by FreightPrint
There’s a lot of buzz in the supply chain market about last mile delivery operations. Gig workers are bombarded with ads from Postmates, Uber, Amazon Flex, etc.
Many of us hadn’t heard the term “last mile” until recently. So what is “last mile,” anyway?
Here's an outline of what we'll cover:
The supply chain consists of many links. For example, let's take the case of buying a book through Amazon. The book you purchase from Amazon has to go through several steps in the supply chain before an Amazon driver can deliver it to your doorstep. It may include the publisher printing the book in Hong Kong, then shipping it in a container to New Orleans, then finally transporting it to a warehouse close to where you live.
When you click on the “buy” button, the book gets ready for its trip to your door.
This final trip is what is called “last mile” or “final mile.” This final leg in the product delivery journey seems to be the one the customer cares about the most.
Although it may sound straightforward, last mile delivery presents some of the most challenging aspects of the delivery process.
For example, a last mile delivery route may typically involve multiple stops with low drop sizes. Customers in rural areas may take longer to service due to how far apart the stops are, whereas urban areas may require higher dwell time due to higher traffic and more frequent stops.
Shippers and carriers spend a lot of time and energy on last-mile delivery. Due to high customer demand for visibility, last mile becomes even more complicated for those carriers who don’t use routing or last mile delivery software.
There’s been a lot of interest in hiring contractors or gig workers to service this leg of the supply chain. Apps like Postman, DoorDash and Amazon Flex are designed to meet this ever increasing demand for last mile delivery.
Shippers often see last mile as a cost center. Many use third-party expeditors to deliver their final mile operations.
Demand for last mile delivery is not waning; it is only going to keep increasing. Retail giants like Walmart, Costco and Amazon have been investing billions into last mile capabilities, and started even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finding and retaining commercial truck drivers is harder than ever. However, anyone with a valid driver's license can drive a box truck or a delivery van. The future of last mile delivery companies is looking brighter than ever. The retailers are just getting started, and the battle for capacity to deliver their last mile is already here.
Last mile delivery is still in its beginning stages. From the aging baby boomers to the generation-Zs, last mile delivery is going to be the new normal.
Trucking companies who are paying attention to the last mile delivery problem and using technology like FreightPrint™ could reap the benefit of solving last mile problems.
Large shippers and retailers are also increasingly looking for transportation companies to add to their last mile delivery operations.
So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to take action!
If you are a transportation and logistics company and are looking to learn more about last mile logistics, schedule a free consultation with FreightPrint™ today.
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Are you still wrestling with manual logistics operations or relying on outdated software that leaves you confused? Look no further!
FreightPrint is here to revolutionize your logistics process!
FreightPrint™ is a cutting-edge, AI-driven logistics software designed to enhance your transportation and delivery services.
We understand that managing logistics is both daunting and time-consuming. Picture this: delivering orders with unmatched consistency, precision, and ease.
If you want to streamline your shipping and logistics operations, FreightPrint™ is your perfect partner!
Read on to discover the key features and unparalleled benefits of using FreightPrint™.
Imagine effortlessly processing customer orders, creating optimized routes automatically, and maintaining seamless communication with drivers and clients—all without wasting precious time.
▸ Efficient Load Dispatching
Dispatch loads on the move or pre-schedule them for future dates. Collaborate with carriers, brokers, and dispatchers from a single interface.
▸ Automated Routing
Select multiple shipments and generate routes instantly. Assign drop numbers and modify stops with a simple click, all without needing to contact your drivers.
▸ Smart Driver Assignment
Assign tasks or routes to specific drivers with ease. Unsure who is available? Let drivers select their loads or broadcast them to your network of carriers.
Free up phone lines and alleviate staff workloads while you consistently meet and exceed customer expectations. Spend your valuable time closing sales and enjoying well-deserved vacations.
▸ Real-Time Shipment Tracking
FreightPrint™ ensures clients receive timely status updates along with direct shipment tracking features.
▸ Collect Electronic Proof of Delivery
Generate an audit trail with detailed timestamps and locations. Instantly receive signatures and photographs as proof of delivery, enhancing customer trust.
Create and customize shipping documents tailored to your clients' specifications.
▸ Label Printing
Design and print QR code labels effortlessly. Pair QR codes with your shipping documents to enhance tracking—just scan with your smartphone to update shipments effortlessly.
▸ Custom Document Creation
Whether it’s BOL, POD, or any other custom format, our document creation tool empowers you to design documents that fit your business needs.
No single software solution fits every business perfectly, which is why FreightPrint allows extensive customization per your specific requirements.
▸ Utilize API and Automation
Set custom fields to track project progress seamlessly. Connect with platforms like SalesForce or OrderTime through native integrations, or customize your experience with our API and automation tools via Zapier.
Download the FreightPrint mobile app now and enjoy a free 2-week trial—no credit card required!
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Our team is ready to assist you with any transportation software inquiries. Whether you’re a small shipper or a large transportation firm, we’d be thrilled to provide a free demo of FreightPrint and address all your questions.
Last mile delivery—the final leg of a product's journey from warehouse to customer—is often the most complex and expensive part of the shipping process.
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Want to see if FreightPrint is a good fit for your needs? Whether you are curious about how the software works, or have specific questions about a feature, our product demo is a great way to get started.
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