5 Things You Should Know About Last Mile Delivery

When it comes to last mile delivery services, a courier company such as Distribusha is the perfect choice, primarily because we are a privately run company where a highly professional and reliable, yet personal service is our priority. It is very difficult to fit that personal service where impersonal corporate courier services are involved. 

So, what exactly is a last mile delivery service  

A last mile or final mile delivery service is that element of a supply chain delivery service that sees the article or product reach its final destination, the consignee. When you look at a supply chain, it can begin with an order placed by a business in the UK to a manufacturer in China. The supply chain involved covers transportation from the manufacturer’s premises to a distribution centre, then on to either a shipping port or an airfield, where the item will be shipped to the UK. There it will go through HM Customs and end up in another UK-based distribution centre. From there it will be transported to a local delivery hub, and the ‘last mile’ is the delivery from that local depot to the intended recipient’s home or office. 

What are the challenges of last mile delivery? 

Last mile delivery faces a number of key challenges, and whence why there is a constant challenge to find the optimum last mile delivery logistics solutions. Last mile delivery companies are often the last point of contact a consignee or recipient will have with anyone involved with delivering an ordered product. You will act as a representative of the company selling the goods or items, and will also be judged on your own merits. Consequently, if an overseas shipment is delayed or held up in customs, as the last person in the delivery chain, you will be seen as the cause of the problem. Companies offering last mile delivery services need to have broad shoulders and exceptional PR skills!  

What are the solutions to overcoming last mile delivery challenges and how can you improve the efficiency of last mile deliveries 

There is no question that when working out how to improve last mile delivery services, communication is key. Here we are not just talking about communication between the client and the company providing last mile delivery solutions. Here we are talking about everyone in the supply chain. One of the biggest complaints anyone waiting for the delivery of important or urgent parts or products is a lack of communication. If you want to provide the best last mile delivery service, then knowing exactly what is going on each and every day is vital in order to keep the end client, the consignee, fully up to date. While a delay in the delivery date may cause problems for the intended recipient, the situation can be mitigated by contacting the recipient the moment a problem is discovered and informing them so they can take appropriate action. Similarly, as a last mile delivery agent, you need to be able to allocate work accordingly and the sooner you know if a shipment is running late, the sooner you can reallocate that time to another task, and reschedule accordingly. 

Why last mile deliveries are critical to some businesses 

In today’s consumerist society, speed is of the essence when it comes to deliveries. Whether it is online stores like Amazon, or home deliveries of food (fast food or groceries), urgent medicine or even supplies for your business, next day delivery is almost second best to same day delivery, both of which require exceptional last mile delivery services. For so many businesses today, effective and reliable last mile delivery is a make-or break-solution. 

The Importance of Reliable Last Mile Delivery Services 

As you have seen above, many of todays businesses rely on swift and reliable delivery services. Those offering last mile delivery are the final link in the supply chain and therefore the one part of the delivery chain that the recipient or consignee will remember most. Unfortunately, it is also the last part of the supply chain that the original vendor will be relying upon to provide an impeccable service that will foster the potential for repeat business. 

You also have to remember that as the last link in the supply chain, it doesn’t matter if products bought in China arrive in the UK in record time if there is nobody there to make the final delivery. To make a good impression, while the client may have booked your courier services weeks in advance, if the goods arrive in the UK a couple of days in advance, they will be looking to you to adjust your own schedule accordingly. The ability to be accommodating and flexible, as often achieved by Distribusha, can help to create the best of working relationships and enable both sides to achieve a repeat business outcome.   

Got any question? Call us: 01923 828460 – it costs nothing to talk – or  

Email us: info@distribusha.co.uk and we’ll get straight back to you. 

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