The last mile is decisive: How modern logistics is changing e-commerce

The "last mile" describes the final leg of a delivery, i.e. the transport of goods from the depot or distribution center to the customer. This phase is particularly cost-intensive and complex, as it has to take into account numerous individual factors such as traffic, delivery time windows and recipient availability.

The smaller and more diverse the orders, the more difficult it is to bundle them and deliver them efficiently. High personnel, time and transport costs arise, especially in the B2C sector with many private delivery addresses. Logistics companies and retailers are therefore working on new distribution concepts to make the last leg of delivery more efficient.

According to the PwC study " Setting out on the last mile”, 51% of consumers still prefer home delivery. 40% want deliveries within a specific time window, while only 20% prefer parcel shops. This shows that customer expectations remain high – and the last mile is at the center of competitive dynamics.

Pick-up stations, parcel boxes and smart delivery

In order to simplify delivery while reducing costs, time and CO₂ emissions, more and more new pick-up and delivery concepts are emerging to complement traditional doorstep delivery. These models make a decisive contribution to increasing the efficiency of last-mile logistics and relieving the burden on delivery networks.

Packing stations and lockers:

A key approach is to consolidate delivery to permanently installed collection points. DHL now operates over 6,000 packing stations in Germany, while Amazon has placed over 1,000 lockers in supermarkets, gas stations and shopping centers. These stations offer customers maximum flexibility, as they can collect their parcels regardless of delivery times. For delivery companies, this eliminates the need for multiple trips, saving time and resources.

Private parcel boxes:

More and more apartment buildings and residential complexes are opting for shared parcel boxes that can be used by multiple delivery services. This solution enables contactless delivery, even when no one is home, and significantly reduces the logistical effort per parcel. For single-family homes, there are increasingly smart parcel boxes with app connectivity that simplify receiving and shipping.

Smart delivery:

Digital technologies are opening up new ways of delivery. Systems such as the Key Home Kit allow secure delivery to the home, while in-car delivery places parcels directly in the boot of the vehicle. The delivery person receives a time-limited digital key via an app to gain access – monitored by camera and GPS. These solutions reduce misdeliveries, increase customer satisfaction and are an example of the integration of logistics and smart home technology.

Crowdsourcing approaches:

Another trend in last-mile logistics is crowd delivery. Platforms such as Dropfriends and Pickshare enable private individuals to act as temporary parcel collection points. Neighbors accept shipments or take on local deliveries – a community-based solution that relieves the delivery network and reduces emissions.

These new concepts show that the future of the last mile lies in flexibility, digitalization and cooperation. By combining different forms of delivery, delivery routes can be shortened, costs reduced and customer needs precisely met.

Click & Collect and Click & Drive as omnichannel strategies

With Click & Collect or Click & Drive, customers order online and pick up their goods within a selected time window. These models combine online retail and brick-and-mortar sales and are considered part of omnichannel marketing.

Autonomous delivery by drones and robots

• Drone deliveries are still hampered by legal restrictions but are being tested in pilot projects (e.g. DHL Parcelcopter, Amazon Prime Air).
• Autonomous delivery robots such as Hermes' Starship robot or Ford's humanoid Digit are increasingly taking on delivery tasks – efficiently, flexibly and emission-free.