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What is first-mile, mid-mile and last-mile delivery and why does it matter? A simple explanation of the key stages of logistics and how traqo.io can help you manage them efficiently

Mukesh Deogune

• 3 min read

If you are running a business that involves moving goods from one place to another, you need to understand the concept of first mile, mid mile and last mile delivery. These are the three main stages of logistics that determine how fast, reliable and cost-effective your delivery process is.

In this blog post, we will explain what each stage means, what are the common challenges and opportunities associated with them, and how traqo.io can help you optimize your logistics operations with its end-to-end transportation management system.

What is first mile delivery?

First mile delivery is the stage where the goods are collected from the seller or manufacturer and transported to a warehouse or a distribution center. This stage is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of the goods, as well as reducing the transit time and costs.

Some of the challenges of first mile delivery include:

  • Finding reliable and affordable transportation providers
  • Coordinating multiple pickups and deliveries
  • Tracking the status and location of the goods
  • Managing inventory and documentation

Some of the opportunities of first mile delivery include:

  • Reducing transportation costs by using reverse auctions
  • Improving visibility and control by using sim-based tracking
  • Automating invoicing and payments by using digital documents
  • Enhancing customer satisfaction by providing accurate ETA and notifications

What is mid mile delivery?

Mid mile delivery is the stage where the goods are moved from one warehouse or distribution center to another, or to a hub or a terminal. This stage is important for optimizing the network efficiency and scalability, as well as meeting the demand and supply fluctuations.

Some of the challenges of mid mile delivery include:

  • Planning and optimizing routes and schedules
  • Managing capacity and utilization
  • Handling delays and disruptions
  • Ensuring compliance and security

Some of the opportunities of mid mile delivery include:

  • Reducing transportation costs by using dynamic pricing
  • Improving visibility and control by using real-time tracking
  • Automating invoicing and payments by using smart contracts
  • Enhancing customer satisfaction by providing proactive alerts and updates

What is last-mile delivery?

Last-mile delivery is the stage where the goods are delivered from a warehouse or a hub or a terminal to the final destination, which is usually the customer’s doorstep. This stage is critical for creating a positive customer experience and building loyalty and retention.

Some of the challenges of last-mile delivery include:

  • Meeting customer expectations and preferences
  • Dealing with traffic congestion and parking issues
  • Managing returns and refunds
  • Measuring performance and feedback

Some of the opportunities of last-mile delivery include:

  • Reducing transportation costs by using crowd-sourced delivery
  • Improving visibility and control by using geo-fencing and proof-of-delivery
  • Automating invoicing and payments by using QR codes and mobile wallets
  • Enhancing customer satisfaction by providing personalized offers and recommendations

How can traqo.io help you with first mile, mid mile and last-mile delivery?

Traqo.io is an end-to-end logistics management platform that provides reverse auctions, sim-based tracking, invoicing & KPI dashboard1. It helps you to digitalize and automate your day-to-day logistics operations from vehicle procurement to payments/invoice settlement2.

With traqo.io, you can:

  • Find reliable and affordable transportation providers with reverse auctions
  • Track your goods using driver phone number with sim-based tracking
  • Create or upload vendor invoices with digital documents
  • Approve or reject invoices on the go with finance manager dashboard
  • Generate bank file for payment of all approved invoices with one click
  • Plan and optimize routes and schedules with route optimization engine
  • Manage capacity and utilization with fleet management module
  • Handle delays and disruptions with real-time alerts and notifications
  • Ensure compliance and security with geo-fencing and proof-of-delivery
  • Meet customer expectations and preferences with customer portal
  • Deal with traffic congestion and parking issues with live traffic data
  • Manage returns and refunds with return management module
  • Measure performance and feedback with KPI dashboard

If you want to learn more about how traqo.io can help you optimize your logistics operations with first mile, mid mile, and last mile solutions, book a demo today1 or sign up for a free trial1.