carrier as the first line of your customer service. How will your carrier respond to the questions and concerns raised by your customer?

Can the final mile delivery provider provide some added services? Furniture deliveries may need unpacking and packaging removing. A new washing machine delivery may mean there’s an old washing machine to remove.

Added value service such as delivery into the customer’s home, unpacking, assembly and removing old goods can make all the difference to your customers. Poor service here can undo all your good marketing, buying, and logistics. It can also be expensive in terms of customer complaints, online reviews, and poor reputation.

7. Is Your Business Sustainable?

Logistics is an important aspect of your business’s impact on the environment. You may have made commitments to your stakeholders about your environmental performance and your customers almost certainly have expectations too.

A final mile carrier is part of your supply chain and so you may want to understand their environmental credentials. How are they working to reduce their carbon footprint? What are they doing about controlling waste, energy use, and improving sustainability?

Ask Questions

It’s important to ask these questions of a prospective carrier. Don’t expect that all carriers will be equally capable. The right final mile delivery partner might be your competitive advantage.

To learn more about last-mile transportation, click here.


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9.84 billion parcels were distributed around the world in 2017.

The last mile delivery market is experiencing breakneck growth. A significant reason for this growth spurt is the rising volume of parcels which can be attributed to a high growth rate of the e-commerce business.

As more customers place orders, supply chain companies will need to find ways to fulfill them faster thereby differentiating themselves.

Thus, there is a need for every last mile carrier to pay attention to the trends in the industry and figure out how they can best serve their business.

Keep reading to find out some of the latest trends in last mile delivery.

1. The Gig Economy and Crowdsourcing

The advent of the gig economy (and consequently crowdsourcing) has led to the disruption of many industries and logistics isn’t an exception.

With the gig economy, the focus moves from seeking long term jobs to spying out short term contracts.

Combine this with the increasing desire for convenience from customers and you have inevitable disruption coming from the gig economy and crowdsourcing.

Large scale firms like Amazon and Postmates have taken note and are taking advantage of this workforce. These companies advertise new deliveries on their applications. Drivers can then fulfill that task and earn some money.

These services, however, do have some downsides to them at this nascent stage. They don’t cover as wide an area as traditional delivery does.

In fact, they mostly happen to operate around urban areas. As a result, the gig economy is still inefficient when dealing with final mile delivery.

Despite these challenges, you will only write off this trend at your own peril.

Expect it to play a more significant role in the future as economies of scale for gig economy platforms improve their convenience and geographical areas of operation.

2. Speed Is Now Critical for Any Last Mile Carrier

In previous years, last mile delivery companies that didn’t deliver as fast could somehow still survive.

The main reason for this being that as a whole, the industry had not made fast turnaround times something a customer could expect or rely upon.

Things completely changed when Amazon introduced same day and next day delivery services to the wider market. The company upended the industry by not only offering free shipping but also consistently delivering faster.

Inevitably, customers started to expect other last mile companies to deliver faster. Today, customers are willing to pay a 30% premium for same day delivery service.

Such customer demand is proof that speed will only become more crucial to a last mile company’s success.

3. Evolution of the Postal Service

The changing technological landscape has inevitably led to a sizeable decline in the volume of postal mail. On the other hand, parcel deliveries from e-commerce businesses have seen a significant uptick.

Legacy companies like the United States Postal Service (USPS) have taken notice and are now seeking a piece of the pie.

When a postal company like USPS adds a parcel to home delivery, the cost is incremental since the postman was still going to that same house.

For delivery firms like FedEx and UPS, adding that parcel comes at a higher cost as it is an independent stop.

The result is a resurgence of these legacy postal firms as customers use them for their last mile deliveries.

As their costs reduce, even more, customers will want to add more categories of products to the postal service delivery.

4. In House Delivery

Last mile logistics is the most expensive part of the distribution business. In a bid to reduce these costs, more companies are now bringing a portion of their last mile delivery services in-house.

Amazon, for example, now operates its own fleet of delivery planes in addition to those it uses from third-party delivery companies.

In this connection, some last mile delivery firms have taken the unusual approach of working in cooperation with their competitors.

Instead of competing, these cooperation deals seek to pool transportation assets so that it can be cheaper for every firm to deliver.

5. Warehouses in the City

Same day delivery offers a customer instant gratification that is hard for them to overlook the next time they place an order.

As more customers ask for same day delivery, businesses have noticed the benefits that come with offering this service.

To enable fast turnaround times and consistently deliver that instant gratification, businesses are opening up warehouses in urban areas. Where there are no pre-existing buildings, some are constructing them.

With Amazon having a big lead in offering two-hour deliveries, the trend will be for more firms to invest in urban warehouses to catch up.

6. Delivery Technology

Today’s customers have become used to tracking their order from when it starts shipping to when it arrives at their doorstep.

A secondary application that arises out of this technology is the ability to monitor other factors that affect the quality of a parcel.

If a customer places an order for pharmaceutical drugs, for example, they can add sensors to the package which will relay its real-time temperature throughout the journey.

Companies are also using weather prediction analytics tools so that they can best plan their delivery routes and avoid wastage.

7. Delivery by Autonomous Vehicles

Technology today has advanced enough to help businesses begin creating ways around factors limiting the supply chain like the cost of labor and its availability.

Using self-driving cars and delivery drones, logistics companies can eliminate the need to employ drivers in their fleet. In addition, they can be able to guarantee 24-hour delivery no matter the location.

However, tests are ongoing to smoothen delivery by autonomous vehicles; it will take some time to become mainstream.

Regulations need to be created to govern this development but it is safe to say that this is a trend worth watching.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The last mile delivery industry is living in exciting times. A boom from e-commerce is increasing the total volume of parcels slated for delivery.

As customers grow to expect instant gratification in parcel delivery, every last mile carrier will need to innovate to stay competitive. Therefore, they should study industry trends and see how they can add value to their operations.

Need It Now has over 30 years of experience in the industry and is one of the most reliable firms in local and international deliveries. Click here to get a free quote today.


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You might have the best products in the world, but if they don’t make it to your customers there’s no point in selling them. So how are you going to deliver those goods?

This question can cause quite a dilemma for any business owner. The shipping method decided upon by the company directly affects the business as well as the customer. 

When it comes to choosing a shipping method, there are a few things to keep in mind. Ready to begin? Here are some things you should think when making your decision.

Where Your Customers Are

First, you need to consider your customer. Where are they located? The answer to this question should play a big role in your decision.

There are plenty of shipping options to choose from, so you’re sure to find the right fit. 

If your customers solely reside in your home country, you can look for an option that only serves that country. There’s no need to worry about international shipping if your customers don’t demand it.

On the other hand, you might have international customers. Or you may hope to have them in the future. If this sounds like your business, make sure you choose a shipping method that offers international shipping.

You may only need to ship items to a more local audience. If that’s the case, you can go with a courier who knows the area well and specializes in fast local deliveries.

What You’re Shipping

What types of products do you plan to ship to your customers? While it may seem like that doesn’t matter all that much, it really does. This should be one of the biggest things you take into consideration.

If you’re shipping fragile items, make sure your method of choice will protect them.

Do you plan to ship living things, such as fish or plants? Then you’ll need a shipping method that offers special care and overnight options.

Whether you need your products to get to their destination quickly or at a more standard pace, there’s a method that’ll meet your needs.

Product Size

The size of your products matters, too. Not all shipping companies will allow for large or oddly-shaped packages. If this matches the description of any of your product, make sure you find a company that’s willing to ship that product.

Package weight is an important thing to consider, too.

The Costs Involved

The cost of your chosen shipping method is important to both your company and your customers. Look for something that effective but affordable.

Consider each shipping method’s standard costs, insurance fees, and any other possible costs. This will help you stay on budget and keep your customers happy.

Variety

Unless you offer a single type of thing and plan to ship it the same way every time, you may want a variety of shipping methods. You may want your fragile items delivered in one way and your large items delivered in another.

Luckily, you can find shipping companies who offer a variety of tools and methods. Look for this, if variety is an important feature for your products.

Tracking Services

Package tracking is a must these days. Your customers will expect it, so make sure you offer it.

Tracking gives your customers an intimate knowledge of where their package is. It takes the wonder and some of the worries away until their package arrives.

For the best customer experience, choose a method that offers tracking. This is a benefit for you since you can provide the customer with information when they want it. And it benefits the customers by making them happier and feeling more secure about their online purchase.

Popular Shipping Methods

The way in which your products are delivered will play a role in the cost and effectiveness of your shipping. So consider the method itself when looking at your options.

Will your items be transported by train, air, ship, or truck? Are they hand delivered, or are they left on a porch or at an airport?

All these things should be on your mind when you’re making a decision. Here’s a look at some popular options, so you have an idea of what’s out there.

Standard Mail

The U.S. Postal Service offers several types of shipping. These include standard, first class, and overnight.

They offer tracking and pretty much everyone in the U.S. is familiar with how they work. This provides the comfort of familiarity for your customer.

Shipping Company

Various shipping companies, such as UPS and FedEx offer many shipping services. They usually offer a lot of options, so they’re worth looking into.

Courier Service

Courier services offer a hands-on, catered-to you approach to shipping. Things like rush service, any-hour delivery, and package storage are all part of this method.

Many courier services offer last mile delivery, which can be used in conjunction with other delivery services. This helps make sure that packages don’t get left somewhere, like an airport.

Courier service is an excellent option if you’re looking for a shipping method that’ll guarantee customer satisfaction.

The Right Shipping Method for You

When it comes to choosing a shipping method for your company, you have a lot of decisions to make. There may be more than one option that could be a good fit, so make sure you compare your options.

Consider every element of the shipping process, including product size, where the products will go, and how fast they need to get there. Once you’ve found the right fit, you and your customers are sure to be happy.

We offer the best courier service you’ll find in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas. See what we can do for you by getting a free quote!


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final mile logistics

It’s not a huge secret that e-commerce is taking over retail. Last year, Americans spent more than $453 billion on online purchases.

The industry is only getting bigger.

Amazon and Walmart are taking e-commerce to new heights. But even Amazon, which rules the e-commerce school, has run into a problem.

Despite their overwhelmingly popular Prime service, which allows people to get their packages in two days, people want it faster.

Amazon found that 60% of their Prime and 41% of non-Prime customers get deterred from buying something because of slow shipping. And we’re talking two days.

That, in a nutshell, is why final mile logistics isn’t only important, it’s a necessity.

In this article, we give you more insight into this growing topic. We’ll also give you some tips on how to get the most out of your third-party logistics service.

What Are the Basics of a Supply Chain?

Before we get into final mile logistics, let’s go over some important basics.

If you’re one of the 30+ million small businesses in the U.S., you’re always looking for ways to cut costs. You’re also looking for ways to increase sales.

The easiest and fastest ways to do both is using a third-party logistics company.

A 3PL company handles any or all aspects of your supply chain. Your e-commerce business probably utilizes a third-party logistics provider. If not, you’re wasting valuable time and money.

In any kind of e-commerce, the process is the same.

The products get stored. A customer buys it online. The items get picked and packed, then shipped.

Wash, rinse, repeat.

How your company goes about it is different. If you use a 3PL, they do everything aside from being the customer buying your product.

If you self-fulfill, you’re storing your products and handling every aspect of the supply chain. In essence, you’re the supply chain.

If you use a drop-ship supplier, they make and store a White-Label product. Then, when your customer clicks “Buy,” the drop-shipper puts your label on it, then does everything else to get it to your customer.

Yes, all three methods are very different. But there’s one thing all these different processes have in common. Final mile delivery, or final mile logistics, is the most important piece of their puzzle.

What Is Final Mile Logistics?

Final mile logistics, or final mile delivery, is the last step in the shipping process.

It’s when a product moves from a transportation hub to its final destination. This could be a receiving dock in business-to-business transactions or an individual’s front door.

Sounds simple, right? It also doesn’t sound that important. It turns out, that final mile logistics is one of, if not the most important parts of the supply chain.

Why Is It So Important?

Last mile delivery makes up 28% of the total cost of shipping an item. That alone makes it important.

As we already discussed, consumers want everything now.

The second they enter their credit card info online, they’re waiting at the window for the delivery truck to arrive.

Everything hinges on last mile shipping. Everything gets affected if there’s a breakdown in the final mile.

If a shipper loses your product, your customer gets mad. They call, usually in an aggravated tone, and demand you send them a replacement.

Your salesperson or customer service representative is now upset. They’re desperately trying to get a duplicate order sent out. The warehouse stops what they’re doing to take care of this priority.

The most frustrating part for you as a business owner is that there’s nothing you can do about it.

What Are Some Challenges?

Chances are, you can relate to everything we’ve mentioned thus far. You’re likely even nodding your head and asking, “Yes, but why does this always happen?!”

You’re about to gain some insight into the challenges of final mile logistics.

Five main factors play a role in last mile delivery challenges. Every company can pinpoint exactly where their final mile delivery breakdown happens and it’s not the same for everybody.

Customer Nuances

As you’re well aware, the customer isn’t always right. In fact, the customer is a cause for some huge challenges in last mile delivery.

First, is customer errors. This is when they input the incorrect shipping address or make typos to the address.

Next, customers shipping items to remote locations poses challenges for delivery.

Finally, a customer not being present at the time of delivery causes issues. Sometimes, a package gets stolen off their front porch. Other times, weather damages the package.

When the accuracy of the final delivery is in question, it costs someone time and money. That someone is usually you.

Business-to-Business Vs. Business-to-Consumer

Most of the time, B2B and B2C deliveries get loaded onto the same trucks. This system is inefficient but the theory is that it saves money.

The truth is, it costs more in the long run. B2B shipments are larger and more time-consuming. A delay in either causes big problems for the recipient.

Companies need their product to run their business. Consumers may need medical supplies to avoid a health crisis.

Putting both on the same truck increases the risk that there will be delays. It can also lead to damages.

Types of Products Shipped

Some goods require special handling and can throw off final mile logistics. The delivery of food, toxic/flammable goods, and fragile items take extra planning.

Outdated or Inefficient Technology

When your customer gets the notification that their order is “out for delivery,” they get excited. Little do they know, all that means is that their package is on the truck.

There’s no way to track in real-time where a delivery actually is the delivery process.

Likewise, outdated computer software, GPS, and handheld devices don’t send the information with the efficiency they should.

Poor Infrastructure

The infrastructure in the U.S. is a major concern for many industries. But, when it comes to logistics, it may be the most troubling of all.

Roads and bridges in disrepair cause massive delays. So does inefficient route planning. All these lead to longer travel times and possible delays.

In the end, your customer’s frustrated, and we’re back to square one.

Are There Any Solutions?

The good news is, there are solutions to these challenges. This is welcoming news for companies that rely on last mile logistics to keep their customers happy and profits up.

The bad news is, if you’re already envious of Amazon’s amazing distribution system, their solution is like rubbing salt in a wound.

Amazon has their own delivery service. These are the couriers you see running all over town, delivering packages to the Amazon faithful. Using their “Delivery Partner System” allows them to have more control over shipments than they did using the “big three” shippers.

Now, you’re likely not in the position to start your own delivery service. But you can take advantage of courier services that focus on final mile logistics.

Using a company that specializes in getting the final mile done right is a huge step in the right direction.

Find the Right Last Mile Logistics Company

There is no question that final mile logistics is one of the most important parts of the supply chain. The only answer you need is how to ensure you’re using the right service.

At Need It Now Delivers! we focus on making sure your products get to your most valuable assets – your customers.

From air freight to rush courier service, we provide every aspect you need to deliver not only your product but unparalleled customer service.

We’ve perfected last mile home delivery and would love to talk to you about how we can deliver results for you.


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As e-commerce continues to grow, so does our demand to have everything now. Online retailers and logistics companies have to keep up with that demand. They offer same-day delivery and other courier options to meet those needs.

Unfortunately, the last stage in the process called last mile logistics doesn’t always live up to those promises. The holiday season is a perfect example.

Almost 18 billion cards, parcels, and packages get delivered during the holidays by the three biggest U.S. shippers. But how many of your packages or cards didn’t get to you in time, despite these companies adding a larger workforce?

Final mile delivery is one of the toughest challenges carriers face. It’s also one of the most frustrating for customers. In this guide, we explain what last mile logistics means and how to overcome its challenges.

What is Last Mile Logistics?

As you can imagine, it takes many steps to get a product into your hands. After the design and prototype get approved, a product gets manufactured and packaged. From there, it gets moved to a warehouse where it awaits its fate.

Some companies store their own products while others ship them to an off-site warehouse or storage facility. After an order gets placed – either by a retail buyer or an end-user, the product is on the move!

Last mile logistics, sometimes referred to as final mile delivery, is the final step in the shipping process. It’s when goods move from a transportation hub to their final destination. This is typically your front door or receiving dock.

The Last Mile Problem

It doesn’t sound like there should be any issues with the final mile, but there are more issues at the final stage that at any point in the chain. Believe it or not, it’s also the most expensive part of the process. Last mile logistics account for 40-50% of a company’s total logistics costs.

For decades, carriers have improved on different techniques and technology but it’s still not where it should be. There’s added pressure on shippers to be faster than the next company or they’ll lose business.

When you track a package and get the “out for delivery” response, you’re elated. But then the waiting game sets in. In your mind, you think it means you should be hearing the truck’s backup beep any minute.

In reality, it only means your package is on a truck somewhere in your delivery area. That’s part of the last mile problem.

In rural areas, a truck could have many deliveries on a route. If there’s a hold up on any of the stops, your delivery time gets pushed further back.

But there’s also a demand for accuracy whether your package is on the truck or on your neighbor’s front step. That’s one of the biggest challenges carriers face.

What are the Challenges of Last Mile Logistics?

The challenges of last mile logistics involve several factors. While every company can pinpoint their own deficiencies in last mile delivery, some factors are universal to some extent.

Customer Input

Customer nuances lead to many logistics issues. Inputting the incorrect address, remote locations, and not being present at delivery are all cause for concern. These factors come into play in the accuracy of the delivery as well as costing valuable time and money.

Business to Business Vs. Business to Consumer

Large B2B deliveries are often handled and transported with B2C deliveries. This is an inefficient system built to save money but ends up costing more in the long run.

B2B shipments tend to be larger and more time-consuming than a 2-pound package from a retailer.

A delay in either delivery has repercussions. On one hand, a business needs the goods to avoid downtime or continue with production. On the other, medical supplies are also needed and could result in a serious health crisis.

Types of Goods Shipped

On occasion, the types of goods getting shipped can cause nightmares for a logistics company. Dangerous, toxic, and flammable goods must have safe handling. Fragile/breakable and perishable items also need extra planning.

Inefficient Technology

As advanced we are as a nation, we still need to improve on the tech we do have. Inaccurate computer systems, GPS, and handhelds cause delays by failing to work when they’re called to.

Couple inefficient hardware with shaky software and it’s clear the logistics system as a whole can use some upgrading.

Poor Infrastructure

Drivers face longer travel times and inefficient routes when infrastructure is in poor shape or roads are in disrepair. While this isn’t the sole cause of the last mile problem in the U.S., it does add to it.

In international shipping, poor infrastructure affects deliveries the most.

What are the Solutions?

The good news is that logistics companies are always trying to find solutions and improve on current methods. These solutions fall on everyone involved

Retailers can affect change by reviewing their warehouse and fulfillment processes. Notification should keep customers in the loop as the shipment reaches checkpoints in the process.

Technology should improve so everyone in the chain has better knowledge of where their product is and when it’s expected to get delivered. Ordering software should have immediate error checks for incorrect addresses.

Put real-time visibility software in place so everyone in the chain can track shipments and catch inefficiencies.

Make routes more efficient. Inefficient routes cause poor time management and increased fuel costs. Optimizing routes to meet expectations is a realistic solution but takes more planning on management’s end.

Carriers need to figure out how to get the most deliveries out of a driver in the least amount of time. Variables such as delivery windows, location, and truck sizes and load need to get taken into consideration in the process.

The Final Goal

As you can see, last mile logistics are an important part of the shipping process. Some business owners believe it’s the most important part. But it’s also where the most mishaps can occur.

Choosing a carrier that understands the importance of last mile logistics is paramount for having your shipment arrive safe and on time. That’s where we come in.

Chicago Messenger handles freight around the world in a secure and dependable manner. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to make sure your cargo gets delivered on time.

Check out all our freight services or contact us today for your free quote.