Arelis Bonilla of Aria Logistics spotlights the champions driving home delivery success
Last-mile delivery is the backbone of customer satisfaction, serving as the critical link between retailers and their customers. This often-overlooked phase of the supply chain ensures that goods ordered online make it to doorsteps seamlessly. Given its importance, there’s zero tolerance for error in this final step.
Arelis Bonilla, the founder and CEO of Aria Logistics, understands this better than most. Speaking with FreightWaves, she introduced the Last Mile Retail Awards (LMRA)—a groundbreaking event celebrating excellence in home delivery operations.
“Unlike other awards, the Last Mile Retail Awards combine operational excellence with customer experience, celebrating retailers and logistics companies that bring efficiency into their last-mile operations,” Bonilla explained. “The LMRA is about connecting the best organizations in retail logistics, creating a community that can learn and grow together.”
For retailers, last-mile delivery represents a crucial touchpoint. It’s more than just logistics—it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on customers. Bonilla points out that this phase makes or breaks customer satisfaction, calling for unmatched precision and dedication.
“There’s not another event of this kind for the retail industry,” she said. “It’s essential for us to recognize the leaders behind the scenes who make it all happen.”
Being a leader in last-mile logistics herself, Bonilla intimately understands the challenges. “It’s a demanding industry that requires significant commitment and countless hours for any company to thrive,” she shared.
Spotlighting Excellence Across Industries
The Last Mile Retail Awards highlight achievements across 20 categories, recognizing excellence in sectors like furniture, appliances, fitness equipment, and department stores. Beyond industry-specific awards, categories also acknowledge accomplishments in social impact, sustainability, and exemplary leadership.
“For our Hall of Fame award, we’re thrilled to announce Steve Anderson, former executive vice president of operations for Williams Sonoma, as the first winner of the year,” Bonilla revealed.
Despite retailers and logistics professionals working tireless hours behind the scenes, their contributions often go unnoticed. “They’re right there alongside us, collaborating on solutions, and we want to shine a light on their efforts,” Bonilla said.
The LMRA’s mission doesn’t stop at recognition—it aims to push the industry toward innovation and higher standards. “The Last Mile Retail Awards are about recognizing these individuals and raising awareness to uplift this industry,” Bonilla added. “We aim to highlight the gold standard, ensuring that organizations doing things right are seen and celebrated for their dedication.”
Championing Sustainability in Logistics
A growing emphasis on sustainability within the logistics industry has earned its place in this year’s awards. Bonilla emphasized the LMRA’s role in promoting eco-friendly practices that address the environmental impact of delivery services.
“We’re highlighting logistics companies that have adopted eco-friendly delivery services with long-term sustainability in mind, as it significantly impacts our environment,” Bonilla explained. “Additionally, we want to honor retailers who prioritize eco-friendly delivery partnerships, promoting greener packaging, vehicles and more.”
The LMRA highlights trailblazers within the field who demonstrate that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
Raising the Bar for the Industry
Bonilla envisions the Last Mile Retail Awards as a catalyst for growth and innovation in last-mile logistics. “Our goal is to enhance this sector for everyone across the supply chain and attract the attention necessary to inspire greater innovation,” she said.
For Bonilla, the awards represent more than trophies—they serve to unite a community. “We’re setting out to be the Oscars of the logistics retail industry – the ultimate gold standard,” she said.
With nominations underway, the awards process is gathering momentum. A carefully curated board of directors, including last-mile delivery executives, will review each submission to determine finalists. From there, the public will have the chance to engage directly by voting for their favorites.
To empower nominees, each will be equipped with a unique QR code, enabling them to rally support from customers, friends, family, and peers.
“We want to create a voting process that gives everyone a voice,” Bonilla said. “Your popularity reflects the excellent service you provide, and there’s no better way to demonstrate that you’ve satisfied your clients and partners.”
The Last Mile Retail Awards not only honor excellence but foster a sense of community across the logistics industry, raising the bar for operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Discover more about the Last Mile Retail Awards here.
Learn about Aria Logistics here.
Source: Freightwaves
