Last Mile
The last mile is the final leg of delivery, from a local station or hub to the customer's door.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
The last mile is usually the most expensive leg of a parcel's trip, and it is the part customers see. Each stop serves only one or a few packages, and residential and rural addresses cost carriers more, which is why surcharges cluster there. Last-mile performance also drives delivery promises, damage claims, and porch theft. For example, a brand shipping 2,000 orders a day to homes pays residential or delivery area surcharges on many of them. Regional carriers or inventory closer to customers can lower that cost.
Common questions
- Why is last-mile delivery so expensive?
- Each stop serves only one or a few packages, so drivers, vehicles, and failed attempts are spread over little volume. Residential and rural deliveries are the most costly per package.
- What is the difference between the last mile and the first mile?
- The first mile moves goods from the warehouse into the carrier's network. The last mile moves them from a local hub to the customer's door.
- How can brands lower last-mile costs?
- Place inventory closer to customers to cut zones, use regional carriers where they cover your volume, and offer pickup points or slower economy services. Accurate addresses also avoid failed deliveries and correction fees.