E very second of every day in 2022, 674 parcels were Ensuring those packages get to the right recipients, safely and on time, presents numerous logistics challenges. And the challenges often get dicier, as well as pricier, toward the end of each delivery. time, get generated in the United States, or about 21.2 billion for the year, Pitney Bowes reports. The final mile of a parcel delivery can account for more than half— 53%—of total shipping costs. While a similar statistic doesn’t appear to exist for the final inch of deliveries, it’s likely this step also accounts for a substantial portion of logistics expense. Navigating the final inches of a delivery often becomes a complex endeavor. Drivers trying to access parking spots and buildings often find much of the territory unmapped, says Anne Goodchild, professor of civil and environmental engineering and founding director of the Urban Freight Lab at the University of Washington. The Lab coined the term “final 50 feet” to refer to the actual delivery of goods. endeavor. find of Urban the Among the questions drivers might need to answer, often while in traffic, are these: which door should be used if a building has several entrances? Where is the nearest parking space to the correct door? Adding to the challenges is the fact that many of these spaces, like sidewalks, are shared with others. Figuring out how best to traverse the last step of a delivery is both challenging and increasingly necessary, as more consumers rely on home delivery, whether to help them manage busy schedules or because it’s difficult for them to get out, even to access necessities such as food or medicine, says Melissa Twiningdavis, senior managing director, supply chain operations at Accenture. challenging home because such director, A DOSE OF MEDICAL DELIVERIES While discussions about last mile often focus on deliveries of consumer goods, delivery of medical items is poised to skyrocket. The prescription delivery services market, for instance, will grow by 17.8% annually through 2030, predicts Future Marketing Insights. These deliveries often bring even more complexity to the final inch, as they require temperature and other controls. 53%—of exist a traffic, entrances? Adding sidewalks, A consumer prescription annually deliveries require Nailing down the final inches of a delivery can be complex. Fortunately, a variety of solutions show promise to help shippers navigate that crucial leg. By Karen Kroll
August 2023 • Inbound Logistics 33
Powered by FlippingBook