Nowadays, one of the key elements of a well-executed online service is the speed and accuracy in delivering products from the last mile carrier.
Delivery speed is one of the pivotal factors for shipping, and more than 50% of active online customers rely on companies to deliver their goods as soon as possible. In these cases, speed differentiates top-notch carrier shipping companies, and speed is preferred by many customers.
On the other hand, while speed is essential, other elements like last mile tracking provide important details during delivery. Almost all clients expect to get last mile delivery tracking information, additional carrier shipping details, or notifications if their order is in transit to the carrier.
To answer the demands of clients, companies are starting to implement shipment software that provides updates in real time.
Today, we will uncover the importance of last mile carrier tracking. But first, let’s start with the basics.
What Is Last Mile Carrier Tracking?
Technology is becoming more advanced to meet consumers’ expectations who expect to receive order tracking, shipping updates, and more visibility when it comes to the delivery process. With advancing technology, we also see a rise in customer expectations as well.
The last part of any delivery service seems to be one of the more challenging aspects of supply chain management. To meet this demand, logistics companies must adapt.
When we talk about final mile delivery tracking, we need to discuss two categories:
- Last mile tracking for clients — provides on-time information to customers about their delivery and orders.
- Last mile tracking for carriers — provides important delivery logistics to carriers and helps them focus better on clients.
Last Mile Tracking for Customers
Customers these days have the opportunity to jump online and research companies before they use them. They can find and read reviews, look for the lowest prices, and find the best shipping costs before they make their purchase. So, to attract new customers and retain current customers, a business must find a way to meet their customer’s expectations.
These days, customers want driver tracking, driver ETAs, the ability to communicate with the delivery driver through a branded tracking page, and the ability to rate their overall experience. This is also not just limited to eCommerce stores and platforms either.
When we talk about last mile delivery tracking, we have to mention that customers are the ones who do their research on companies, rank through reviews, and look to find the most appropriate option before purchasing.
Online merchants are the ones who need to focus on building long-lasting relationships with trusted companies that will deliver orders fast and at a low and affordable price.
Last mile delivery tracking software can prove to be a trusted partner and ally when it comes to stellar customer service because it can provide customers with a ton of answers about delays and other difficulties that may arise with their deliveries.
Last Mile Tracking for Carriers
As a carrier, they want to be ensured of visibility when it comes to the overall supply chain, especially during that last mile. Visibility in the case of last mile tracking includes tracking the packages once they are loaded onto the delivery truck, real time tracking, proof of delivery, and contactless delivery.
Once all this is done, carriers also want to be able to analyze key performance indicators like their success rates, feedback scores, and more.
Threads on Reddit show that people want to learn more about last mile carriers:
The whole idea of the last mile carrier is to transport orders from the hub to its final destination. This includes finding better strategies to cut costs from the delivery process and provide a first-class delivery experience for the customer.
Last Mile Carrier Tracking Benefits for Merchants
Here are some pivotal points that have a positive impact on merchants when it comes to last mile carrier tracking:
- Decreased number of calls routed to customer support as they can directly now call the carrier directly
- Improved feelings of security when customers see and recognize a local carrier. This also builds trust in the merchant
- Provides more information so customers can call and schedule deliveries if necessary
- An overall increase in satisfaction scores and a more positive attitude toward the merchant, leading to more purchases and positive reviews
Last Mile Carrier Benefits for Customers
The cycle is not complete without the overall satisfaction of the clients, so here are essential points that are beneficial to the customer in last mile carrier tracking:
- Familiarity with local carriers and knowing how to connect to them when necessary
- Higher chance of receiving the shipment during the correct delivery date
- If there are any delays or issues with the package, customers are aware of who to call to resolve any problem or misunderstanding they may have with the carrier
What Does Carrier Mean?
A carrier is a person or a specific company that can hold items and goods and sends them for delivery to the final destination.
When an order is in transit to a carrier, the order has already been sent by the merchant and is in transit to the company that will ensure the delivery of the goods.
Courier vs Carrier: Pointing Out the Differences
Here are the differences between a courier and a carrier that you should know about.
If you have a smaller shipment, then go with a courier service. When a larger shipment is taking place, consider choosing a carrier company.
People are always putting labels like courier vs carrier and how one is better than the other, but in this case, it is all about setting goals and preferences.
If you are a merchant and need to send something locally, you can choose a courier service.
If your business is on another continent and you claim to ship your products worldwide, you should do business with a trusted carrier.
What Does “Arrived” at Hub Mean?
The phrase what does arrived at hub mean is commonly asked by many people.
The process is as follows: it is the time when a package will arrive at a facility and be prepared for transit to the carrier.
What Is Last Mile Optimization?
Any business that has a delivery component can benefit from last mile optimization. In addition to being a key aspect of the customer experience, last mile delivery can often prove expensive and time-consuming in regard to the overall supply chain.
The high costs of last mile deliveries can eat into profits because many eCommerce platforms actually charge less than what it actually costs to deliver their orders.
Find the best ways to optimize your last mile delivery to increase revenue as a merchant and maintain customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Use Route Optimization Software: since there are obstacles involved when making delivery routes, you want to have route planning software to help overcome these obstacles. This kind of software can make routes more efficient while allowing a merchant to save time on last mile delivery costs, including fuel and wages.
GPS Tracking Software: last mile delivery costs can become inflated due to wasted time and fuel. GPS tracking apps help confirm that the delivery drivers are where they are supposed to be. It is also a great way to confirm that the carriers are delivering on time.
Customer Delivery Tracking Portal: to become as apparent as possible when it comes to the delivery tracking process, merchants should consider how customers can receive notifications in real time about their orders and the delivery process.
Rush is a great way to offer customers complete transparency with smart-triggered email and SMS notifications. This increases customer satisfaction and helps reduce the number of headaches your customer experiences as they wonder where their order is and why there is a delay.
Rush automates all aspects of the shipment tracking process. Customers will be notified of carrier delays and will be less likely to leave one-star reviews.
How Does Last Mile Delivery Work?
Again, last mile delivery is considered the last leg of the supply chain operation. During the shipping process, orders are digitally entered into a computerized system, the order arrives at the transportation hub and awaits delivery.
The orders are then designated to delivery personnel based on the addresses of the recipients. Before being loaded into delivery trucks, the orders are scanned, and the updated status is sent to the sender and the recipient. This helps minimize lost packages.
Finally, the order reaches its intended destination, and proof of delivery is obtained. All the tracking information is then updated, and everything is verified and confirmed.
How Much Does Last Mile Delivery Cost?
Last mile delivery is the highest cost involved in the process and actually accounts for more than 53% of the total shipping costs. The last mile delivery cost on larger items like appliances can be as much as $50 per package.
What Companies Are Trying to Implement Last Mile Delivery?
Emerging startups in the logistics world are looking to implement last mile delivery. Narvar, Active Ants, and Roadie are just three examples of last mile as a service and delivery options many companies are using.
Narvar, for example, is a delivery platform like Rush that offers a convenient system when it comes to receiving an order, tracking it, and delivering it. Here is more information on Narvar Tracking and Rush and what each offers.
The Benefits of Rush for Last Mile Tracking
Receive SMS Notifications for All of Your Deliveries
With Rush, you get the opportunity to receive SMS notifications in real time on updates about your delivery.
Get a Fully Customizable Tracking Page for Your Brand
Customers are anxious when a delivery is on its way, so they check everything from carrier shipping to last mile delivery tracking number a couple of times a day.
Why not provide them with custom-made software that gives all pivotal information fast and easily?
With a fully customizable tracking page for your brand, you can provide your customers with real time tracking of all shipments, so they can track their order live.
Get Notified About Carrier Delays
When there is a problem with carrier shipping and your items, you, as a customer, have the right to get notified of what is going on with your delivery. When there is a problem during the shipping process, and there is a delay in the delivery, customers want to know about it. It doesn’t matter if it is a delay of a few hours or a few days. Customers want to be notified of any issues right away.
Increasing Revenue and Boosting Retention
Depending on the purchasing behavior of your customers, you can add more upsells and cross-sells to increase your revenue. The tracking page can turn into a strong sales machine if you do your segmentation the proper way.
Provide Proof of Delivery and Collection Reviews
Delivery drivers can use the last mile carrier tracking software in Rush to update the order’s status and send images to assure the customer that their delivery is on its way.
When it comes to the overall satisfaction of the carrier service your business uses, the product itself, and any additional benefits there are, the customer has the right to be in the loop during the entire process – from start to finish. You can easily increase social proof by collecting customer product reviews that are fully integrated with Loox, Jude.me, Stamped, Okendo, Yotpo, Junip, and Reviews.io.
Email and SMS notifications sent in real time are amazing ways to boost your revenue, conversions, and brand awareness. Rush allows you to grow as a brand in every way.
Final Thoughts on Last Mile Carrier Tracking
Having the tools to explore the benefits of last mile carrier tracking software is necessary in today’s business and eCommerce world.
Online shopping has taken over a big portion of the retail market, and people expect deliveries from all over the world each day. For this reason, carrier companies are constantly looking for ways to improve their service by providing accurate information about expected delivery dates in real time.
Last mile carrier software is pivotal for both carriers and customers. Last mile tracking is here to provide visibility to everyone and guide the entire delivery experience in a more positive direction.
When it comes to never-ending benefits from tracking software, make sure you try Rush.
Our real-time analytics capabilities are one of our tool's best features. In addition to helping companies track deliveries, this offers priceless data that can be utilized to enhance customer service.
Request your demo today to see Rush in action and start getting all of your orders back on track.