The Best Last-Mile Delivery Examples
Wise Systems
The Best Last-Mile Delivery Examples
Wise Systems
From tracking drivers and planning routes to keeping customers updated on their delivery’s progress, effective last-mile delivery streamlines the delivery process and enhances the customer experience. These last-mile delivery examples can inspire you to improve your strategy and solutions.
In this article:
- What Are Good Last-Mile Delivery Examples?
- The Best Last-Mile Delivery Examples
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Good Last-Mile Delivery Examples?
Last-mile delivery services and solutions help businesses get packages and orders to their final destination as quickly and conveniently as possible. For example, tThe Wise Systems delivery automation platform leverages technology to drive solutions that optimize the last-mile delivery process.
Delivery services can use Dispatcher from Wise Systems to better control their fleets or the Driver App from Wise Systems for drivers to navigate their routes, collect proof of delivery, and view important details about the customer’s delivery.
The best last-mile delivery examples we rounded up for this list offer the following types of services:
- Indoor or outdoor package storage lockers
- Autonomous delivery vehicles
- Delivery from restaurant to customer via independent drivers
- Parcel and freight delivery through an extensive delivery network
- Online order shopping and delivery within 1-2 hours
- Same-day and next-day delivery
The Best Last-Mile Delivery Examples
We’ve organized the following last-mile delivery examples alphabetically for easy reference. Otherwise, they’re not ranked or rated in any way.
1. Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex uses independent contractors to deliver packages to customers within a short driving distance from its mini shipping facilities, sometimes getting packages delivered within one hour of ordering.
Key Features:
- Quick and convenient shipping for customers
- Reduced labor costs for Amazon
- Reduced bottlenecks in logistics by using smaller-scale delivery methods when possible
2. Amazon Hub
Amazon Hub is another way that Amazon expands its delivery network, but in a way that mutually benefits businesses. Companies partnering with Amazon Hub offer spots for Amazon package pickups and returns, allowing Amazon customers convenient access to their packages.
Key Features:
- Brings foot traffic to businesses, which could lead to more sales
- Quick, convenient, and secure for Amazon customers
- Lockers can be placed in apartment buildings and other residential areas
3. Amazon’s Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery Regions
Amazon is known for its quick delivery, typically getting Prime-eligible orders to shoppers in just two days. To speed its processes further, Amazon recently announced the restructuring of its warehousing and delivery model by creating eight regions designed to work within smaller geographical areas to improve delivery times. As a result, more customers may experience same-day and next-day shipping.
Key Features:
- Searches will show Amazon shoppers results with items closest to their location
- Reduced costs for Amazon
- Faster shipping for more customers
4. Amazon’s Sub-Same-Day Delivery Facilities
Image: Amazon Prime Delivery Trucks by Todd Van Hoosear licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
In addition to its main warehouses, Amazon has created a network of 46 mini fulfillment centers dubbed sub-same-day delivery facilities. This network helps Amazon utilize Amazon Flex drivers to deliver thousands of its most popular products to customers within a 60-minute drive from its sub-same-day facilities.
Key Features:
- Quicker shipments to customers near sub-same-day facilities
- More affordable labor force for Amazon
- Intricate and organized logistics system
5. Darkstore and Its FastAF App
Screenshot via The App Store
Darkstore is a tech-based fulfillment company with fulfillment centers in hundreds of U.S. cities. The company partners with brands that store their products in Darkstores for customers to buy and get delivered quickly. Darkstore recently launched an app available in Los Angeles known as FastAF, allowing app shoppers to buy products stored within those Darkstores for same-day delivery.
Key Features:
- FastAF partners with DoorDash for deliveries and returns
- More than 1,200 items are available from brands on the app
- Businesses can speed up their logistics by partnering with Darkstore centers
6. Deliverr by Flexport
Flexport recently acquired Shopify Logistics, including Deliverr, which offers a full-service solution for e-commerce businesses to improve their last-mile delivery strategies. With Deliverr by Flexport, businesses can take advantage of discounted shipping labels, storage solutions, wholesale fulfillment, freight deliveries, and more, all with one platform.
Key Features:
- Connects with Shopify, eBay, Walmart, and other massive retailers and marketplaces
- All-inclusive pricing customized to every business
- Customizable logistics flows to develop a tailored strategy for last-mile delivery
7. DHL Packstation
Available in Germany, DHL Packstation has more than 11,500 locations. These delivery lockers allow people to send and receive packages without worrying about being home to get deliveries or dealing with the opening times of brick-and-mortar locations.
Key Features:
- One-time registration for customers to use Packstations
- Customers can redirect packages to a Packstation, ensuring the delivery can be made, even if they aren’t home
- Returns can be made easier for customers and businesses by utilizing Packstations
8. DoorDash
DoorDash began as a delivery service for food items but has since expanded to include deliveries from convenience stores, grocery stores, flower shops, pet stores, and more. It also offers shipping from restaurants and stores across the country. By using independent contractors located throughout the United States, DoorDash can serve customers quickly, delivering items as soon as they’re ready to head out the door.
Additionally, businesses can reduce their delivery costs by partnering with DoorDash and letting DoorDash handle the delivery portion of customer service.
Key Features:
- DoorDash takes care of customer complaints and returns for its orders, alleviating some of that responsibility from the business
- Available in over 7,000 cities in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States
- Businesses can partner with Dashers through their own app to increase delivery convenience without hiring drivers
9. FedEx
FedEx specializes in residential and commercial shipping across the globe. The company offers multiple modes of shipping, including freight, international shipping, heavy-duty shipping, and express shipping, helping people and businesses get packages to their final destinations reliably and quickly.
Key Features:
- Customers can access detailed tracking information to learn where and when to expect shipments
- Online tools for packaging and shipping
- FedEx centers act as hubs for deliveries, allowing people to pick up their parcels rather than deliver them to their home or office
10. GoShare
GoShare gets packages from businesses and into the hands of customers the same day as a contracted delivery service. With a network of delivery drivers nationwide, businesses using the service can track packages and pay for GoShare services via a convenient mobile app.
Key Features:
- Multiple vehicles for packages of all shapes and sizes
- App available for iOS and Android devices
- Flexible package scheduling every day of the week
11. GrubHub
Grubhub has an extensive network of independent delivery drivers who help deliver food from restaurants to customers who use its app or website to place orders. Restaurants can also use Grubhub with their own ordering apps to take on the delivery portion of their service.
Key Features:
- POS integrations for businesses
- Companies can create virtual restaurants
- Restaurant staff can optionally deliver orders placed with Grubhub
12. Instacart
Companies partner with Instacart to offer digital ordering, while Instacart handles the shopping and delivery. By using the Instacart ordering app or website, customers can get their shopping and deliveries completed by Instacart shoppers quickly. Instacart customers can also communicate directly with their shoppers in real-time to manage their orders and ensure accuracy.
Key Features:
- Available same-day and express delivery options
- Customers choose a delivery block of time that works for them
- Contactless delivery is available for customers
13. Locktec
Locktec makes smart lockers for various types of deliveries, like residential or commercial parcels or groceries. Customers receiving groceries can get their orders placed in a refrigerated locker to keep their orders fresh until they can pick them up.
Key Features:
- Available indoor and outdoor lockers
- Customizable locker systems for several applications
- Multilingual menus available for operation
14. Luxer One
Luxer One creates storage lockers, refrigerators, and rooms for seamless deliveries in universities, libraries, housing spaces, and other public and private areas. The storage solutions accept 100% of packages to get deliveries to customers as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Key Features:
- 24/7 delivery pickup
- Secure codes for deliveries
- Storage solutions can be customized to accept returns
15. Matternet
Matternet creates delivery drones and stations to deliver packages between locations quicker, more efficiently, and more affordably than traditional delivery methods.
Key Features:
- Drones can carry parcels up to 4.4 pounds
- Available for ecommerce, healthcare, and logistics companies
- An extensive Matternet network controls and tracks delivery devices
16. Nuro
Technology company Nuro improves last-mile delivery through robotic vehicles that deliver restaurant meals, groceries, and parcels to customers. Nuro uses 100% renewable energy to operate both its facilities and vehicles.
Key Features:
- Designed to drive safely in neighborhoods using high-tech mapping
- Small and efficient vehicles
- Vehicles can hold up to about 500 pounds
17. Package Concierge
Package Concierge has indoor and outdoor solutions for package deliveries, allowing residential and commercial customers to access their deliveries when and where it’s convenient for them. Package rooms, secure outdoor lockers, and standalone lockers are a few of the company’s offerings.
Key Features:
- Multiple applications, including libraries, universities, and corporate locations
- Integrates with existing tracking and shipping systems
- Cloud-based software helps owners manage their systems
18. Parcel Pending
Parcel Pending specializes in convenient self-service solutions for package deliveries with indoor and outdoor smart lockers, package rooms, and more. Additionally, refrigerated lockers hold groceries at the proper temperature for freshness.
Key Features:
- Storage solutions work with both pickups and returns
- Hosts can customize their locker systems with cloud-based management software
- Customers can scan a barcode to pick up their items securely
19. Pico Delivers
Pico Delivers takes the app-based delivery model on a unique journey with its efficient scooters provided to its drivers. Independent riders can lease a Pico Delivers moped for as low as $25 a week to serve restaurants needing delivery help, ultimately saving money on vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. Plus, customers can get their food delivered conveniently and quickly to their homes.
Key Features:
- Merchants can customize their delivery zones and hours with Pico Delivers
- Customers get their orders in as little as 15 minutes
- Ordering is available via the web, online platforms, phone, and social media
20. Postmates
Postmates partners with grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, and other businesses to get deliveries to customers fast. Delivery drivers are independent contractors for Postmates, so merchants don’t need to carry the responsibility of hiring and maintaining additional employees for convenient delivery.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple cities across the United States
- Businesses have full control over delivery management using the Postmates system
- Restaurants can customize their menu for Postmates delivery
21. Purolator
Purolator specializes in Canadian shipments, whether you ship within, into, or from Canada. Businesses can get customized solutions to help them handle their shipments. In addition to deliveries, Purolator also handles logistics management, operational technology, and more.
Key Features:
- Shipping within Canada allows for 2-day or next-day shipping
- Flexible freight and international shipping
- Online tools include cost and time estimation, transparent fuel rates, and returns management
22. Roadie
Roadie is a UPS company that runs on crowdsourcing to deliver packages the same day or the next day across the United States. All Roadie delivers automatically include up to $100 in insurance with options to add more. Additionally, businesses can choose from a variety of flexible delivery options to get packages into customers’ hands quickly.
Key Features:
- Affordable pricing compared to using traditional delivery services
- Businesses can use Roadie one time or subscribe for consistent deliveries
- All deliveries include tracking and delivery management
23. RXO
RXO specializes in large-scale deliveries that require truckloads to move from destination to destination. The company’s extensive nationwide network of hubs and facilities allows quick connections between transporters. RXO states that about 90% of the U.S. population lives within 125 miles of an RXO facility.
Key Features:
- RXO’s tech platform helps businesses manage their supply chain and logistics
- Several last-mile delivery features, like package tracking, same-day service in select areas, and independent delivery drivers
- Numerous shipping needs are covered, from freight to expedited delivery
24. ShipBob
ShipBob fulfills orders from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia with numerous solutions, including freight delivery, warehouse fulfillment, and in-house fulfillment. Businesses can also create custom packaging and delivery experiences with ShipBob.
Key Features:
- Two-day shipping available
- Wholesale and retail dropshipping fulfillment solutions
- Integrates with Amazon, Walmart, Order Desk, and dozens of other retailers and management tools
25. Shipt
Shipt works with a network of independent contractors who shop for items ordered by customers and deliver orders straight to customers’ homes. In some areas, deliveries can be made in under one hour.
Key Features:
- Partners with hundreds of stores across the United States, including GNC, Petco, and Walgreens
- Customers can order conveniently from the Shipt app
- Customers can choose a delivery window that works with their schedule
26. Signifi BOPIS Smart Lockers
Signifi’s BOPIS Smart Lockers help retailers provide convenient pickup solutions for customers ordering items online. The lockers can come in multiple storage sizes, and refrigerated lockers are available for food deliveries.
Key Features:
- Online management system connects with popular financial and supply chain management tools for businesses to have everything at their fingertips
- Indoor and outdoor-safe lockers
- Quick and contactless system optimizes the pickup process for customers
27. Signifi Touchscreen Retail
Signifi also offers touchscreen vending machines for retail companies to sell their goods in other locations, like shopping malls or airports.
Key Features:
- Vending machines can accommodate large-size products if needed
- Different vending machine solutions offer different experiences to fit varied retail and customer needs
- Multiple payment options available
28. Smartbox
Smartbox’s self-service lockers allow automated delivery pick-ups, drop-offs, and storage, helping customers get and return packages when it’s convenient for them. These lockers can include company branding and are available in indoor and outdoor versions.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based software for owners to check data and manage deliveries
- Tamper-proof compartments
- 24/7 surveillance included
29. Smartmile
Smartmile’s mission is to reduce the emissions resulting from unnecessary driving for deliveries and pickups. Smartmile uses smart lockers as hubs for deliveries that multiple couriers can use to reduce delivery time and mileage.
Key Features:
- Smartmile Hubs store separate datasets for couriers
- Customers can pick up new smartphones instantly at Smartmile Hubs
- Supports multiple users, like collecting packages, sending broken equipment for repair, or exchanging products
30. Starship Technologies
Starship Technologies creates delivery robots designed to optimize the efficiency of neighborhood deliveries. Restaurants and retailers can partner with Starship Technologies to quickly send off purchases to their customers via the automated, no-driver-needed robots.
Key Features:
- Food delivery app lets customers order food from their favorite restaurants from their mobile devices
- Available on several college campuses within the United States
- Robots have space for up to three bags of groceries
31. Target’s Stores-as-Hubs Strategy
Image: Target Springfield, VA by Jay Reed licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Target has been expanding its storage network by optimizing a stores-as-hubs strategy, which transforms some retail stores to double as sorting facilities for deliveries from store to customer. In early 2023, the company announced a $100 million investment to create new sorting centers for even faster deliveries, sometimes as quick as the next day.
Key Features:
- Utilizing stores as sorting centers frees up space in other Target stores
- More sorting facilities allow customers in nearby areas to receive Target deliveries faster
- Target delivery trucks can visit multiple sorting centers daily through the extended network
32. Tortoise
Tortoise builds mobile smart stores that meet customers where they are. The autonomous Tortoise machines can travel throughout city parks or neighborhoods for businesses to sell products away from their locations.
Key Features:
- Businesses pay Tortoise just 10% of sales
- Tortoise can help expand the reach of a business, getting it in front of customers who may not have otherwise known about it
- Convenient payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay to meet the needs of on-the-go customers
33. Uber Direct
Uber Direct helps businesses provide quick deliveries to their customers by connecting the platform to their own ordering website or app. Customers order through the company’s platform, and Uber Direct delivers the order to the customer, sometimes in as little as under two hours.
Key Features:
- Works with existing POS platforms
- Businesses can opt for manual or automated order processing
- Customers can preplan deliveries up to 30 days in advance
34. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is an Uber service with independent delivery drivers that pick up and deliver food from restaurants to customers. Customers can place orders for any partnered restaurant through the Uber Eats app to get their items delivered as soon as they’re ready at the restaurant.
Key Features:
- Available in hundreds of cities across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and more
- Offices can sign up for Uber Eats for regular food delivery for employees
- Convenience, grocery, and other stores can also partner with Uber Eats
35. UPS
If you’ve ever ordered from a company online, there’s a good chance you’ve had at least one UPS delivery in your lifetime. UPS offers full-service shipping solutions, like label printing, quotes and billing, package tracking, and delivery, for residential and commercial customers. The company’s network currently reaches customers in more than 220 countries.
Key Features:
- UPS hubs let customers pick up and drop off UPS packages in their neighborhoods
- The company’s supply chain solutions include insurance services, ocean freight, and ecommerce fulfillment
- Provides web-based service alerts to keep customers aware of potential shipping delays
36. USPS Connect
USPS Connect is the United States Postal Service’s solution for business fulfillment and deliveries. USPS Connect helps its business customers provide services like next-day delivery, same-day delivery, and easy and affordable returns to the customers they work with.
Key Features:
- USPS Connect eCommerce provides unique tools designed for ecommerce sellers
- Special discounted rates for partnered businesses
- Next-day regional delivery available
37. Walmart Express Delivery
Walmart Express Delivery gives online Walmart shoppers the opportunity to get their orders delivered from their nearest store in two hours or less. Orders can be placed from the Walmart app or website, and customers can choose the delivery window that works for them. Ordered items are the same price as in-store items, so customers only pay an extra fee for quicker delivery.
Key Features:
- Trackable deliveries
- Express Delivery available on most items
- Available in more than 3,000 Walmart stores
38. Walmart GoLocal
Walmart GoLocal is Walmart’s version of a delivery network, similar to Instacart or DoorDash, that gets deliveries from stores to customers’ homes quickly. Businesses can partner with the service to offer white-glove delivery to their customers through Walmart GoLocal’s driver network.
Key Features:
- Multiple delivery options, like express or heavy-item delivery
- Customers can order through the business’s branded website or app
- Coverage across the United States
39. Zipline
Zipline creates autonomous delivery drones to fulfill customer orders about seven times faster than traditional delivery vehicles. Businesses can also store their items in Zipline warehousing for delivery within an area.
Key Features:
- Lower emissions than traditional delivery methods
- Customers receive highly accurate estimated arrival times
- Usable by various industries, including restaurants and healthcare
40. Zypp Electric
Zypp Electric is an India-based company that uses small electric vehicles to deliver orders efficiently. Companies can rent scooters to provide their delivery drivers with environmentally friendly vehicles or choose the EV Deliveries service to get a full delivery service with independent drivers.
Key Features:
- Zypp Electric’s mission is to create zero emissions by 2030
- Customers can get deliveries on everything from groceries to medication
- Quick charging and long-lasting batteries increase delivery reliability
There are dozens of excellent last-mile delivery examples across the United States and the globe, each providing its own unique solutions to reduce the barriers between businesses and customers.
If your goal is to improve your delivery network’s efficiency through technology, The Wise Systems delivery automation platform is the answer. Through autonomous planners, dispatching systems, and fleet coordination tools, Wise Systems empowers delivery drivers to go the last mile for customers. Request a demo today to learn how Wise Systems can help you solve your last-mile delivery challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is last-mile delivery?
Last-mile delivery is the final step of a product’s journey, moving from a warehouse and to a customer’s home. This “last mile” is one of the most important, as it directly impacts the customer’s overall experience with receiving their package.
What is delivery automation software?
Delivery automation software automates various tasks and decision-making activities involved in the delivery process, such as order assignment, route optimization, scheduling, tracking, and communication. Delivery automation is what enables the companies above to perform at their peak by either using third-party solutions like the deliver automation platform from Wise Systems, building their own solutions, or taking a hybrid approach through innovative integrations.
What are smart lockers?
Smart lockers are used as part of last mile delivery systems. These lockers hold packages and orders securely until a customer can pick them up. They’re especially helpful for corporate locations to receive packages or residential customers who cannot have packages delivered directly to their homes or apartments.
