FIRST & FINAL MILE DELIVERY

Once a product leaves the manufacturer, it goes through a lengthy, multi-step process in order to reach the end-user.  Consequently, it is a supply chain manager that must ensure the process runs as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.  Two of the more common terms that Unified Logistics Services often uses to describe the movement of products through the supply chain are “first mile” and “final mile” delivery.  Since “first” and “final” are considered opposites, so too is the case with first and final mile delivery.

HOW DO THEY DIFFER?

First mile delivery typically includes such as inside packaging and pickup whereas final mile includes delivery and unpackaging services.  However, one thing they do have in common is that they both involve special handling, and depending on the carrier chosen, there could be an additional cost attached.  Here is how they differ and how Unified Logistics Services often plays a significant role in each.

FIRST MILE DELIVERY

We often see different definitions of the term “first mile” based on the specific industry it’s used in.  For instance, a manufacturer may see this as the shipping of their finished products from their production facility to a distribution hub or warehouse facility.  On the other hand, a retailer defines it as the transporting of a manufacturer’s product from the supplier’s warehouse facility to the retailer’s distribution or shipping center.

In either case, it is the first leg of the journey that those products make in the supply chain process of the individual company.  In many cases, the next step after the first mile delivery involves a “middle mile” step wherein the products are divided up and shipped to the company’s satellite locations.  In other instances, the retailer eliminates the middle step and has it shipped directly to the different retail locations.  In either scenario, Unified Logistics Services can handle the planning of the journey. We are here to assist you with your delivery requirements.

FINAL OR LAST MILE DELIVERY

This is the last leg of the supply chain journey when the product leaves the retailer or their shipping warehouse and delivers it to the customer.  As the name implies, this is the last or final step of the supply chain process.  We often see a company’s inventory being moved in batches as it travels through the first- and middle-mile deliveries.  This often involves entire crates, master cartons, or pallets.  This is also where products are labeled with individual SKU’s and sent to the retailer.

IS FINAL OR LAST MILE DELIVERY ONLY FOR THE CUSTOMER?

No.  Agencies and businesses will use final or last mile delivery as well.  Furthermore, Unified Logistics Services offers different solutions where this is concerned such as:

• home appliance and furniture delivery
• construction materials and flooring products to construction sites
• B2B professional equipment deliveries
• storage and warehousing solutions

Thus, as you can see, final or last mile delivery is not restricted solely for the customer and can easily be used as a solution for other business and commercial entities. We are here to assist you through your specific requirements and our teams go that extra mile to ensure you are satisfied with our services.

A Unified Logistics Services specialist can assist with your needs where first mile and final or last mile delivery is concerned.  For additional information contact us today at 1.888.608.6434. Our business representatives in Miami would gladly answer your questions and help you with your specific final or last mile delivery requirements.