Introduction
Last-mile delivery — the journey from warehouse to customer — is the most expensive and critical step in logistics. Done well, it earns customer loyalty. Done poorly, it drives them away.
Challenges in Last-Mile Delivery
- Traffic delays and urban congestion.
- High costs due to labor and fuel.
- Customers expecting same-day delivery.
- Lack of real-time communication.
How to Optimize Last-Mile Delivery
- Local Hubs & Micro-Warehouses – Keep goods closer to customers.
- Real-Time Tracking – Give customers live updates.
- Smart Route Planning – Use AI to minimize delays.
- Flexible Options – Allow pickup points and delivery slots.
Why It Matters
- Last-mile can represent up to 55% of total delivery costs.
- Customers remember the delivery experience more than any other part of logistics.
Conclusion
Strong last-mile strategies ensure satisfied customers and repeat business. Companies that master it will stand out in a competitive market.