First Mile Delivery Software: Optimizing The First Leg of Logistics

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First Mile Delivery Software: Optimizing The First Leg of Logistics

As customer expectations soar, online delivery demands skyrocket, and the need to make logistics operations cost-efficient gets more imminent, businesses need to revisit their end-to-end delivery management strategies. Businesses need to streamline and optimize the three core logistics components, the first, middle, and last-mile logistics operations. Let’s begin by delving deep into first-mile logistics operations.

So, what is first-mile delivery?

First-mile delivery refers to transporting goods from a pickup hub or a manufacturing unit to a warehouse or multiple distribution centers. Having said that, it will be wrong to standardize this definition across industries as the first-mile entails different movement types for various industries. 

For instance, with regards to courier, express and parcel businesses, first-mile logistics would usually involve picking up parcels from a hub or a store to a warehouse or a distribution center. In the case of manufacturing businesses, it would include finished loading goods from a plant or warehouse and shipping them to multiple distribution centers. For retailers, the first-mile refers to moving goods from distribution centers to brick and mortar stores.

The Significance of First-Mile Delivery

As aforementioned, first mile shipping/delivery plays a significant role in the success of overall logistics operations. Well-managed first mile operations ensure that there is no delay or damage to the goods. It also helps to control the cost of transportation of goods and also has a direct impact on the shipping experience.

Top Three First-Mile Delivery Problems

Like the other two stages of logistics, businesses may find problems with the 1st mile delivery. Here are some of the common ones-

  • Labeling and packaging goods

Manually labeling the products is one of the biggest obstacles that cause inefficiencies in first mile operations. Some businesses still use handwritten labels that might not include complete address details every time. In the lack of incomplete information, courier companies may find difficulty in delivering goods at the right location and specified time.

Similarly, packaging is another big challenge when it comes to first mile delivery management. Most businesses find issues in following the right packaging norms and using inappropriate packaging material.

  • Lack of resources

Lack of trained personnel is another big issue associated with the first mile logistics as well as first mile tracking. Both can cause a delay in the movement of goods and also increase the overall transportation costs.

  • Lack of technology

Not using tech-enabled platforms or manually performing all the first mile shipping-related operations can cause inefficiencies. It can also lead to poor operational visibility and tracking, which might increase the cost of moving goods. Business with in-house first mile management as well as first mile delivery services providers, both can face several issues with manual delivery management.

first mile delivery vs. last mile delivery

How to improve first mile shipping?

Here are the key points that can help to improve first mile shipping-

  • Pre-define your first mile logistics needs
  • Find a first mile courier partner that uses the latest technology to execute first mile operations
  • Collate the right data to decide the time to ship and time to stock goods
  • Choose the right packaging
  • Define a labeling system
  • If you have an in-house team to handle first mile operations, then get a first mile delivery software to manage all processes efficiently

The Significance of First Mile Delivery Software

First mile delivery or first mile pickup software can help businesses to streamline the first leg of the logistics. The software brings automation and transparency in all the processes involved in moving finished goods to a retailer or courier company’s warehouse. Besides, the first mile delivery software can also assist in controlling the transportation cost, minimizing dependency on the workforce, and improving shipping experience.

First mile delivery is the first movement of finished goods from a retailer to the logistics company’s warehouse. The final destination could also be an order fulfilment center. Like the last mile and middle mile, first mile delivery also needs proper management. And this article covers it all. Read now to know about first mile delivery optimization, challenges, and more.

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