Freight Glossary
Last Mile Delivery – Meaning & Examples
The final leg of delivery from distribution hub to the end customer. Meaning and examples of Last Mile Delivery in freight and logistics.
- Related terms
- last mile, final mile, home delivery
The final leg of delivery from distribution hub to the end customer.
Last mile delivery is the final step of the delivery process when goods move from a transportation hub to the final delivery destination. It's often the most expensive and time-consuming part of shipping due to fragmented delivery points and customer expectations. Last mile challenges include delivery windows, access issues, failed deliveries, and returns. Solutions include delivery lockers, crowd-sourced delivery, and route optimization.
Last Mile Delivery examples
- An e-commerce package travels from warehouse to local hub, then last mile delivery to the customer's home.
How Last Mile Delivery is used in freight operations
Last Mile Delivery appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Last Mile Delivery?
The final leg of delivery from distribution hub to the end customer.
What is an example of Last Mile Delivery?
An e-commerce package travels from warehouse to local hub, then last mile delivery to the customer's home.