The last-mile delivery, which is the last hurdle for any journey in delivery, is leaving companies petrified, especially those owning businesses in urban cities. Think about it – narrow lanes, heavy traffic, parking woes, and a whole lot of impatient customers. It’s no less than a challenge, and it’s getting more and more challenging each day. But like every challenge, there are ways to deal with it. Let’s discuss some common last-mile delivery woes and their solutions.
Common Last-mile Delivery Woes and Their Solutions:
1. Traffic Congestion – The Urban Nightmare
Traffic congestion is the biggest villain in the last-mile delivery drama. Cities are bursting at the seams, and the roads are packed with vehicles. Delivery vans and trucks get caught in the snarl, leading to delays and frustrated customers. It’s a vicious cycle – more deliveries mean more traffic, which in turn slows down deliveries even further.
2. The Inaccurate Address Blues
Another major challenge is inaccurate or incomplete addresses. Customers might not know their exact house number or landmark, or they might give vague directions. This leads to delivery drivers wasting precious time searching for the right location, which is a frustrating experience for both the driver and the customer.
3. The Parking Predicament
Finding a safe and legal parking spot in urban areas is like finding a needle in a haystack. Delivery drivers often have to park illegally or risk getting a ticket which often adds to the stress and cost of the delivery process. Did you know that in 2019, New York City levied parking fines on courier companies, resulting in FedEx paying $9.8 million for 146,019 violations, while UPS paid a whopping $23 million for 348,890 violations? The bottom line is that parking fines are a serious issue and can add to the final delivery cost.
4. The Environmental Impact
The increasing number of delivery vehicles on the road is contributing to air pollution and climate change. The constant idling of engines and the emission of harmful gases are taking a toll on the environment. There are reports that heavy-duty trucks are the biggest contributors to air pollution, with over 40% of on-road nitrogen oxide emissions and over 60% of PM 2.5 emissions.
Tackling the Challenges
So, among all these challenges, how can companies tackle and overcome them? Let’s have a look at it:
1. Embrace Technology
Technology can be a game-changer in last-mile delivery. With GPS tracking, companies can optimize delivery routes to save miles and fuel consumption. With real-time tracking, customers would also be informed about the progress of their orders, giving them peace of mind.
2. Partner with Local Businesses
Partnering with local businesses like convenience stores or pharmacies can create convenient pickup points for customers and make deliveries more efficient. Such pickup points can reduce the number of home deliveries and diminish some of the pressure on the delivery network.
3. Invest in Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming a part of everyday life, and they can do wonders to control emissions from all last-mile deliveries. Delivery carriers can invest in electric fleets to reduce their carbon footprint while improving their environmental profile. The good part is that the sales of electric trucks increased to 35% in 2023 compared to 2022. This shows that people are switching to electric vehicles now.
4. Optimize Delivery Windows
Offering flexible delivery windows can help customers choose a time that suits them best. Flexibility can also reduce the number of failed delivery attempts and improve customer satisfaction.
5. Improve Communication
Clear and timely communication with customers is essential. Delivery companies can use SMS, email, or app notifications to update customers about their delivery status. Better communication can help manage expectations and reduce frustration.
6. Train Delivery Drivers
Well-trained delivery drivers are key to efficient and customer-friendly deliveries. Courier companies can invest in training programs that equip drivers with the necessary skills to maneuver through demanding parts of urban areas, manage challenging situations, and deliver outstanding customer service.
7. Incentivize Sustainable Practices
Companies can incentivize sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging and reducing waste. Sustainable practices can diminish the environmental footprint of last-mile deliveries and increase the company’s reputation in sustainability.
Closing Thoughts
And that was all. The last mile of delivery is a complex beast, but it’s not unbeatable. The right technology, innovative strategies, and human ingenuity can overcome these urban woes. As eCommerce continues to boom, let’s hope for a future where our packages arrive swiftly and seamlessly, no matter where you live.
