Global e-commerce sales is expected to reach $3.3 trillion in 2019, rising to a whopping $4.5 trillion by 2021, says an article on Shopify Plus. This increase in online sales has also led to an accompanying increase in demand for high-end last mile delivery software.
There are some excellent comprehensive delivery management solutions to choose from today, which provide dynamic route optimization for effective and timely last mile delivery.
WHAT IS LAST MILE DELIVERY?
Last mile delivery is the movement of goods from a transportation hub to the final destination. It is the last step in the process of delivery. An ideal last mile delivery model will ensure that the order is delivered to the consumer on time. It is also greatly desired that the entire delivery process remains transparent, finite and centrally controlled.
For instance, if the delivery person is an hour late in delivering a package, without any prior notice, it might ruin the customer’s entire plan for the day. Moreover, it would have a domino effect on all the other deliveries planned for the day by that delivery person. This is only one reason why efficient last mile delivery can prove to be a great boon for ecommerce businesses.
CHALLENGES FACED IN LAST MILE DELIVERY
The last mile condition can get out of hand and lead to delayed delivery schedules, higher fuel expenses or even incorrect deliveries. The challenges that might occur during this stage are usually due to weather-related issues, lower predictability of road conditions in rural or unorganized areas, lack of route optimization and poor communication within the delivery chain, says an article in Business Insider. Also, since same-day or next-day delivery options are becoming increasingly popular, customers are demanding transparent ways to track their package.
SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE LAST MILE DELIVERY PROCESS
Last mile delivery software is built to tackle the most significant hurdles in the delivery process. It increases visibility, improves customer engagement, optimizes delivery routes and provides driver tracking and advanced payment modes. Some of the best software, such as Xcelerator and MobileTek, are designed to increase the speed and accuracy of the delivery process. They work great with all major platforms, such as Android, iOS and Windows.
Using the best software not only increases the geographical reach of the ecommerce of courier company but also helps your brand develop long-lasting relationships with your local and global customers.