The Last Mile Is Under Pressure: Why Logistics Needs Smarter Data, Better Planning, and Human-Led Technology

Written by: Isabelle Miller

The last mile has always been the most complex part of logistics — but today, it’s also the most expensive, the most scrutinised, and the least optimised link in the entire supply chain.

Customers once considered delivery windows a nice bonus.

Today?

They expect precise delivery times, real-time tracking, named drivers, and Amazon-level service — no excuses.

And while expectations are rising, the economic pressure on the last mile has never been higher.

Logistics providers are stuck between two opposing forces:customer expectation vs operational cost.The only way to survive is through smarter planning, better data, and technology that respects the human side of logistics.

Let’s break down what’s really happening — and what needs to change.

Rising Costs Are Pushing the Last Mile to Breaking Point

The physical cost of moving goods is becoming prohibitive. Fuel, staffing, congestion, failed deliveries, low-density routes — everything is eating into margin.

Even a 10–20% reduction in transport costs can be transformational for customers.That’s why logistics teams are constantly searching for anything that reduces or mitigates last-mile costs, without compromising service.

Amazon Has Rewritten Customer Expectations

Ten years ago, customers were happy if delivery simply showed up.Today, they want:

• Exact delivery times

• Real-time updates

• Driver names

• Live tracking

• Narrow delivery windows

• Instant proof of delivery

And it’s not just consumers anymore.Amazon standards have shifted into B2B.

Retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers expect the same frictionless experience — even when the operation behind it is significantly more complex.

The Technology Gap Is Still Shockingly Wide

Some logistics operations are deploying AI optimisation, sensor-driven routing, and live visibility tools.Others are still planning deliveries on:

• Whiteboards

• Post-it notes

• Excel spreadsheets

It’s hard to optimise the last mile when the starting point is manual data entry and fragmented information flow.

Digital maturity varies wildly — and that gap is costing businesses millions in preventable waste.

Human Knowledge Still Matters — And Technology Must Respect That

Every logistics leader knows a “Fred”:

Fred knows the entry code for the business park.Fred knows that the gate is always jammed on Fridays.Fred knows where to park to avoid blocking the loading bay.Fred knows the customer’s quirks, shortcuts, and unwritten rules.

Optimisation tools often overlook these human insights — but the most effective last-mile technology enhances real-world knowledge rather than replacing it.

Humans make logistics work.Technology should make their jobs easier.

Vehicle Utilisation: The Hidden Goldmine

If a logistics operator can gain:

• 10% more physical space on each vehicle, or

• 20% savings in transport costs, or

• a more efficient drop sequence

… the impact is enormous.

This is where data-driven dimensioning comes in.Accurate measurement isn’t just about billing — it’s about:

• Better route planning

• Smart sequencing

• Maximised load density

• Lower emissions

• Fewer wasted journeys

For example:Dropping the heaviest or largest items first reduces fuel burn and emissions later in the route — a major selling point as sustainability pressures increase.

Where Dimensioning Makes the Difference — And How GPC Helps

When the last mile is under pressure, guesswork is expensive. This is where accurate dimensioning becomes a strategic advantage — not just an operational tool.

GPC’s 3D dimensioning software gives logistics teams precise, real-time data on the size and volume of every pallet, parcel, and irregular item before it reaches the vehicle. That insight unlocks smarter decisions across the last mile:

• Higher vehicle utilisation — fitting more onto each truck without exceeding limits

• Smarter drop sequencing — delivering the heaviest or largest items first to reduce fuel burn and emissions

• Fewer failed deliveries — because loads are planned accurately from the start

• Lower transport costs — even a 10% gain in space or efficiency delivers significant savings

• Seamless data flow — dimensioning data feeds directly into ERP, TMS and routing systems

GPC’s technology is designed for the real world. It works on forklifts, handheld devices, and mobile platforms — capturing measurements without slowing drivers or warehouse teams down. No tape measures. No assumptions. Just reliable data that respects how people actually work.

In an environment where saving just 20% on transport costs can transform a business, dimensioning is no longer optional — it’s foundational.

The Real Challenge: The Last Mile Is Still the Least Optimised Part of the Supply Chain

Warehouses are automated.

Ports are digitised.

Middle-mile trucking is increasingly sensor-driven.

But the last mile?

Still full of inefficiencies:

• Inaccurate loads

• Underutilised vehicles

• Repeated failed deliveries

• Manual planning

• Low data visibility

• Bottlenecks in information flow

Getting goods out the door and to the customer will always cost money — a lot of money.

But reducing that cost even slightly opens up huge opportunity:

• More competitive pricing

• Better margins

• Faster growth

• Increased customer loyalty

Final Thoughts: The Future of the Last Mile Is Smart, Measured, and Human-Centric

The last mile is no longer just a delivery step — it’s the defining customer experience.

The businesses that win will be the ones who combine:

✨ Real-time data (accurate dimensions, live routing, smart optimisation)

✨ Efficient operations (better loading, fewer wasted miles)

✨ Human expertise (drivers who know their routes inside out)

Logistics is changing fast — and the last mile must evolve with it.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the last mile delivery the most expensive part of logistics?

Because it combines rising fuel costs, labour, congestion, failed deliveries, and high customer expectations — all within short, inefficient routes.

2. How does dimensioning technology help reduce last-mile delivery costs?

Accurate dimensioning improves vehicle utilisation, load sequencing, and route planning — helping operators deliver more with fewer vehicles and fewer miles.

3. How has Amazon changed last-mile delivery expectations?

Amazon normalised precise delivery windows, live tracking, and transparency — standards that now apply to both B2C and B2B logistics.

4. Why is the last mile still under-optimised compared to the rest of the supply chain?Many operations still rely on manual planning tools and incomplete data, making it difficult to optimise loads, routes, and resources effectively.

5. How does GPC support smarter last-mile operations?

GPC provides real-time 3D dimensioning that integrates directly into logistics systems, enabling accurate planning, reduced costs, and better customer outcomes.