Last mile delivery is the final step in satisfying the customer’s order. However, this can be the riskiest part of the fulfilment process, with a chance of parcels going missing or not being delivered.
Final mile delivery is a vital part of any company and one that can differentiate you from your competitors. Get it right, and your brand image and orders will soar. Get it wrong and reputational damage will follow, causing a drop in revenue and profit.
The key to creating a fantastic last mile delivery experience is to meet the consumer’s expectations by offering choice, certainty, and convenience. So, how do you improve your last mile delivery service?
A Customer First Approach
A customer-first approach is essential for keeping operational costs under control. There are five parts of the puzzle that will enhance the efficiency and delivery success of your operations:
- Put the customer in charge of their delivery window – By allowing the customer to pick their delivery date and time window when they place their order, they are more likely to consider when they or another household member will be at home. Choosing the delivery window coupled with regular updates will increase the chances of first-time success and keep your last mile delivery costs down.
- Confirm the delivery before loading parcels onto last mile delivery vehicles – When a customer changes their delivery date or delivery address while the package is en-route, the chances of the parcel getting lost increase.
- Introduce a tracking system – Visibility is an essential part of last mile logistics, particularly in a warehouse facility. Introducing a scanning system to monitor all items that will make up the final parcel ensures parts of the order do not go astray, leading to incomplete deliveries.
- Deliver from stores – Customers expect quick delivery, and you must compete with retail giants, such as Amazon, who offer same-day delivery. You can reduce delivery time by introducing deliveries direct from the store, minimising the distance between the customer and the distribution centre. Vehicle capacity can also be a problem for some businesses, and by moving fulfillment to stores, you can better manage your resources and satisfy the needs of each geographical location.
- Offer real-time visibility – Customers expect to see where their parcel is on delivery day. Offering real-time visibility during the last mile delivery not only meets these expectations but helps to ensure the individual does not nip out right when your driver arrives at their doorstep.
Let Your Electric Vehicles Do The Work
Last mile logistics can be tricky and costly to manage. You can reduce your operational costs by letting electric last mile delivery vehicles do the work. EVs are less expensive to run than vehicles powered by traditional combustion engines.
Your fuel costs will drop, and maintenance needs are less demanding, with fewer engine parts. Electric final mile delivery vehicles will also help you meet your environmental goals with zero emissions.
To enquire about adding electric last mile delivery vehicles to your fleet, contact us today.