A package leaves a local depot on a small van and is carried up a walkway to a customer’s front door. That final segment is last-mile delivery. It is typically the most expensive and complex part of the shipping journey.

Density of drops, traffic, parking, and failed delivery attempts all drive cost. Retailers and logistics firms experiment with lockers, pickup points, route optimization, and delivery windows to improve efficiency. Customer expectations for speed and real-time tracking continue to rise.

Last-mile performance strongly influences satisfaction with the overall online purchase. A late or damaged delivery can erase the goodwill created by an otherwise smooth shopping experience. Solving the last mile remains one of the central operational challenges of modern retail.

The distance may be short, but the last mile carries disproportionate weight.