The last mile refers to the process of delivering a product or merchandise to the end customer. At a logistical level it is always the most expensive and slowest part of the process.

For example, in many rural areas, delivery points along a route may be several kilometers away, and only one or two packages are left at each destination. In cities, however, this is not the case, but the proximity of delivery points is offset by significant delays caused by high traffic density. These are the issues that directly affect the last mile.

In a context where online sales continue to grow more and more – at a rate of almost 30% – and consumers demand greater speed and effectiveness in the delivery of their orders, shipments have become one of the main issues that companies are trying to improve. This is the case of RFL, which works to ensure that its logistics area – warehousing or distribution – is always better.

Some of the trends in the last mile are:

• Technology. Alongside the classic express delivery agencies, new companies are starting to emerge which, aided by technology, directly connect the warehouse or store with the delivery man. In addition, concepts such as digitalisation, big data or blockchain are becoming increasingly important for managing orders.
• Sustainability. Delivery is becoming more and more environmentally friendly. Not only the big agencies are incorporating ecological fleet, but new companies have already been born under this premise.
• Alternatives to home delivery. Although home delivery is still the preferred option for consumers, companies are coming to offer alternatives that are better adapted to the convenience of the customer (petrol stations, shopping centres, etc.).
• New logistic spaces. The demands for speed of delivery and environmentally friendly delivery methods demand greater proximity of the product to the customer. For this reason, new logistics spaces are already being developed, in the form of mini-hubs or spaces such as car parks, storerooms or shops… which are used, totally or partially, as small warehouses in transit.

Other factors

Moreover, in last mile deliveries, aspects such as the use of drones, the role of new sustainable fuels or so-called micrologistics are already being taken into account.