The Logistics Game: The Relevance of Live-Tracking

In the past few years, same-day delivery has become one of e-commerce’s hottest topics. Many online shoppers expect products to be shipped and delivered within a narrow time frame; thus, many e-commerce companies have started asking their logistics partners how they can offer this service. At the same time, more retailers are outsourcing their last-mile delivery services to third-party logistics providers (3PLs). 

It is true that today's digital age has created new expectations. Customers now demand faster and more convenient delivery of goods and services. The time of arrival should be at the customers' convenience – and not while they're in a meeting or on an errand. Sometimes this even means within the hour because everyone knows waiting is no longer an option. Moreover, the package has to arrive in mint condition for immediate use. Your customers want it in good condition and they want it now.

The big puzzle for businesses is how to meet unpredictable customer expectations. They have now made last-mile logistics an essential piece of that puzzle to expand their customer base beyond their local market. To understand the importance of live-tracking, clients need to see last-mile logistics as one of the most critical areas for innovation in today's logistics industry.

As you know, the last mile is crucial to any logistical operation since it determines how quickly a product can reach its final destination. It is also where most logistics costs are spent.

Since it is usually the farthest but fastest, the last mile costs more than handling the first mile, which is the distance between a company and the nearest shipping hub. It is also more expensive than the middle mile, the distance between the nearest shipping hub and the customer. 

Here, we will explain how you can live-track your outsourced same-day courier services to increase your supply chain efficiency.

What Is Live-Tracking for Your Same-Day Deliveries?

Live-tracking is the process that lets you track your same-day deliveries in real time through a platform provided by your last-mile service. The live-tracking feature is essential for same-day deliveries because your customers, who are waiting for their deliveries, want to see where their packages are. Unfortunately, many retailers don’t offer live-tracking for their same-day deliveries because they don’t know how to set it up.

Fortunately, most LMD have developed sophisticated tools that let retailers offer live-tracking for their same-day deliveries. When you select an LMD to handle your same-day deliveries, make sure it has a live-tracking system.

Why is Live-Tracking Important for Your Same-Day Deliveries?

Because it allows your customers to follow the progress of their orders. This feature is essential because many people wait for their deliveries at home. They want to know where their deliveries are when they wait for their packages. They are less stressed while waiting when they know where their deliveries are. When your customers are less stressed while waiting, they will likely be happier with your service.

How to Track Your Same-Day Delivery Services with Live-Tracking?

First, you need to choose a 3PL that will provide live-tracking for your same-day deliveries. When you choose a 3PL that offers live-tracking, you need to make sure that you understand its tracking system. When you understand your 3PL’s tracking system, you can start using live-tracking for your same-day deliveries. When you start using live tracking for your same-day deliveries, you need to share your tracking information with your customers. Most 3PLs use a mobile app that allows you to share your tracking information with your customers. This is how your customers will see their packages moving toward their homes.

How Can You Achieve Greater Supply Chain Efficiency with Live-Tracking?

Live-tracking makes it easier for you to achieve greater supply chain efficiency for your same-day deliveries. When you track your same-day deliveries in real time, you can identify inefficiencies in your operations and correct them to reduce your operational costs. For example, when your same-day deliveries are stuck in traffic, you can adjust your processes to account for the delay. In fact, when you track your same-day deliveries in real time, you can solve many problems before they become problems.

To summarize, same-day deliveries have become one of e-commerce’s hottest topics because consumers demand fast deliveries from the retailers they buy from. At the same time, more retailers are outsourcing their last-mile delivery services to third-party logistics providers. When you start tracking your same-day deliveries in real time, you can see where your shipments are and what is delaying them. This insight will help you identify and correct inefficiencies in your operations, which will ultimately help you reduce your operational costs.

Also, when you combine live-tracking with an efficient router, the result for a business will be extremely good. Choose an LMD that is committed to the constant use of algorithms, which facilitate or simplify the way shipments are made, making them faster and cheaper. A single courier can cover different destinations and packages