Last Mile Delivery: Challenges and Solutions

While there are a lot of opportunities in the on-demand app industry, there is also a lot of competition that one has to face in it. And if you want to overpower your competitors it is the last mile delivery that is to be focused on.

While all other factors like quality etc. are also important but it is the last step often known as the last mile delivery that is a make or break when it comes to the impression your brand has on the customers. Delivery is the judging parameter at least on the customer’s end. The perception they make at this point goes a long way in building a brand name for your platform or business.

Let’s have a look at why Last mile delivery is so important

Before discussing why it is important, let us first have a look at what last mile delivery actually is. Last mile delivery refers to the final transportation of goods from the hub (fulfillment center) to the final destination (that is, the customer!). It is basically the face of the business and is the determining factor when it comes to the perception people will have of your business.

An efficient last mile delivery can give rise to a positive word of mouth marketing and that can go a long way in improving the brand reliability and credibility of your business.

But as easy as it may sound perfecting the last mile delivery is something that can not be achieved that easily. Even business giants are working on the loopholes they face in the last mile. It requires constant effort and improvisation to reach up to a good level. Here are a few challenges faced by the last mile.

Challenges faced in the last mile delivery:

Lack of proper infrastructure:

In most of the developing countries lack of proper infrastructure and proper equipment gives rise to elongated traveling time and hence delay in deliveries.

Wastage of time in B2C deliveries:

While the costs and time taken in B2B deliveries be justified but B2C deliveries cannot compensate the time taken and cost of delivery.

Type of good:

The type of good can also act as a challenge in delivery. For instance, fragile, toxic and perishable materials can be a challenge to transport and deliver.

Customer nuisance:

The biggest challenge faced by the last mile is from the customer end. Some of them include incorrect address, remote locations, cramped locations, the absence of the customer to receive the package, whimsical cancellations of orders, returning orders, etc. These not only are a wastage of time and energy but also incur unnecessary costs.

Solutions to the last mile delivery challenges:

Increased and widely spread distribution centers:

The more the number of distribution centers lesser is the probability of any delays in the deliveries.

Prompt customer service:

Proper and precise information on their product and date of delivery can help in building a happy client base. All that is required is the delivery and availability of the brand to answer queries.

Tracking option:

One of the best options that increase the credibility of the brand and help customers build trust on the platform is the facility to track their order. It gives them a sense of trust and relief to know where exactly is their product and when will it reach them.

Just like every coin has two sides, the on-demand app industry has its own pros and cons. And before investing in it one must be fully aware not only about the benefits he is going to get but also about the hurdles he is going to face.