Multiple Fleets

Customer expectations are higher than ever when it comes to the delivery experience, so that often requires you to work with more than one fleet operator.  Selecting the right tool to integrate across multiple 3PL’s is crucial, and Milkman gives you control and transparency over the delivery process even if you’re not the one making the final delivery.

Last Mile

Last mile has seen an explosion in growth due in large part from Amazon.  There are thousands of last mile delivery organizations that move all kinds of goods from parcels and groceries to bulk goods requiring white glove handling.  Regardless of the item to be delivered the trend toward higher touch with customers demanding, choice, control and convenience.

On-Demand

The on-demand world is increasingly being handled by delivery organizations that are staffed with a crowd-sourcing model. This model works well for food delivery and important bank, legal and other parcels that are very time sensitive.  The value here is speed and it is hard to leverage delivery cost efficiencies across a traditional fixed delivery fleet.

First Mile

Ensuring timely receipt of the inbound first-mile goods directly from the shipper’s location kick starts a positive domino effect. Once the customer selects their requested delivery date, there’s not a minute to lose, and that starts with the first mile!

Internal Logistics

Incorporating a streamlined cross docking and logistics operation is critical to ensuring that the inbound and outbound delivery waves are handled correctly. Cross docking and route optimization are often the unsung heroes of an efficient delivery process. Not to mention strong logistics leadership that understands the need for timing and process control.

Next Day

The desire for instant gratification driven by the Amazon effect is driving customers to demand faster and better services. Shippers need to understand their stocking levels and rely on regional shipping carriers that have strong technology and disciplined delivery waves to ensure commitments are made on time.

Direct-to-Consumer

The trend to build brand loyalty is increasing. Part of brand loyalty stems from the delivery experience. Some large shippers have their own fleet in order to assert more control over the delivery process. However most shippers choose to work with carriers that have the right technology to ensure a timely delivery.

Reverse Logistics

The more people are buying, the more returns are being made. It is critical that customers are able to return items just as easily as they purchase them. The ability to coordinate pickups and weave them into your routes is also important, and will introduce operational savings and continue to delight customers and keep them loyal.

Click & Collect

The click and collect model where consumers purchase or select items online and pick them up in-store or at a centralized collection point or locker is gaining popularity. It depends on the industry and the hub points how much transportation efficiency can be introduced. For example, grocers leverage their stores as both the stocking and pick up location.

Out of Stock

Most of the time items are out of stock or on back order. Having clear delivery workflows to determine the process of delivering a complete or partial order will help reduce the number of delivery attempts. Communicating options to the customer is critical as part of the need for ongoing transparency of delivery expectations.