The last mile is the final leg of your inbound logistics process. It’s a common phrase used to describe the movement and delivery of a product from its point of origin to its final destination. In order to achieve the most efficient last mile, you need to know what can impact your delivery speeds, who is responsible for it, and how it will affect your business.
What Is Final Mile Fulfillment?
Final “last” mile fulfillment is a term used to describe the logistics of moving goods from a warehouse or factory to their final destination. The last mile refers to the final leg of delivery, which can be anywhere from one to several miles.
Last-mile fulfillment has grown in importance because it’s an area where online retailers or manufacturing companies have been able to win over local brick-and-mortar retailers. Last-mile fulfillment gives retailers and manufacturers an advantage by allowing them to offer localized efficient delivery at competitive prices while also being able to scale inventory quickly based on consumer demand.
Last-Mile logistics Are All About Delivery
Last-mile logistics are all about delivery. It is the final leg of the journey to your customer, and it can make or break your business model.
While traditional freight shipping and distribution methods have been focused on optimizing efficiency at each step in the process, last-mile logistics is all about optimizing speed and cost-effectiveness for those last few miles. Typically, last-mile logistics will be tied to a warehouse facility, which allows a company to store items and deliver items efficiently in a designated location.
Delivery Speed To End User
A few seconds can make all the difference in customer satisfaction. In fact, delivery speed is a key factor in customer retention, acquisition, and customer satisfaction.
Speed matters to your customers: Delivering goods quickly is important for your business because of how it affects the overall experience for your customers. If you are not delivering on time or providing accurate information about when you will deliver their packages, they may decide to shop elsewhere next time.
It’s an opportunity to show good service: Your ability to provide fast delivery can be a great way for your company to stand out from its competitors.
Utilizing a last-mile fulfillment company allows you the ability to store and deliver items in a specific region, such as New England or the East Coast.
Flexible Warehouse Space To Scale Inventory
With the right warehouse space, you can also scale your inventory as needed. The last-mile logistics service provider will help you identify the best type of warehouse space for your needs.
For example: If it is a small business, and you want to grow into bigger operations in the near future, then the best way to do that may be to rent warehouse space with flexible terms that allow you to scale with demand. You let the warehouse and last-mile delivery company handle the final part of your business, while you focus on customer acquisition and service.
Loading Docks And Pallet Storage
Finding a last-mile facility that can support large deliveries through loading docks and pallet storage is key to success. Pallet storage is a key component for any last-mile operation because pallets are used for storing and moving freight around warehouses and distribution centers all over the world.
Delivery Vehicles And Storage Space Is Important
In order to keep up with the demand for last-mile logistics, you need to make sure that your delivery vehicles and storage space can handle the volume of inventory you’re moving. Delivery vehicles need to be able to accommodate the weight of your inventory, while storage space must be able to handle its size. Additionally, it should also be able to hold an adequate amount of volume in order for there not to be any bottlenecks or delays when accessing items from storage during transit.
Last Mile Logistics And Fulfillment In New England
Warehouse space is scarce in New England. More specifically, finding a company that has warehouse space and completes final mile delivery all in one. Mark’s Moving & Storage partners with manufacturers, bio-science companies, and retailers to provide a complete final-mile fulfillment service. With over 100,000 square feet of warehouse space. Delivery crews and vehicles to transport items, we are uniquely equipped to help with your last-mile logistics process.
Request a custom estimate for your specific last-mile logistics needs here, or contact us at (508) 983-6000. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you with your storage and fulfillment needs.