The last mile is the most expensive stage of the supply chain for retailers — and one that can make or break the shopping experience for customers. Nearly 70% of customers will change retailers if orders are not delivered within 2 days of the intended delivery date, and around 80% expect a free shipping offering.
Retailers are facing last-mile pressures on all sides. Consumers have grown accustomed to the free and fast shipping options that giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba provide, while execution has grown increasingly expensive for retailers due to inflation, fuel costs, and labor shortages.
To satisfy customers while maximizing profits, retailers are turning to tech solutions that can increase visibility and automate the last mile. These solutions help optimize various aspects of the last-mile journey — whether retailers decide to outsource deliveries, invest in their own fleet, or strengthen omnichannel capabilities.
This report evaluates 12 tech markets that retail leaders should monitor, vet, and prioritize.
Want to see more research? Join a demo of the CB Insights platform.
If you’re already a customer, log in here.
