The final mile delivery is typically the last “human” interaction a customer will have with your company. It will be a huge influence on how they perceive your brand. A perfect delivery and you’re heroes. The customer may order again, and even give referrals to close friends and family or write positive online reviews. You won’t have any costly returns or repair issues that erode the already shrinking bottom line. From the minute your customer receives their scheduled delivery time, their “purchase anxiety” and “buyer's remorse” morph into “pre-delivery anxiety”. Simply put, nervous anticipation. This coupled with having complete strangers move bulky items from a truck into their home sets the stage for the final mile experience. For many companies, this crucial last step in the delivery process is handled by a third party, which can complicate the relationship between you and your customer.
One way to ensure that your deliveries are handled efficiently and effectively is to rely on your own company drivers, assets, and scheduling. This gives you complete control over the process, from the pick-up of the goods to the final delivery to the customer.
There are many benefits to relying on your own company drivers, assets, and scheduling for deliveries. Here are just a few:
Better control over the delivery process: When you control the entire delivery process, you can be sure that your goods are handled with care and that they arrive on time. You can also ensure that your drivers are familiar with your products and that they can answer any questions customers may have.
Improved customer experience: When customers know that their goods are being delivered by your own drivers, they are more likely to have a positive experience. They can be confident that their goods will be handled with care and that they will arrive on time.
Reduced costs: Relying on your own company drivers, assets, and scheduling can help you to reduce your delivery costs. You will not have to pay the fees associated with using a 3PL provider, and you can also negotiate better rates with your carriers.
Increased flexibility: When you have your own drivers and assets, you have more flexibility in terms of scheduling deliveries. You can adjust your delivery schedule to meet the needs of your customers, and you can also respond quickly to unexpected changes.
Improved safety: When you control the entire delivery process, you can take steps to improve safety. You can train your drivers in safe driving practices, and you can also make sure that your vehicles are properly maintained.
To take control of your final mile delivery process, you need to first define your goals. For example, you might want to improve your customer’s delivery experience, reduce product loss, and have more flexibility in terms of scheduling deliveries.
Once you have defined your goals, you need to assess your current needs. This includes conducting a logistics audit to outline your existing operation and create a wish list for improvements. This will help you find the areas that need the most attention and develop a plan to address them.
You also need to consider your future needs. What are your plans for growth over the next five to ten years? Do you want to expand into new territories? Increase revenue per customer? Offer premium white glove service? Advertise faster delivery windows than your competition? Make more delivery stops per day? Having a plan will help you make decisions about your logistics that will be sustainable and scalable.
Finally, you need to analyze your facilities and vendors. Streamlining your logistics may involve changing your facilities or vendors. It is important to choose reliable vendors and facilities that can grow with you.
You might consider adding demountable truck bodies to your delivery operation. Systems like our Swap Body or Warehouse on Wheels should be part of your research. These lean and efficient systems are designed to increase the number of deliveries possible per day, reduce product loss, and create flexibility in scheduling deliveries.
The final mile delivery is the last interaction a customer has with a company, and it can have a big impact on their perception of the brand. One way to ensure that your deliveries are handled efficiently and effectively is to rely on your own company drivers, assets, and scheduling. Demountable equipment can help you to reduce your delivery costs, improve your customer experience, and increase your flexibility. To take control of your final mile delivery process, you need to first define your goals, assess your current needs, consider your future needs, and analyze your facilities and vendors. By taking steps to improve your final mile delivery process, you can ensure that your customers have a positive experience and that your business remains competitive in an ever-changing freight market.
