Last Mile Delivery Software Solutions

Last-mile delivery FAQs

• How can self-select delivery appointment windows improve the last mile delivery process?

  Descartes' last mile reservations solution enables businesses to offer customers a variety of delivery appointment window times, with the possibility to include additional services such as installation, removal of any packaging and the product removed to enhance the overall customer experience.  

  By integrating delivery scheduling with route optimisation for last-mile deliveries, businesses can: 

  • Confirm delivery costs and capacity for deliveries: Ensuring that delivery schedules are feasible and avoid overbooking or the need for additional vehicles or hired in drivers. 
  • Optimise delivery routes: Efficiently plan routes that minimise travel time and costs, while also levelling out the daily load between the available delivery drivers. 
  • Offer flexible delivery options: Provide customers with more choice at the point of sale, increasing satisfaction and reducing basket abandonment online, while potentially generating additional revenue through value-added services that are taken into account when planning routes and resources. 
  • Enhance customer service: Improve the overall customer experience by offering accurate delivery estimates, timely delivery communication and tracking plus the ability to immediately feedback on delivery experience. 

  By implementing these strategies, businesses can optimise the last mile delivery process with a more efficient operation, improving profitability and providing a better customer experience. 

  Discover more about improving your last mile competitive advantage. 

• How does digital proof of delivery (POD) software benefit last mile delivery businesses?

  Descartes' mobile applications provide real-time digital proof of delivery (POD), enabling businesses to: 

  • Streamline operations: Capture POD information such as damage, pictures and signature electronically, reducing paperwork and administrative tasks. 
  • Optimise routes: Update delivery schedules in real-time based on POD data, allowing for more efficient future route planning through the use of machine learning. 
  • Enhance visibility: Track the progress of deliveries and identify potential issues before they become a problem. 
  • Reduce disputes: Provide clear evidence of deliveries with photographs, minimising fraud and disputes with customers. 

  By implementing last-mile digital proof of delivery solutions, businesses can improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency. 

  Read more about POD 

• How can delivery notifications and order tracking software improve the customer experience of their delivery?

  Descartes' delivery notifications and order tracking software offers benefits that enhance the delivery experience to promote loyalty and repeat purchase: 

  • Real-time visibility: Customers can track their orders in real-time, knowing exactly where their delivery is on a map is and when to expect it. 
  • Proactive communication: Automated notifications at each step of the delivery process keep customers informed about delivery status, expected arrival times, and any potential delays. 
  • Improved customer satisfaction: By providing transparency and reducing uncertainty, real-time tracking can significantly reduce customer anxiety, improving satisfaction. 
  • Enhanced communication: The software can offer seamless communication between customers, drivers, and dispatchers, helping to address potential issues before they occur. 
  • Data-driven insights: Tracking delivery performance metrics enables areas for improvement to be identified and helps optimise future deliveries. 

  By implementing delivery notifications and order tracking software, businesses can provide a superior customer experience and build customer loyalty. 

  Read more about customer engagement and order tracking software.

• What are the benefits of last-mile delivery software?

  The benefits of last-mile delivery software include: 

  • Reduced costs, improved efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, and increased driver productivity. 
  • Reduced planning time, leaving planners free to deal with exceptions and customer service-related issues. 
  • Fewer miles per delivery gives a reduced cost per delivery and a higher delivery density per route. 
  • Improved driver retention with realistic and achievable delivery routes.
• Can the software handle time-sensitive deliveries (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals)?

  Yes, Descartes’ software can combine deliveries with specific time-sensitive delivery windows with deliveries that are more flexible, prioritising the important deliveries and placing others around them accordingly to generate an optimised route. 

• How can I measure the success of last-mile delivery software?

  To effectively measure the success of your last-mile deliveries you should track and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs). Here are some to consider: 

  Delivery Performance 

  • On-time delivery rate: Calculate the percentage of deliveries completed within the promised time window. 
  • Late delivery rate: Track the number and frequency of late deliveries and identify the root causes. 
  • Missed delivery rate: Monitor the number of missed deliveries and analyse reasons for missed appointments. 

  Operational Efficiency 

  • Fuel consumption: Track fuel usage to assess the impact of route optimisation on costs. 
  • Vehicle utilisation: Measure the percentage of time vehicles are actively used for deliveries. Calculate idling time too. 
  • Driver productivity: Evaluate metrics like the number of deliveries per driver, average driving time, and idle time. 

  Customer Satisfaction 

  • Customer satisfaction surveys: Conduct surveys to gather feedback on delivery experiences and particular drivers. 
  • Net Promoter Score (NPS): Measure customer loyalty and willingness to recommend your services. 
  • Customer complaints: Track the number and types of customer complaints to identify areas for improvement. 

  Cost Efficiency 

  • Total cost of delivery: Calculate the overall cost of delivering goods, including fuel, labour, and vehicle maintenance. 
  • Cost per delivery: Determine the average cost per delivery to assess efficiency and identify areas for cost reduction. 

   

  But most of all last mile software should offer a good Return on investment (ROI): Evaluate all the financial benefits of implementing last-mile delivery software, considering cost savings and increased revenue, not just in the fleet but across the planners and possibly even the warehouse. 

  By tracking and analysing these KPIs, it is possible to gain valuable insights into the performance of your last-mile delivery operations and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. 

  Descartes’ software includes tools for reporting and analysing performance. 

  For more details on Descartes’ last mile software simply complete the form below and we can arrange for a fleet logistics expert to contact you. 

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