What Is Last-Mile Operations?

Last-mile delivery is the most expensive and time-consuming part of the delivery process. It takes strategic operations to take a package from a local warehouse or hub and deliver it to a customer’s front door with zero errors.

Businesses rely on streamlined last-mile operations to keep costs low, improve the customer experience, and maintain strict timelines during the last-mile delivery process. Learn how last-mile operations makes last-mile delivery more efficient and how to make it even more valuable to your business.

In this article:

• What Is Last-Mile Operations and How Does It Work?
• How To Streamline Last-Mile Operations
• Drive Your Business Forward With Last-Mile Innovation
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Last-Mile Operations and How Does It Work?

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Last-mile operations is the strategy businesses follow to execute last-mile delivery without a hitch. Last-mile delivery is a crucial phase in the supply chain because it has a direct impact on customer satisfaction, timelines, and costs. It encompasses several steps, including:

• Processing: The customer places an order and your team transports the goods to a local warehouse. This reduces the distance that you need to cover during the last-mile journey.
• Route planning and transportation: Using a last-mile solution like Route Planner from Wise Systems, you carefully plan drivers’ routes to reduce time, fuel costs, and emissions. The software algorithm also accounts for traffic, delivery windows, and the number of daily stops.
• Tracking and delivery: Route in hand, drivers take the package from the local hub and deliver it to the customer. Through your tracking solution, customers receive real-time tracking updates that allow them to monitor the progress of their delivery.
• Returns: Last-mile operations also include processes for managing returns. This works in reverse of the delivery process. Having a plan in place for returns — especially for eCommerce retailers — can cut down on the expense of returning items to the warehouse.

Discover how to improve route planning with the Wise Systems delivery automation platform. Book a demo today!

How To Streamline Last-Mile Operations

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Planning for last-mile operations sets you up for success, but there’s always room for improvement. Follow these tips to streamline your last-mile operations even more.

Use Last-Mile Software

It just isn’t possible to manage all of the complexities of last-mile operations without a software solution. The Wise Systems delivery automation platform streamlines every aspect of last-mile logistics, from monitoring dispatcher performance to optimizing routes.

Last-mile operations solutions like this handle many tasks for you through machine learning, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI), allowing you to focus on more high-value duties.

Intelligently Manage Routes

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The more efficient your routes, the lower your costs will be. It’s also a huge benefit that faster, more efficient routes speed up delivery timelines, which your customers will love.

Sticking with fixed routes is tempting, but this isn’t realistic for most companies. Embrace dynamic route planning to find the best possible routes based on the number of deliveries, traffic conditions, fuel costs, and more.

Optimize Your Fleet

Make the most out of your investment in fleet vehicles. They should always be fully loaded to minimize empty miles. Try switching to electric vehicles to lower fuel costs. Customers will notice and appreciate you being more sustainable, too!

Check Your Data

Data is a must for last-mile operations. Last-mile software automatically collects data on every aspect of the last-mile process, from routes to dispatching to territory planning. It takes time to gather this data at first, but before you know it, you’ll have enough insights to make data-driven decisions in your business. Look for AI-powered last-mile analytics to identify bottlenecks and reach conclusions more quickly.

Tap into AI-powered last-mile analytics, dynamic route planning, and much more with Wise Systems. Book a demo today to learn how.

Drive Your Business Forward With Last-Mile Innovation

Autonomous routing and dispatching is not only necessary, but is the future for many last-mile operations. Learn where your last-mile operations are today and make your AD&R plan. https://t.co/s5fAP9Ms4M pic.twitter.com/DK5fLF2Juq

— Wise Systems (@goWiseSystems) April 24, 2023

Last-mile operations are a must if you’re looking for new ways to save money and slash delivery timelines. The more effective your last-mile processes are, the better you’ll be able to meet rising customer expectations.

But you can’t do it alone. Lean on Wise Systems to streamline and automate last-mile operations. Contact Wise Systems now to make the last mile the best mile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve customer satisfaction with last-mile delivery?

Last-mile delivery is the final touchpoint between a customer and a retailer. However, delays, poor communication, and missed deliveries could lead customers to go with a different company. Timely, reliable delivery improves customer loyalty and trust, making last-mile delivery a crucial element of customer satisfaction.

Can you make last-mile delivery sustainable?

Absolutely. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in last-mile operations. Customers prefer eco-friendly delivery options, such as electric vehicles or bike couriers, and sustainable packaging. Implementing green practices not only reduces the environmental impact but can also enhance your brand reputation and customer loyalty.

How do companies handle last-mile delivery challenges in rural areas?

Rural areas are challenging because customers live further apart. Longer distances and less dense delivery routes require consolidating more deliveries. Businesses also use local carriers, regional distribution centers, and even options like drones for remote locations.