Ultimate Guide to Last-Mile Delivery Tracking

The last mile of delivery is often the trickiest part of delivering a package. This is especially true for e-commerce businesses, which often deal with the challenge of delivering products to customers’ homes. 

This article will discuss everything you need to know about last-mile delivery tracking. We will cover what it is, how it works, and the benefits of using a courier tracking system. 

Plus, you will find tips on choosing the right last-mile delivery tracking solution for your business.

What is last-mile delivery tracking?

Last-mile delivery tracking is a system that tracks the progress of packages across the entire last mile of fulfillment, from their starting point to the final destination. It ensures packages are delivered on time and in perfect condition. 

Last-mile tracking uses GPS tracking to monitor the location of couriers and provide real-time updates on their arrival times. This information is then relayed to customers, so they can track their packages and know when to expect their delivery.

Learn more here: Same-Day vs Next-Day Delivery

How do you implement last-mile delivery tracking systems in your business?

There are a few ways to implement last-mile delivery tracking in your business. Let’s take a look at the three most common.

Software as a service:

The first way is to use last-mile tracking software as a service. With this method, you will use a web-based application hosted by the provider. This solution is typically the most affordable and easy to set up. 

All you need to do is sign up for an account and integrate the software into your website or e-commerce platform.

These services are becoming more common but are not the best solution for long-term last-mile delivery success.

Tech-enabled couriers:

The second way to implement last-mile delivery tracking is to use a tech-enabled courier service. 

These courier services have their own tracking software for customers and provide GPS tracking for their drivers. Courier companies will have in-house systems that are often very efficient and require no setup on your part.

Outsourcing the system and courier work for your last-mile initiatives will save you a lot of stress. 

Check out these advantages of outsourcing logistics.

If you’re not sure about outsourcing, we also have a guide on when to use outsourced fleets. 

At Dropoff, our tracking software accurately predicts delivery times and pickups and captures signatures and other delivery confirmations. The goal is to provide businesses with all the functionality of custom software without any work to make it happen.

Custom-built software:

The last way to track last-mile deliveries is to build a custom solution. This is the most expensive and complex option. However, it is the most effective for businesses that want complete control over their delivery processes. 

If you have the resources, working with a development team to create a custom last-mile tracking system might be a great option.

Custom software gives you complete control over the features and functionality of your system. You can add or remove parts and change the system at any time.

The logistics industry has its challenges. Here are the ten most common logistical problems and how to avoid them.

What last-mile delivery data should you track?

Now that you know how last-mile delivery tracking works, let’s look at what data you should be tracking. The most important data points to track are:

• Courier location
• Package status
• Estimated time of arrival
• Delivery confirmations

These data points will give you the information you need to track your packages and ensure they are delivered on time. These data points will also help you to track your delivery’s impact on your customer service.

By communicating these updates quickly and clearly with the customer on the other side of the delivery, you can provide industry-leading service that will keep them coming back.

For more metrics to track, check out the top 11 logistics KPIs to track in same-day delivery.

What businesses are already tracking their last-mile deliveries?

Now that you know how last-mile delivery tracking works and what data to track, let’s look at some businesses already doing it.

Amazon

One of the most well-known companies to track last-mile deliveries is Amazon. Amazon has been using last-mile delivery tracking for years to ensure that its packages are delivered on time. Amazon has even developed its own last-mile delivery tracking software called Amazon Logistics.

UPS

Another company that tracks last-mile deliveries is UPS. UPS uses last-mile delivery tracking to ensure that their packages are delivered on time and to provide customers with updates on the status of their packages.

Walmart

Walmart is another company that uses last-mile delivery tracking to ensure that its packages are delivered on time. In fact, they released this article in February explaining how Walmart is now using their stores as fulfillment centers, helping them quickly deliver to a wider network.

These are just a few of the companies that track last-mile deliveries. By tracking last-mile deliveries, these companies are able to ensure that their packages are delivered on time and provide their customers with the best possible experience.

Are you looking to hire a company to manage your logistics?

Here is a guide on how to choose a third-party logistics provider.

How the Dropoff delivery tracking system works

Dropoff’s last-mile delivery tracking system is designed to be simple and easy to use.

Dropoff’s last-mile tracking system works by monitoring the location of your deliveries in real-time from pick-up to drop-off. The system captures a signature and any other delivery confirmations when a package is delivered. The digital chain of custody gives you peace of mind and accurate compliance documentation.

Get instant delivery confirmations based on your unique needs. Our couriers will verify package delivery via photo, signature, email, text, or any courier action you prefer.

Continuous improvement is how we’ve become a leader in last-mile delivery. Let us know how each delivery was handled by rating your experience directly in the tracking system.

Talk to a Dropoff expert to see the system in action.

FAQs on Last-Mile Delivery Tracking 

1. What is last-mile delivery?

Last-mile delivery is the final step of shipping when a package is delivered from a transportation hub to its destination. 

2. What is last-mile delivery tracking? 

Last-mile delivery tracking is a system that tracks the progress of packages across the entire last mile of fulfillment, from their starting point to the final destination. It ensures packages are delivered on time and in perfect condition.

3. What are the benefits of using last-mile tracking?

Here are five advantages of using last-mile tracking in your business:

1. Higher efficiency
2. Improved customer service 
3. Lower costs 
4. Greater visibility
5. Improved planning

These are similar benefits customers see when using same-day delivery. 

4. How do I schedule a delivery with Dropoff?

Scheduling a delivery is simple:

• Log into your Dropoff account to view the Order page.
• Add your order details.
• Review your order and click the “SUBMIT ORDER” button.