Last Mile in logistics refers to the last step of the supply chain where ‘the rubber meets the road’, quite literally. It sounds like a short distance but that little amount of space can pose significant challenges. Let’s have a look at how this ‘short distance’ works and how technology and innovation can improve it.
What is the Last Mile?
At its core, Last Mile indicates the final stretch of the supply chain journey. It culminates in the delivery of goods to the end customer’s doorstep and is key to the overall supply chain success.
The end customer represents a diverse spectrum, ranging from individuals and households to businesses and institutions. Who or whatever the end customer is, however, expectations for quick and smooth deliveries are always quite high. This is one of the reasons why last-mile optimization has gained so much importance.
Tradition and Innovation
Traditionally, last-mile deliveries rely on fleets of delivery trucks or vans, able to navigate through urban environments and traffic to reach their destinations. Alternative technological solutions are now either being designed, tested, or already employed.
It is the case, for example, of drone and robot deliveries already operating in some areas of the United States. These solutions, however, while offering the perfect answer to issues like traffic, parking space, and environmental impact, have limitations due to their limited payload capacity and security risks.
Last Miles are not All the Same
Last-mile deliveries are not just limited to the general everyday image of one box taken to a doorstep. In many cases, the ‘doorstep’ can be that of a company, a factory, or a store in need of a high volume of goods. In such cases, instead of a box, we are speaking about a full truckload of huge pallets!
How does the Last Mile work on these occasions?
Tail Lift Flexibility
Imagine an international road freight company with a fleet of double-deck trailers capable of loading up to 54 euro pallets (40 industrial pallets). Each of these trailers is equipped with a tail lift on its back. The company is Emons Cargo. The trailers are called 2WIN.
The tail lifts on 2WIN trailers offer unparalleled flexibility in loading and unloading, regardless of the presence of a docking station. So, be it a warehouse with docking stations, or just some space on ground level in front of a store, 2WIN trailers with their tail lift can easily and safely deliver their cargo.
In addition, taillift deliveries eliminate the need for cross-docking hubs. This contributes to significantly reducing the handling of the goods therefore the risks of damages, theft, and operational errors. Also, they contribute to lower CO2 emissions by minimizing kilometres travelled while maximizing the payload delivered.
Ready 2WIN?
The last mile in road freight transport presents undeniable challenges but also serves as a canvas for innovation and improvement. As technology continues to evolve and logistics providers embrace creative solutions, the last mile is poised to become more efficient, cost-effective, and customer-centric.
When international, high-volume last-mile deliveries are required, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and a customer-centric approach are already there.
Emons Cargo is ready 2WIN the last mile.
What about you? Are you ready 2WIN?