Last-mile delivery companies continually push for better tools to optimize routes and improve real-time visibility. The need for faster deliveries and more efficient use of vehicles is a key concern for carriers, shippers, and recipients alike. To address these demands, logistics technology providers are crafting powerful solutions that blend value-added features, scalability, cost efficiency, and ease of use.
The Evolving Needs of Last-Mile Companies
Steve Milroy, CEO of RouteSavvy, highlighted that customers now demand features like historical traffic data to justify the cost of technology. However, practicality remains essential, as Milroy noted, “You can look at historical traffic patterns, but … on the ground, it doesn’t necessarily work out that way.”
For shippers managing internal fleets, Bill Catania, founder and CEO of OneRail, stressed the need to utilize assets better. “Our first big customers had their own fleets and were trying to deliver faster than their internal assets allowed,” Catania said. By leveraging OneRail’s capacity, companies significantly improved fleet utilization, optimizing operations with fewer vehicles while maintaining higher efficiency.
Visibility remains a top priority across the industry. “Customers need to know when and where their product is at all times,” said Andrew Bounds, COO of TQ Logistics. He explained that real-time tracking has shifted from a “value-add” to a core necessity, leading carriers like TQ Logistics to adopt advanced transportation management solutions (TMS).
Innovative Tools Optimize Operations
Tech providers are stepping up to meet these demands with versatile, forward-thinking solutions. Merchants Fleet, for example, rolled out FleetShare, a platform tailored to last-mile delivery. Senior VP Jeff Nieman noted, “From a company perspective, it allows entities to match specific expectations with corporate delivery requirements while maintaining their independence.”
Similarly, Phillip Lechter, VP of growth at CXT Software, emphasized breaking down tech silos with a unified logistics management system. He explained, “We’re solving this with a platform that integrates TMS fundamentals with flexible data integrations into one cohesive ecosystem.”
ROI and Efficiency for All
Return on investment (ROI) is a major priority for enterprises and their customers. Fabio Luis de Paoli, CIO for DHL Express, shared that all external technology goes through strict scrutiny, ensuring scalability and compatibility across their network before adoption. “You’ve got to have [APIs] that are easy to connect to… and withstand a stress test,” he explained.
OneRail has also helped customers cut costs with tools like Proof of Delivery AI, streamlining order management by verifying photo-based delivery confirmations. “We trained the model to determine if a photo really qualifies as proof of delivery,” said Catania, reflecting how AI-supported solutions enhance operational accuracy.
For companies like Merchants Fleet, the biggest ROI often comes from reducing fleet sizes without compromising efficiency. Nieman explained, “If I can own fewer assets and still get the job done, it’s a massive savings… when vehicles sit idle, they’re vulnerable and costly.”
The Future of Last Mile Logistics Technology
Emerging technology continues to target challenges in communication, fleet management, and customer service. With an emphasis on tools that enhance human efficiency rather than replace jobs, companies like DHL are focusing on technologies that support their experienced workforce. De Paoli summed it up well, saying, “Route optimization helps the human. They know what they’re doing, and we trust them.”
From AI-driven insights and visibility solutions to unified platforms that connect disparate systems, last-mile logistics providers are reimagining transportation tech to align with growing demands for speed, transparency, and efficiency. Whether reducing idle fleets or optimizing delivery routes, these innovations pave the way for more scalable and customer-friendly businesses.
Source: Transport Topics
