Everything you need to know about last-mile tracking

Last-mile tracking is tracking the parcel delivered from the origin to the customer’s doorstep. Modern customers expect a seamless delivery experience with real-time order tracking, particularly through the last mile. Uncertainty about package status can lead to frustration, making transparency a key element of a well-designed delivery process.

Last-mile carrier tracking informs customers about their shipments, fostering trust and reliability. For dispatchers, it highlights inefficiencies along the delivery route, enabling timely deliveries while optimizing costs. Implementing a robust last-mile logistics tracking system allows businesses to streamline operations, minimize expenses, and enhance customer satisfaction throughout the shipping journey.

What is Last Mile tracking?

Last-mile tracking monitors a package’s journey from the hub to the customer’s doorstep in real time. It helps ensure timely deliveries, reduce delays, and improve customer satisfaction. For third-party logistics providers, it highlights inefficiencies along the delivery route, enabling timely deliveries while optimizing costs. Implementing a robust last-mile logistics tracking system allows businesses to streamline operations, minimize expenses, and enhance customer satisfaction throughout the shipping journey.

Why is Last Mile Tracking Important? 

Customers want their orders delivered fast and hassle-free. However, keeping track of multiple deliveries and ensuring they arrive on time can be challenging. If an order is delayed, customers may get frustrated and take their business elsewhere. That’s where last-mile tracking helps. It lets businesses monitor orders from dispatch management to delivery, find the best routes, and keep things running smoothly. With last-mile delivery tracking updates, companies can avoid delays, save costs, and keep customers happy.

How is Last-Mile Tracking Different from Other Delivery Methods?

Last-mile tracking focuses on individual parcels, providing real-time updates and detailed visibility throughout the delivery process. This allows stakeholders, such as sales teams and logistics managers, to monitor shipments closely, ensuring transparency and strengthening trust between suppliers and customers—ultimately improving customer retention.

Last-mile delivery emphasizes speed and affordability to enhance customer satisfaction.

In contrast, GPS tracking monitors vehicles rather than individual packages. While it offers updates on vehicle movement and overall progress, it provides less granular detail. However, it still keeps all relevant parties informed about their goods’ movement.

Importance of Last-Mile Delivery Tracking

Transparency

Real-time updates on package location, delivery status, and expected arrival time help build trust. Customers feel more confident when they know exactly where their order is and if any delays occur.

Better Customer Experience

Tracking reduces the anxiety of waiting for a package. Allowing customers to add special instructions also gives them more control over their deliveries, improving satisfaction.

Fewer Failed Deliveries

When customers know when to expect their package, they’re more likely to be available to receive it. This reduces missed deliveries and ensures a smoother process.

Lower Support Costs

Many customer service calls are about order status (“Where is my order?” or WISMO calls). Giving customers access to real-time tracking reduces these calls, saving businesses time and money.

What is a Last-Mile Tracking Number?

A last-mile tracking number is a unique code assigned to a package to track its journey from the local distribution center or warehouse to the customer’s address. It helps monitor the package’s movement during this final stage to ensure timely and safe delivery.

Shipping companies provide this tracking number, which customers can use on the carrier’s website or mobile app to check their package status. Updates like “At the warehouse” or “Out for delivery” appear based on real-time tracking data. This allows customers to track the ETA of an order and be prepared to receive their package.

Solutions for Last-Mile Delivery Tracking

GPS Tracking

GPS technology helps track delivery vehicles and packages in real time. This allows companies to monitor their fleet, improve routes, and give customers accurate delivery times.

Mobile Apps

Delivery drivers can use mobile apps to get live updates on traffic and route changes. This helps them adjust their routes, avoid delays, and improve on-time deliveries.

Better Communication

Smooth communication between drivers and dispatchers is key. Tools like instant messaging and voice calls help them stay connected and handle any delivery issues quickly.

Cloud-Based Software

A cloud system offers a central platform for tracking deliveries, managing routes, and improving efficiency. It helps businesses streamline operations and cut costs.

Smart Lockers

For customers who can’t receive packages in person, smart lockers offer a secure and convenient pickup option. These lockers can be accessed with a code or mobile app.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain creates a secure and transparent tracking system, reducing fraud and ensuring accurate delivery records.

These solutions help businesses improve last-mile delivery efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Last-Mile Tracking

Less Anxiety for Customers

Customers often feel anxious waiting for deliveries. Real-time tracking helps reduce this by showing them where their package is at all times.

Fewer Missed Deliveries

When customers know when to expect their package, they’re more likely to be available to receive it, leading to fewer missed deliveries.

Better Customer Experience

Real-time tracking gives customers more control and visibility over their deliveries, improving satisfaction.

Increased Efficiency

Delivery companies can use tracking to monitor routes and update schedules automatically, saving time and reducing costs.

Fewer Delivery Errors

Last-mile tracking helps avoid mistakes like missed deliveries or package theft, making the service more reliable.

Better Resource Use

Real-time tracking helps companies make the most of their vehicles and staff, cutting costs and improving efficiency.

Clearer Supply Chain

Last-mile tracking offers more control over the entire delivery process, helping businesses improve supply chain efficiency and reduce expenses.

This simple and efficient system benefits both businesses and customers.

What is Mile? 

Mile is an advanced last-mile delivery tracking and e-commerce order fulfillment software designed to optimize the entire delivery process—from the moment the courier picks up the package from the central hub to the final delivery at the customer’s doorstep.

For retailers, Mile offers a centralized platform that streamlines operations and enhances customer satisfaction.

Key Features of Mile

• Record Management: Mile provides full control over delivery operations, storing essential data with a complete chain of custody for future reference and analytics.
• 24/7 Virtual Assistant: Access help at any time with Mile’s round-the-clock virtual assistant, ready to assist with any delivery-related issues.
• Real-Time Notifications: Keep customers informed at every stage of the supply chain, enhancing satisfaction with timely updates.

Experience the power of Mile and improve your last-mile delivery operations. Try it now and see the difference for yourself. 

For more details, request a demo now!