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How Amazon Changed Last Mile Logistics: WHO GOES THE LAST MILE FOR YOU???
Why Last Mile Logistics Is Now the Most Critical Link in the Supply ChainExplore how last mile logistics has become the most crucial—and most complex—link in the modern supply chain.
The story of last mile logistics began long before Amazon’s Prime delivery promise. From Sears’ catalog homes to today’s race for one-day shipping, consumer expectations have steadily shortened the gap between purchase and doorstep. This article explores how Amazon reshaped the game—and how logistics partners like Massood are rising to meet these modern challenges.
A Brief History of Last Mile Logistics in AmericaOur nation’s FIRST direct-to-consumer retailer…
Once upon a time, when a young Missouri farm girl announced her plan to wed her long-time beau, her father decided he wanted to give the young couple a very special present…something that would help give them a head start on building a family, something that would last a lifetime.
So he contacted the nation’s largest direct-to-consumer (D2C) retailer and ordered a gift that they would never forget…
..an ENTIRE House… for just $900!
It took a few weeks, but the wedding present finally arrived, to the amazement of the young couple and most of the townspeople. In fact, more than a hundred neighbors and friends were present as the wedding gift was unloaded at the family farm.
You see, the proud father had not ordered his only daughter a toaster or a set of dishes, but a truly unique present that would stand the test of time. He had, in fact, ordered the newlyweds and ENTIRE HOUSE, and for just $900.
No doubt you are asking:How did a Missouri farmer get in touch with a marketing behemoth like Amazon when he didn’t even own a computer?
Well, of course he didn’t own a computer. The year was 1906 and the supplier was Sears Roebuck.
Complete house kits were just one of the thousands of products offered by the Sears, from pinking shears to engine motors.
They were the Amazon of the nation for more than 100 years.
Last Mile Logistics: Then vs. NowFrom Catalogs to Clicks: The Long History of Final Mile Delivery
In today’s world of on-line shopping and instant gratification, it is interesting to note that catalog shopping is not new. Only three things have changed when it comes to direct-to-consumer sales and last mile solutions…
1
How we shop
How we shop and view the catalog.. now we view it online!
2
How we order
How we place our order.. today we use a credit card when we place an order.
3
How it’s delivered
How soon we expect the order to arrive.. we expect it right now!
How 3PLs Power Last Mile LogisticsThird party logistics and last mile home delivery companies are the backbone of our supply chain management industry.
While all of these changes were quantum leaps from perusing a paper catalog and placing an order via a phone call, the last one represents the biggest change in consumer expectations.
After all, whether the order was placed by phone or internet, it still needs to be to be pulled, packed and drop-shipped to an address 3-5 days away from the fulfillment warehouse.
However, when it comes to final mile delivery, the immediacy of the internet has led to an ever-increasing demand for goods to be delivered in shorter and shorter times, increasing pressure on the fulfillment centers responsible for making this happen.
Why Amazon Raised the Bar for Last Mile Logistics…On June 4th, 2019, Amazon announced they would guarantee 24-HOUR delivery of all orders, for their premium (prime) customers.
The New Demands of Last Mile Logistics – ONE DAY HOME DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS
Today’s consumers expect near-instant gratification—and that’s where last mile logistics becomes mission critical.
On June Fourth 2019, Amazon announced they would guarantee 24-HOUR delivery of all orders bound for their premium (prime) customers.
Amazon didn’t just innovate eCommerce; they permanently raised the bar for last mile logistics expectations across all industries.
Wal-Mart and others soon announced they would match this promise, sending the final mile delivery industry into an immediate tailspin.
Suddenly, carriers like the Postal Service, UPS and FedEx began showing up on neighborhood doorsteps on Saturday and Sunday, a practice that would have been considered impossible just ten years ago.
But exactly how does any supplier deliver orders to anyone anywhere in 24 HOURS?The fact is… it is not humanly possible to do this without the support of a network of professional third party order fulfillment operations and companies that offer final mile and home delivery solutions.
These companies must be thoroughly experienced in receiving, processing, and drop-shipping orders with mind-blowing efficiency.
Last mile logistics isn’t just about speed—it’s about brand trust, delivery precision, and operational scale.
In spite of the frequent announcements that major on-line retailers are building regional warehouses, the one-day delivery promise requires a legion of local fulfillment warehouses that know the territory and have a network of local delivery services that they can channel based on that vendors dependability and service record.
Last mile logistics has become the most critical—and most complex—link in today’s supply chain.
The future of last mile logistics is being written by companies that can fulfill quickly, accurately, and with a positive customer experience.
“Today’s consumer wants it right, wants it now, and where possible, they want it right now“
Tara Massood
Massood Logistics
Tara Massood, whose company includes three regional warehouses and order fulfillment services on the east coast and southeast says “Today’s consumer wants their order right…and they want it right now.”
Today’s consumer wants their order right…and they want it right now.
This requires an incredible 24-hour commitment by these independent warehouse contractors.
Her company, Massood Logistics specializes in furniture warehousing and has been providing warehousing, order fulfillment and last mile delivery for more than 70 years. They have seen delivery demands increase exponentially in recent years. Massood Logistics specializes in last mile logistics for oversized items like furniture, where timing and care make all the difference.
Today, virtually all of her company’s orders are received and prepared for shipment within 24 hours.
But is next day delivery all that the consumer demands?
Can next hour delivery be far behind?
We shall see.
Then & Now: Shipping Speed in Last Mile LogisticsAverage shipping time for a catalog purchase by consumer
UPDATE!
Amazon has begun offering whole houses in a variety of shapes and sizes and prices from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, both in stick built stationary homes to the increasingly portable “tiny houses” you can tow from place to place. Just one more example of how good ideas keep coming back year after year, generation after generation. Now that is what we call recycling!
