How AI enhances last mile delivery for e-commerce success

AI transforms last mile delivery, optimising routes, enhancing customer experiences, and improving efficiency for e-commerce success. How can your business leverage these advancements?

According to the Australia Post, Australians spent a staggering AU$63.6 billion online in 2023, marking a significant shift in consumer behaviour. This surge was particularly notable in online marketplaces, which saw a 9.1% increase in spending, and in the Food & Liquor sector, which grew due to a rise in online grocery shopping. 

As e-commerce continues to evolve, the importance of efficient delivery systems, especially the last mile, has amplified. And as businesses strive to keep pace with this rapid expansion, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a crucial tool, revolutionising logistics and delivery strategies. AI not only optimises routes and manages inventory but also enhances the overall customer experience by offering real-time tracking and personalized delivery options. 

But what is last mile delivery, and how can AI be used to optimise it?

What is last mile delivery?

Notoriously the most costly and time-intensive part of the shipping journey, last mile delivery is the crucial final leg of the delivery process, where goods travel from transportation hubs to their ultimate destinations—typically the customer’s doorstep or retail outlets. 

This stage is paramount in the e-commerce supply chain as it directly affects the speed and efficiency of the delivery, striving to meet the growing consumer demand for fast, reliable shipping. 

The importance of last mile delivery

There are a few reasons why last mile delivery in e-commerce is essential for businesses:

• Customer satisfaction: Timely and precise deliveries significantly shape customers' shopping experiences and their perceptions of a brand. Efficient last mile delivery ensures that products arrive on time and in good condition, directly influencing repeat business and positive reviews.
• Brand reputation: As the final interaction between the consumer and the brand, last mile delivery leaves a lasting impression. Successful deliveries enhance brand reliability and customer loyalty.
• Sustainability concerns: Modern consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, including the delivery process. Efficient last mile delivery solutions that reduce carbon emissions and minimise fuel consumption are becoming crucial. Businesses are now expected to integrate sustainable practices, such as optimised routing and AI-enhanced logistics, to meet ecological standards and customer expectations alike.

Challenges in traditional last mile delivery

Despite the tight grip that efficient last mile delivery processes have on the overall business success, there are a few distinct gaps between outdated last mile delivery models and the current marketplace demands. 

This is because traditional last mile delivery methods are increasingly misaligned with the fast-evolving demands of e-commerce, leading to significant logistical challenges:

• Poor route optimisation: Conventional delivery systems often lack the sophisticated technology necessary for effective route optimisation. This deficiency means routes are not adjusted in real-time to account for traffic changes, delivery priorities, or other unforeseen variables, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
• Difficulty scaling during peak times: Traditional operations are hampered by their reliance on static resources such as fixed fleets and workforce sizes that cannot rapidly adapt to spikes in demand. This limitation becomes apparent during peak shopping periods when the existing infrastructure struggles to handle the increased load.
• Meeting modern consumer expectations: Today's consumers expect dynamic delivery options that include real-time tracking, flexible scheduling, and sustainable shipping solutions. Traditional logistics frameworks, typically rigid and technologically outdated, might make it difficult to provide these sophisticated services that modern shoppers demand.

How AI is revolutionising last mile delivery

AI is transforming the e-commerce landscape by streamlining complex logistics processes, making them more efficient and cost-effective for businesses of all sizes.

Some of the ways that this is made possible include:

• AI-driven route optimisation: AI-driven algorithms are revolutionising route planning by analyzing real-time data on traffic, weather, and delivery priorities. This advanced technology enables the creation of the most efficient delivery routes, significantly reducing delivery times and fuel consumption, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
• Predictive demand forecasting: AI can significantly impact inventory management by accurately predicting future order volumes. This capability allows businesses to adjust stock levels proactively, minimising waste and ensuring that inventory meets actual demand without excessive surplus.
• Enhanced customer experience: AI can enhance the delivery experience by providing customers with real-time tracking of their orders and flexible delivery options. This level of service customisation not only meets but often exceeds customer expectations, fostering greater satisfaction and loyalty.

AI in action at DHL Express

DHL Express spearheads the integration of AI within logistics, streamlining e-commerce shipping and last mile delivery services globally. Here's how:

DHL Express: AI-powered route optimisation

Through AI-powered logistics software, DHL Express accurately forecasts shipping volumes, achieving precision in courier route planning. This meticulous organisation allows for the prioritisation of urgent or time-sensitive deliveries. 

Moreover, AI-driven strategies enhance fuel efficiency by optimising routes and identifying operational inefficiencies such as excessive idling or poor vehicle loading practices. These advancements collectively reduce both transit times and environmental impact in and out of Australia.

Innovative AI features in logistics platforms

DHL Express enhances logistics operations with the new AI feature, “trade lane comparison,” integrated into the My Global Trade Services (MyGTS) platform. 

This tool empowers businesses to analyse trade regulations and calculate the total landed costs, including duties and taxes, across various routes. By providing detailed insights into trade agreements and customs obligations, MyGTS supports companies in making informed decisions for market expansion and effective cost management. 

Practical tips for implementing AI in your delivery operations

Embracing AI technology can revolutionise your delivery processes, but the key to success lies in strategic implementation tailored to your specific needs.

Assess your needs

Start by pinpointing the precise challenges and objectives within your delivery operations. This will guide you in choosing AI solutions that specifically address your operational bottlenecks and enhance efficiency where it's most needed.

Choose the right AI tools

Explore the range of AI tools and platforms designed for logistics. Each tool offers unique features, from route optimisation to predictive analytics, so select those that align with the specific demands and scale of your business operations.

Integrate AI with existing systems

For effective implementation, ensure the AI tools you select can seamlessly integrate with your existing logistics systems. This integration should enhance your operations without disrupting established processes, thereby facilitating a smoother transition and quicker adoption.

Monitor and optimise

Implementing AI is not a set-and-forget solution; continuous monitoring and optimisation are crucial. Regularly assess the performance of AI tools to ensure they are meeting expected outcomes and make adjustments as needed to maximise their impact on your delivery operations.

Harness AI for enhanced delivery efficiency

The benefits of artificial intelligence in transforming last-mile delivery are undeniable. From route optimisation to predictive analytics through machine learning, AI is reshaping the logistics industry, offering unprecedented operational efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction. 

No longer deemed as the 'new' technology in the ever-evolving logistics industry, embracing AI tools is now a must for businesses aiming to remain competitive in both local and international trade and streamline their supply chain. 

Create a business account with DHL Express to capitalise on these advancements and drive significant improvements in your local and overseas shipping operations.