For many logistics and distribution companies, as well as smaller local businesses who have brought their service in-house, the final leg of the journey, known as last mile delivery, can be extremely costly. Last mile logistics can account for more than half of the costs associated with expediting products and goods from the final distribution centre to the customers’ front door.
As more business and personal consumers turn to ecommerce for meeting their supply needs, the speed and efficiency of last mile deliveries become a priority. E-shoppers often expect same-day or next-day delivery, further adding to the pressure to the last mile delivery solution.
Getting the final mile delivery wrong will see the distributor incur higher fuel charges, have longer fulfilment times, and poor customer satisfaction compared to the competition. Ultimately, customers will be lost, and that can cost you dearly.
Ensure You Have The Right Last Mile Delivery Equipment
There are various challenges to overcome if your business is to operate efficiently. In urban areas, the last mile delivery service can see the vehicle making multiple stops in close proximity to each other and further hindered by traffic congestion. In rural areas, congestion is less of an issue, and stops may be fewer but miles apart.
As the UK extends low emissions zones in London and adds new zones in cities such as Birmingham and Manchester, there are further costs associated with moving in and out of these locations with petrol or diesel-fuelled last mile delivery vehicles.
So, how do you maintain a loyal customer base, reduce costs, and improve delivery efficiency? Well, much of the puzzle can be solved by ensuring you have the right last mile delivery equipment.
Optimise Your Deliveries
To optimise your deliveries, you should choose versatile vehicles that are manoeuvrable, fuel-efficient, and do not emit exhaust fumes. ePowerTrucks supplies a range of electric last mile delivery vehicles that have various top speeds, range, and parcel capacities. The latest battery innovations mean that vehicles with a load capacity of up to 1,450kg can have a range of up to 120 miles. Furthermore, many models have an additional towing capacity, which can be as high as 4,000kg.
These electric delivery vehicles are efficient in urban and rural settings and produce no emissions, which is great for the environment and your company’s reputation. These vehicles are cheap to run, clean, and easy to maintain, making them an excellent choice for handling a growing demand in online, direct-to-door shopping.
Computer technology can play a role too, optimising delivery routes. Fleet management software can run in real-time with GPS tracking, responding to traffic congestion, failed deliveries, and re-assignments, factoring in elements such as time, distance, and location.
For more information on ePowerTruck’s range of electric last mile delivery vehicles, please contact our team.