To say the last mile logistics industry is thriving may be an understatement. Coming into 2020, the industry was already booming. When the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., the way people consumed changed and e-commerce became an integral part of many people’s day-to-day lives. In order to keep up with growing demand, businesses rely on accurate, timely, and well-coordinated deliveries. A business’s performance and customer care depend on it. Partnering with a trusted last-mile logistics leader like Westset Logistics and Distribution can ensure your business is ready to meet demand in a way that helps your business grow while meeting consumer expectations.
COVID-19 Industry Growth
The pandemic magnified growth in the last mile logistics industry as more people find themselves requiring residential delivery of goods. Increased demand for goods is paralleled by a growth in e-commerce as consumers found themselves sequestered at home, with malls shuttered, offices dark, and shops closed down for the duration, online shopping is booming. The holiday season shopping sprees are sure to add to this explosion in e-commerce as consumers purchase not just staples but gifts and festive items as well. There’s no end in sight when it comes to last-mile logistics, as after the holiday boom there’s certain to be huge demand as ‘returns season’ starts at the New Year.
Types of Last Mile Logistics
Last mile deliveries can be anything from small packages to large, oversized “non-conveyable” goods, or big and bulky items like furniture and exercise equipment. These types of deliveries have often been the most challenging and most complex segment of the supply chain cycle. The pandemic initially slowed the volume of home delivery and installation work of large items, as both consumers and delivery companies struggled to cope with the realities of safety during Covid-19. Now that companies have instituted multiple safety practices, including contactless delivery, social distancing, and extensive use of protective gear and disinfectants, these safety concerns are mitigated. Which means that when large items like home gym equipment began to peak, these types of last mile deliveries could happen safely and efficiently. Similarly, as consumers adjust to the indefinite nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, consumer preferences continue to shift towards e-commerce for the safe purchase of items from meal plans and small treats to large desks and home office equipment.
Partnering with Westset Logistics
If the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated anything, it’s the volatility of markets and the resulting need to adjust quickly and effectively to changes in supply chains, logistics, and consumer demand. Westset Logistics and Distribution is agile and focused on solutions, while providing realistic goals and expectations that can be met consistently and constantly. Our focus on last mile B2B logistics makes us the ideal partner for businesses selling a huge variety of products – from the very small to the large and heavy. We have invested in intelligent supply chain solutions, providing an extremely efficient service. Our state-of-the-art third-party logistics software ensures accuracy and transparency for each and every one of our clients.
The phrase “last-mile logistics” refers to the process of moving products from the last transit stop to the final destination, which may be anywhere from one to one thousand miles; it is often one of the biggest logistics challenges that businesses face. For years now, consumers have grown to expect the same or next-day delivery. Expectations on the B2B side are also rising, with buyers demanding the same convenient experience they are used to as consumers. Partnering with Westset Logistics and Distribution will make it easier for your business to monitor supply chain logistics, operations, and deliveries efficiently and cost-effectively. To find out more about how we can work with you for your last-mile logistics needs, contact us now here.