Last-Mile Tracking: Characteristics, Advantages, & Examples

Customers expect complete visibility into their order status as soon as they place their order. Sellers and brands, too, need an eagle view of last-mile delivery tracking to spot issues quickly. Last-mile tracking also sheds light on various other aspects of last-mile delivery operations, helping both logistics teams and customers stay informed and in control.

What Is Last-Mile Delivery Tracking?

Last mile delivery tracking provides real-time information about the movement of products from their pickup point to the delivery location. This is the most crucial part of the product’s journey. It’s also the stage when things are most likely to go wrong—but with the right last mile delivery tracker, brands can ensure a seamless experience.

Previously, simple vehicle tracking was the norm. But today’s last mile tracking goes beyond just GPS pings. Operations teams can monitor routes, re-route deliveries due to roadblocks or weather conditions, and even communicate ETA shifts to customers.

They know where their trucks are at any point in time. They know which trucks are running late and can inform customers of potential delays. With last mile delivery tracking, surprises are minimised, and customer confidence is strengthened.

Characteristics of Last-Mile Tracking

Notifications

The buyers are sent notifications about the whereabouts of their products. The information about the order dispatch, pick up by the delivery agent and estimated time by when the delivery agent will deliver the package is communicated to them.

Real-Time Updates 

The core strength of a last-mile delivery tracker is providing real-time updates that allow sellers and buyers to follow the shipment’s journey minute by minute.

Enhanced Visibility

This type of tracking offers enhanced visibility into the delivery process, including details like estimated time of arrival (ETA), delays, and delivery attempts.

Customer Interaction 

Last-mile tracking often includes features that allow customers to interact with the delivery process, such as rescheduling delivery times, choosing delivery locations, and providing special instructions.

Geo-Fencing 

Modern last mile delivery tracking systems include geo-fencing to trigger alerts when a package enters or leaves a designated delivery area.

Proof of Delivery 

Many last-mile tracking systems incorporate proof of delivery mechanisms, such as electronic signatures, photos, or QR codes, to confirm that the package has been successfully delivered.

How Last-Mile Tracking Differs from Other Delivery Tracking Methods

Last-mile tracking differs significantly from other tracking methods used in logistics, primarily due to its focus on the final leg of the delivery journey. Here are some key differences:

Scope 

While traditional tracking methods cover the entire journey of a package from the warehouse to the final destination, last-mile tracking zooms in on the final stretch, often from the local distribution centre to the customer’s doorstep.

Transparency 

Last-mile tracking provides a higher level of detail and precision compared to other tracking methods. It focuses on minute-by-minute updates and specific delivery events, which are crucial for managing customer expectations.

Customer Experience 

The customer experience is a central focus of last-mile tracking. It aims to reduce uncertainty and enhance convenience for the end recipient, which is less emphasized in other stages of delivery tracking.

Technology Utilization 

Last-mile tracking heavily relies on advanced technologies like GPS, mobile applications, and IoT devices to provide accurate and real-time updates, whereas other tracking methods may use simpler, less frequent tracking updates.

Why is Last-Mile Tracking Important for Businesses?

Better Customer Satisfaction 

Customers like to have better control over their shipments. Last-mile tracking reduces these inquiries by keeping customers informed at every stage of the delivery process. Last-mile tracking significantly enhances the customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

Improved Operational Efficiency 

Enhanced visibility and control over the delivery process help logistics companies optimize routes, reduce delivery times, and manage resources more effectively.

Reduced RTOs

By providing real-time updates, customers gain greater control over delivery time and are better prepared to receive orders. It helps avoid delivery failures and RTOs, which happen if the customer does not have sufficient cash to make the payment if they are not prepared for the delivery.

Effective Cost Management

Last-mile tracking helps enhance delivery efficiency, as any issue related to delivery can be dealt with in a timely manner. If the customer is not available, the cost of the delivery attempt can be saved. Long trips to your customers’ homes can significantly increase fuel costs, particularly when they reside in remote or sparsely populated areas, where reaching each destination takes even more time.

Competitive Edge

As eCommerce brands look for a competitive edge, perfecting the last mile tracking becomes a brand differentiator. Even after providing tracking links, customers are unable to track their orders through transparency; that’s what can make a difference.

Examples of Last-Mile Tracking

Amazon Prime 

Amazon’s Prime service offers detailed last-mile tracking, allowing customers to see exactly where their package is and providing updates at every step of the delivery process. Features like “Amazon Map Tracking” show the delivery driver’s location in real-time as they approach the delivery address.

Uber Eats 

In the food delivery industry, Uber Eats provides customers with real-time tracking of their orders. Customers can see when their food is being prepared, when it’s picked up by the delivery driver, and follow the driver’s journey to their doorstep.

Dispatch 

As an eCommerce shipping platform, Dispatch offers robust last-mile tracking solutions that cater to the needs of ‘customers-first’ brands. Their technology-enabled platform ensures seamless tracking and updates, enhancing the overall shipping experience for sellers and customers alike.

The Bottom Line

Last-mile tracking has revolutionised the delivery process by providing unparalleled visibility and control over the final leg of the journey. Its focus on real-time updates, enhanced customer experience, and operational efficiency makes it a vital component of modern logistics. As technology continues to evolve, the capabilities and benefits of last-mile tracking will only expand, setting new standards for customer satisfaction and delivery excellence.