Best Practices for Optimizing Last Mile Pick up & Delivery Operations

Organizations with last mile delivery operations are faced with an increasingly competitive marketplace.

They are constantly challenged by customer demands, driver shortages, and adverse economic conditions caused by everything from rising fuel prices to changing legislation.

These and other circumstances dictate that companies diligently manage their pickup and delivery processes considering all elements including customer care, driver, vehicle and route management, and service offerings.

To effectively control distribution costs and provide exceptional service to customers, each company should develop a list of best practices and integrate them into their business processes.

These best practices are designed to streamline and better manage the delivery process, establish and maintain a competitive advantage, and generate new and repeat business.

While best practices will differ between organizations and markets, there are a number of approaches that apply to any business with delivery operations.

This white paper provides an overview of the Top 10 best practices for establishing, managing and measuring effective last mile P&D delivery programs. It also establishes a framework that can be used to lower costs, eliminate operational complexity and improve customer service.

Best Practices to Streamline Delivery

1. Put a Plan in Place
2. Implement Technology that fits your Business Needs
3. Analyze and Assess Information
4. Establish Standard Operating Procedures
5. Understand both Qualitative and Quantitative Constraints in the Delivery Process
6. Manage the Driver, not just the Vehicle
7. Plan Around the Customer
8. Measure Your Customer
9. Expect the Unexpected
10. Measure Performance Against a Plan

Implementing technology to help with the management of the delivery process is an important step for any business looking to optimize its delivery processes and differentiate their service.

But for those that are serious about positioning for success, the real rewards can be seen when a solid foundation of operational practices are implemented and technology is used to support the achievement of these practices.