Also known as: Final mile, Last leg delivery
The final stage of the logistics chain comprising the delivery of goods from the distribution center or warehouse to the final recipient, whether a point of sale or customer's address.
Last mile delivery is the final leg of the logistics chain, from the distribution center or warehouse to the final recipient's door. Despite being the shortest segment in distance, it represents 40% to 50% of total transportation cost and is the stage where service problems, delays, and claims most frequently occur.
For imported goods, last mile delivery begins after customs clearance: cargo moves from the port or airport to the importer's warehouse or directly to points of sale. In DDP operations, the foreign seller is responsible through the last mile.
Last mile optimization is one of the most innovative areas in logistics, with solutions including smart routing, pickup points, lockers, collaborative delivery, and technology to predict optimal delivery windows.
Supply Chain
An integrated network of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in creating and delivering a product, from raw materials to the end consumer.
LogisticsCross-Docking
A logistics strategy where goods are received at a warehouse or distribution center and immediately reshipped to their final destination without going through a storage period.
LogisticsIncoterms
International rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) defining buyer and seller responsibilities for transport and delivery of goods.
LogisticsCargo Consolidation
A logistics process of grouping multiple small shipments from different shippers into a single transport unit to optimize freight costs and space utilization.