optimizing the last mile
The last mile refers to the final stage of a delivery—from the distribution center to the end customer or business client. It is often the most expensive and complex part of the supply chain: numerous small shipments, individual delivery restrictions, and unpredictable traffic conditions make it challenging. At the same time, expectations for fast and reliable deliveries are rising, while urban traffic restrictions and environmental regulations add further pressure.
This is where route planning software offers tremendous potential: it optimizes routes, reduces costs, and improves vehicle utilization. As a result, last-mile deliveries can be made more efficient, punctual, and sustainable.
challenges of the last mile
The last mile in transport logistics is considered the most demanding part of the supply chain. High costs, complex processes, and increasing expectations converge here, presenting transport companies with numerous challenges:
Variety
The variety of ordered goods continues to grow, ranging from temperature-sensitive shipments to large-volume deliveries requiring two-person handling. This diversity increases delivery complexity and drives up costs.
Customer Expectations
Customers increasingly expect faster and more flexible delivery options—from same-day deliveries to specific time slots. Complexity further rises when B2B and B2C shipments need to be efficiently handled simultaneously.
Environmental Regulations
Cities are tightening their traffic and environmental regulations, such as bans on certain vehicle types or time-based restrictions. This poses additional challenges for dispatchers in route and resource planning.
Fragmentation
In the B2C sector especially, shipments are significantly more fragmented. This means many stops are required, even though the shipment volume per stop is very small. This results in high resource expenditure and correspondingly high costs.
Labor Shortages
The shortage of qualified professionals makes efficient planning and execution of the last mile increasingly difficult. Roles such as drivers or dispatchers are often perceived as unattractive, making it challenging to recruit new, qualified personnel.
Complexity
The diversity and fragmentation of shipments, combined with customer demands and environmental regulations, significantly increase the complexity of dispatching. Planning efficient routes has become highly time-consuming and error-prone.
The Key Role of the Last Mile
Last-mile delivery is not only a critical but often one of the most expensive aspects of transport logistics. Whether it’s ensuring timely B2C/B2B deliveries or smooth delivery processes, an efficient and reliable last mile not only ensures satisfied customers but also strengthens your market position in the long term. With rising expectations and increasing competitive pressure, optimizing the last mile is no longer optional—it is a central challenge that determines long-term success.
Optimizing Transport on the Last Mile
Implementing route planning software is a crucial step toward optimizing the last mile in transport logistics. By efficiently processing a multitude of data and constraints while maximizing resource utilization, companies can not only enhance their efficiency but also sustainably improve customer satisfaction.
- Enhancing customer satisfaction by meeting their specific requirements
- Reducing transportation costs
- Optimizing resource utilization and ensuring efficient capacity management
- Scalability and agility to adapt quickly to market changes
- Maximum transparency and control
Efficient Route Planning for the HoReCa Sector
Our client, an importer and wholesaler of Italian products in the wine, grappa, liqueur, and food sectors, serves primarily customers from the HoReCa industry (hotels, restaurants, catering). With a continually expanding product range, Buratti GmbH places a strong emphasis on excellent customer service. In addition to a comprehensive webshop showcasing their diverse product selection, they ensure efficient and precise last-mile route planning through our software solution.
“With Smartlane, we’ve automated our previously manual route planning. The personalized support during implementation and now in daily operations is fantastic—it makes using the software genuinely enjoyable and saves me a lot of time in planning.”
Zoltan Kobor
Dispatcher, Buratti GmbH
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FINDING THE RIGHT ROUTE PLANNING SOFTWARE
Are you considering acquiring route planning software or already searching for the perfect solution? In our whitepaper, we reveal what you need to look for when choosing the right software and provider!
Gain access to a step-by-step guide for creating a requirements analysis, detailed insights into the most important selection criteria, and a clear checklist to support your decision-making process!
Please note: The whitepaper is currently only available in German.
request a demo
Invest in the future of your logistics and turn the last mile into a true competitive advantage with customized route planning software. Our experts are eager to advise and support you in your dispatch processes. Discover in a no-obligation consultation how your company can benefit from Smartlane Transport Intelligence.
Feel free to contact us by phone or via the contact form below, including your current number of shipments per month.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Last Mile
The last mile refers to the final segment of the delivery process, where an order is transported from the distribution center or warehouse to the recipient. This step is crucial for customer satisfaction and the efficiency of the entire supply chain.
The last mile has the greatest impact on delivery costs and customer satisfaction. Inefficient processes in this area can lead to delays, higher costs, and dissatisfied customers. Optimized last-mile solutions ensure timely, cost-effective deliveries and provide transparency for the customer.
The most common challenges include high costs, traffic disruptions, unpredictable customer availability, complex route planning, environmental impacts, and rising customer expectations for fast and flexible deliveries.
Route planning software optimizes the last mile by real-time route optimization, considering traffic conditions, maximizing resource utilization, and improving communication between drivers and customers. This results in faster, more cost-effective, and reliable deliveries.
The last mile can account for up to 53% of the total delivery costs. Inefficient planning and longer driving distances increase fuel consumption and labor costs. Optimized routes and better planning can significantly reduce these costs.
Clear and transparent communication with customers is critical. Real-time tracking and automated notifications allow customers to track the delivery status and prepare for the arrival of their order, which enhances customer satisfaction. The elimination of manual tasks using route planning software gives the dispatcher more time for customer service.
Using technologies such as route planning software, real-time tracking, and data-driven decision-making can make the last mile more efficient. Additionally, flexible delivery options, sustainability measures, and close communication with customers are key to successful optimization.