As the world becomes increasingly digital, the demand for faster and more reliable deliveries has also increased. Businesses that rely on timely delivery of goods, especially in the e-commerce industry, are now looking for ways to improve their last-mile delivery services. One solution to this problem is the use of a last-mile provider.
Watch this bit from comedian Ronnie Chieng. Recorded in 2019 before the pandemic, it is a hilarious take on last mile.
The part where he says "same day delivery, unAmerican!" crack me up every time. Only until recently have Canadians come to expect next day delivery - not even same day, largely due to Amazon. But what Ronnie is talking about in this sketch is last mile delivery and a bit about artificial intelligence which is for another day to discuss but that is also changing e-commerce.
So what is happening with Last Mile Delivery in Canada?
To use an overused word - disruption.
In Canada you have the traditional last mile providers like Canada Post, FedEx and UPS who have controlled the market for decades now. FedEx and UPS were once the disruptors but now, in urban areas of the country there are other providers such as Intelcomm, Flashbox, Envoi, UniUni who are taking marketshare away. Leveraging a fleet of non-unionized or freelance drivers, the last-mile businesses are offering same day deliveries across the entire GTA for half the price to send it in the mail or by courier.
I think there will always be a need for the traditional providers - PO boxes, rural customers but when it comes to urban customers who have ordered small or medium size packages - why would you send an order to a Canada Post sortation facility to have it wait until it goes out the next day?
So when you are looking at which last mile partners to use I think you need to think of the following - especially for the Prime NOW people!
Why Use a Last Mile Provider?
Using a last-mile provider offers several benefits for businesses, including:
Improved Delivery Times: Newer last-mile providers have dedicated resources and expertise in delivering goods to the final destination. This means that they can provide faster and more efficient delivery times than if the business was handling the delivery themselves.
Increased Customer Satisfaction: Last-mile providers have the expertise to provide a seamless delivery experience to customers. This includes providing delivery options such as same-day or next-day delivery, delivery tracking, and customer service support.
Scalability: As the demand for deliveries increases, businesses can easily scale their delivery operations by partnering with a last-mile provider. This allows them to focus on their core business while the provider handles the delivery process.
Reduced Risk: Last-mile providers have the necessary insurance and liability coverage to protect businesses from any potential losses that may occur during the delivery process.
Choosing the Right Last Mile Provider
When choosing a last-mile provider, businesses should consider several factors, including:
Delivery Speed: The provider should offer delivery options that meet the business's requirements, such as same-day or next-day delivery.
Delivery Capacity: The provider should have the necessary resources and personnel to handle the business's delivery needs.
Cost: The provider's rates should be competitive and align with the business's budget.
Reputation: The provider should have a good reputation for providing reliable and high-quality delivery services.
Technology: The provider should have the necessary technology to provide real-time delivery tracking and updates to the business and its customers.
Conclusion
Partnering with a last-mile provider can offer businesses several benefits, including improved delivery times, increased customer satisfaction, and scalability. When choosing a provider, businesses should consider factors such as delivery speed, capacity, cost, reputation, and technology. By doing so, they can ensure that they are partnering with a provider that meets their delivery needs while also providing a high-quality delivery experience to their customers.