Consumer shopping habits continue to shift from brick and mortar stores to omnichannel. With the rise of e-commerce, expectations for delivering large products into a home has increased at an exponential rate. In response to the changing market, Last Mile or Final Mile delivery strategies are evolving to meet this demand. Final Mile refers to the last leg of the supply chain process, delivering the product directly to the consumer’s door. For your business, it’s critical to choose a Final Mile provider that will execute a positive customer experience.
Premier Customer Service
The last step of the delivery process may be the most important. This delivery will leave a lasting impression on the customer. Choose a provider that exemplifies excellent customer service and constant communication. It’s important for the consumer to know where their shipment is located and what time the driver will arrive at their home.
The crew needs to have proper etiquette and “soft skills” as they enter the consumer’s home, be experts in both threshold and white glove delivery and have all the necessary moving equipment. The team must have the proper pre-employment vetting, training and experience to make the delivery a pleasurable experience. A liftgate truck is ideal because it’s the best vehicle to maneuver through congested neighborhoods.
Flexibility and Coverage
Today, your customers can be anywhere. To ensure you have premier customer experience everywhere, it’s important that the Final Mile provider has a network in a wide array of locations and can deliver and pickup product in both residential and business settings. An established network is important because customers want their product delivered to their home as soon as possible, so having the resources to do so is crucial. A large network will cut costs because many locations will decrease the distance of the distribution center to the home, which will shorten the transit time and reduces buyer’s remorse.
For flexibility purposes, it’s also important to find a provider that can haul away donations, used mattresses or returns.
State-of-the-Art Technology
The latest technology can allow for visibility throughout the life of the shipment. Many potential obstacles are identified and resolved prior to the end user’s doorstep. The right technology can address issues before they even become concerns. Some providers, like Werner Final Mile, utilize a mobile app that simply allows for the consumer to sign the driver’s phone for the proof of delivery.
Werner Final Mile
If you’re looking for a last mile delivery partner as you compete in this rising e-commerce market, consider utilizing Werner Final Mile as your provider. Werner Final Mile provides service to all 42,000 zip codes in the continental U.S. and most zip codes in Hawaii and Alaska. We deliver large or heavy items using two uniformed associates operating a 24-26-foot liftgate straight truck.
Werner Final Mile operates one of the largest white glove terminal networks in the industry. Let us be your solution with our intuitive technology, premier mobile application and talented customer service team.
For more information, call 260.403.5477 or visit Werner.com.
