{"id":1733,"date":"2018-05-01T00:59:01","date_gmt":"2018-05-01T00:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/quicktransportsolutions.com\/blog\/?p=1733"},"modified":"2018-05-01T00:59:01","modified_gmt":"2018-05-01T00:59:01","slug":"preparing-your-fleet-for-last-mile-logistics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quicktransportsolutions.com\/blog\/preparing-your-fleet-for-last-mile-logistics\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing Your Fleet For Last-Mile Logistics"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is a boom happening in the trucking industry, and it lies within the last-mile logistics sector. As more and more consumers turn to the internet to bring products into their home, last-mile logistics is becoming ever more important. For many trucking companies, they still aren\u2019t sure how this will all pan out. Something as simple as liftgate technology can make or break whether a small last-mile operator makes it or breaks it in the world of trucking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Digging deeper into the numbers, it isn\u2019t hard to see how obvious this trend has become. A recent study<\/a> revealed that as of now, many Americans prefer online shopping. E-commerce transactions are growing 23% every year. Experts predict this trend will only accelerate as the years go by. The fact is, consumers are embracing omnichannel shopping to get what they need without having to travel far to get it.<\/p>\n

What does this mean for trucking companies? It means that many smaller, regional, and even larger players will have to look to last-mile logistics when it comes to ensuring they are meeting the requirements of their bottom line.<\/p>\n

Last-mile logistics are defined as the final steps in the process of delivering the customer\u2019s shipment from the distribution center or traditional store to their doorstep. The second-to-last destination could be an office, regional store, or otherwise. As we have seen with Amazon\u2019s recent purchase of Whole Foods, these last-mile deliveries will become even more important.<\/p>\n

Logistical Problems Associated with the Last Mile<\/strong><\/p>\n

While some view the last-mile to only include smaller purchases, these can also apply to larger items, such as furniture or appliances, as many of these items are increasingly being ordered online as well. This rapid change in the way business gets done presents both challenges and opportunities for retailers. Whether you are operating a regional, LTL or truckload fleet, there are major considerations when it comes to last-mile delivery.<\/p>\n

One of the major issues with last-mile delivery lies in the fact that it is incredibly difficult for a Class 8 commercial motor vehicle to deliver a package into a residential area never designed to accommodate said vehicles. There are many obstacles that trucking companies must deal with when delivering to that last mile, from narrow streets with big trees to low power lines. Truck drivers must deal with many obstacles when traversing the last-mile, so their commercial motor vehicles must be spec\u2019d to handle the obstacles.<\/p>\n

Many trucking companies are overcoming these obstacles and responding to the demands by adding smaller tucks and new accessories<\/a> to their fleets. New technologies can be designed to meet these challenges. Companies are also experimenting with \u201chubs\u201d, which are essentially on-demand way-stations ready for whatever new order may come through from the customer.<\/p>\n

Companies that manufacture trucking accessories and add-ons are also getting into the business. Since there has been such an increase in last-mile deliveries, these companies are responding to the increased demand in ways they never have before. Take liftgates as just one example.<\/p>\n

How Liftgates are Evolving <\/strong><\/p>\n

Liftgates allow truck drivers to make deliveries in areas that do not have a standard dock. If you are a truck driver operating from dock-to-dock, the method of delivery is quite simple. You drive in, a forklift grabs your cargo, and you drive out. Conversely, if you are a truck driver delivering a washer to someone\u2019s house, you need to get it to the ground, onto a dolly, and into the customer\u2019s house. Manufacturers are increasingly responding to this need.<\/p>\n

Liftgates are undergoing a massive level of innovation to account for these needs. In fact, 20 years ago liftgates were barely a blip on trucking\u2019s radar. Yet, liftgate use across the industry has exploded, and for many reasons. Increased demand and innovation requirements mean trucking companies are looking for more. To make it to the last-mile on the customer\u2019s doorstep, they need three things:<\/p>\n