Last mile delivery is the step in the supply chain that involves the delivery of goods from the final distribution point to the final recipient, such as a home or place of business. This delivery stage is the last in the chain, and is usually closest to the end consumer. Last mile delivery has become especially important in the era of e-commerce and online shopping, where consumers expect fast and efficient delivery of their orders.
Without the use of modern technological solutions, this can be a difficult stage, as there is a need to coordinate with recipients and take into account their preferences regarding delivery time. To meet the challenges of last mile delivery, companies are actively researching and implementing various technology solutions. One of them is using the Parcel Lockers network.
Parcel Lockers: how they affect last mile delivery
Automated smart lockers or self-pickup terminals are one way to optimize the last mile delivery process. What characteristics do they have:
- Pickup. Parcel Lockers provide customers with the opportunity to independently pick up their orders at any convenient time. This reduces the need for the recipient to be at home at certain times, making the delivery process more convenient for consumers.
- Flexibility in choosing where to receive your order. Buyers can choose a convenient place to receive the goods, be it Parcel Locker in the nearest store, shopping center, outdoor Parcel Locker at an intersection or other public place. This provides additional options for customers who can choose where and when to receive their order.
- Significant reduction in delivery time. Lockers can be placed in strategic infrastructure locations, reducing the distance couriers need to travel to deliver orders. This helps reduce delivery time and increase efficiency – customers are always happy to receive their purchase as early as possible.
- Reduced shipping costs. Using the Parcel Lockers network can reduce the labor and transportation costs associated with door-to-door delivery, which can be beneficial for delivery companies or those that ship orders regularly (e.g. online retailers).
- Reducing the percentage of unsuccessful deliveries. Automated boxes reduce the likelihood that the courier will not be able to deliver the goods due to the absence of the recipient at the address. Customers can pick up their order at a time convenient for them, in most cases even at night.
The use of Parcel Lockers is becoming increasingly popular in solving last-mile delivery challenges and facilitating a more flexible and convenient goods receipt experience for consumers.
What are the prospects for Parcel Lockers in last mile delivery?
The prospects are definitely good, this can already be seen now. Many companies have already implemented Parcel Lockers into their business processes to improve logistics. And some of them even created their own networks.
In the near future, automated cells will be increasingly installed. And now they are mainly located in cities, but soon they will appear in small towns. You can also expand the list of items that can be sent through cells. First of all, perishable products, if Parcel Lockers are equipped (and this is technically feasible) with devices for maintaining a given temperature. In any case, the future of deliveries is definitely automated lockers!