Almost all industries including retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, FMCG, etc. involve the transportation of goods, from one place to another, round the clock. Logistics plays a significant role in facilitating this transport. Logistics include many steps and each step needs to be efficient and cost-effective for any business to prosper, endure, and thrive in a cutthroat market. To ensure safe, and effortless transportation of goods, from source to destination, the First mile, Middle mile, and Last mile are the stages within the distribution and supply chain. They portray the flow of products from conception to consumption.
In any instance, first-to-last-mile delivery must be executed flawlessly to give the crucial end customer a first-rate experience.
Continue reading to find out more about each phase of the supply chain. In-depth discussion of the first, middle, and last mile responsibilities in the logistics sector
From the pickup to the destination, a shipment’s journey can be divided into three basic stages:
- First Mile
Includes the transfer of goods from the manufacturer or producer to a warehouse or distribution hub.
- Middle Mile
Includes transfer of goods from a warehouse or distribution hub to fulfillment facilities.
- Last Mile
Includes transfer of goods from fulfillment facilities or transportation hubs or retail stores to their final delivery destination (customer).
First Mile Delivery
The first stage of shipping is where a product is taken from its origin units like a factory or farm to the warehouse or distribution center. First-mile delivery refers to the movement of goods from the producer or retailer to the courier service or business center. In simple terms, once the goods are manufactured, wherever they go next falls under First-mile delivery.
Effective first-mile delivery establishes the foundation for a successful shipping experience and, most importantly, a happy client. Retailers may view the distance from the supplier’s warehouse to their distribution center as the first mile. The first mile in eCommerce could be the distance between the retailer and the courier who will deliver the product to the customer’s house, workplace, or drop-off location.
Middle Mile Delivery
The mid-mile, middle-mile, or second-mile delivery in most cases means the transfer of goods from a distribution center to a fulfillment facility. Usually, it is the step where the goods travel the most distance, usually on a mass transport basis on the grounds of the delivery address, and is the most time-consuming one. The range of delivery can range from one city to another, up to intercontinental transport with various mediums available keeping in mind the specific needs of the client.
Last Mile Delivery
Last-mile delivery or last-mile logistics is the last leg of the supply chain operations of a business. Last-mile delivery facilitates the movement of shipment from a transportation hub or a retail store to its final delivery destination. It includes same-day delivery, next-day delivery, express delivery, or simply standard delivery.
The last step in the supply chain journey is always referred to as the last mile or last-mile delivery. It is the action that places the product in the hands of the client, who may be an individual in business-to-consumer (B2C) models or a business in business-to-business (B2B) models.
Safewater Lines provides services for First, Middle, and Last mile logistics!
Now that you’ve understood the distinctions between first, middle, and last-mile logistics, it’s time to identify the shipping solution that best suits your needs. Our platform provides delivery options for customers looking for reputable courier services at reasonable prices.
For almost all of the services we provide, you get fast prices. Based on the details you supply throughout the booking process; you will always receive the most affordable solution.
Safewater is committed to providing you with a platform that helps you navigate the complex world of shipping- from source to destination.
In short, Safewater Lines is the one-stop shop for all your logistics needs.