The last mile is the most difficult and costly part of the delivery process. And the demand for efficient last mile delivery can be a headache for manufacturers. It can be especially challenging for business owners selling perishable goods.
Luckily, there is a solution for this problem: temperature-controlled vehicles. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Last Mile Delivery?
Last mile delivery is the flow of goods from the nearest transport hub to their final destination. Believe it or not, last mile logistics can make up 28% of a shipment’s cost!
Manufacturers are paying close attention to last mile delivery, especially growing e-commerce companies. Corporate clients care about how quickly goods make it to their grocery stores, and individuals want fast delivery to their doorstep. In fact, most people are more likely to buy from companies with efficient delivery processes.
This is particularly the case for companies delivering temperature-sensitive items. Perishable products include food, beverages, and plants. These need to make it to their destinations as soon as possible.
If something goes wrong in the last mile, customers will definitely notice! You may also compromise food safety if you aren’t delivering things efficiently.
You may be looking for fuel efficiency in getting your products from a distribution warehouse to individual restaurants. Or you may be looking for reliability in keeping fresh goods refrigerated from the main hub to local grocery stores. Whatever the case, it’s time to think about your last mile logistics.
Last Mile Delivery Problems
Transporting perishable items over that last mile may sound simple. But for many manufacturers, it definitely isn’t!
The internet has made last mile logistics both easier and more challenging. Erratic traffic patterns, for example, can compromise a supply chain’s ability to deliver items before they spoil. This is especially the case in high-density urban areas.
Weather alone can be a huge culprit in late shipments. Unexpected storms can impede local routes. Heat waves can be detrimental to temperature-sensitive goods, such as frozen meats or chilled dairy.
Another concern in supply chain and last mile logistics is irregular order cycles. Surges in orders for specific goods can complicate last mile delivery.
And finally, inefficient systems processes can complicate last mile delivery. If you don’t have a strategy dialed in for the final stretch of delivery, consumers will notice the degraded quality of your final product.
How Can I Improve Last Mile Delivery?
What can you do to bypass last mile delivery problems?
One solution lies in temperature-controlled vehicles. These vehicles safely transport temperature-sensitive goods, regardless of traffic or weather patterns.
Temperature-controlled vehicles can transport frozen, refrigerated, or heated items.
Many have multi-temperature options, enabling manufacturers to move a variety of perishable goods at the same time. Competitive models have void insulation and convection heating technology.
Because these vehicles are temperature-controlled, they can be powerhouses in the midst of delivery delays! Even if a shipment is late, it will still arrive at the perfect temperature when transported in a temperature-controlled vehicle.
What’s more, companies involved in supply chain logistics can turn any vehicle into a temperature-controlled vessel with a vehicle insert. Configure shelving, storage, and temperature settings to fit your preferred chassis.
Having an efficient and reliable cold chain with last mile delivery will take a load off your mind. Your clients will receive their goods as they should be, without spoilage. Keep your profit margins and your reputation intact with reliable last mile delivery.
Final Thoughts
Temperature-controlled vehicles are the ultimate last mile delivery solution for perishable goods.
Want to know more? Read our thoughts on why your company should invest in refrigerated vehicles here.