From eCommerce orders to Amazon FBA shipping, success often depends on how smoothly that last-mile delivery process goes. Read on to learn what last-mile delivery is, how long it takes, and where to find the best last-mile delivery service.
What is last-mile delivery?
Last-mile delivery refers to the final stage of the door to door shipping process. It typically involves moving a shipment from a local sorting center, distribution hub, or warehouse to the customer’s doorstep. Moreover, it’s the point where logistics meets the end user, and where delays, missed updates, or poor service are most visible.
A well-run last-mile sorting and distribution center can shave hours off delivery time and reduce failed attempts. Therefore, this stage is critical to both cost control and customer satisfaction.
From port to door: How last-mile shipping works
Once your cargo arrives at the destination port, the freight forwarder first arranges customs clearance. After clearance, goods are released and moved to a local warehouse for further handling.
Depending on the shipment, the cargo may be sorted, split, or deconsolidated for delivery. At this stage, last-mile carriers step in, delivering directly to the customer’s door, retail location, or final destination. Meanwhile, their real-time tracking ensures visibility from warehouse to doorstep, keeping delays and uncertainty in check.
How long does last-mile delivery take & what does it cost?
Last-mile shipping typically takes anywhere from a few hours to three days. Timing depends on shipment volume, local traffic conditions, carrier capacity, and the efficiency of the last-mile sorting and distribution center. Typically, urban deliveries are faster, while remote areas may require extra time.
Pricing also varies. Standard last-mile delivery services typically costs between $5 and $25 per package, depending on distance, size, and urgency. Same-day or white-glove services come at a premium but offer added convenience and speed.
Common challenge of last-mile delivery
Last-mile shipping, the final stretch from a local hub to the customer’s doorstep, is where delays and costs escalate quickly. Even the most efficient last-mile sorting and distribution centers can’t escape urban traffic, missed delivery windows, or failed drop-offs. A wrong address or no one home? That’s fuel, time, and money wasted.
Unlike bulk freight, this stage is highly fragmented. Drivers often make fewer stops across broader areas, pushing up per-package costs.
Additionally, final delivery times can range from just a few hours in cities to several days in remote areas. Even a minor disruption, such as traffic, bad weather, or a missed recipient, can impact the entire schedule.
That’s why ASLG’s international logistics services make the process easier. We manage every step, from factory to final destination, ensuring timely delivery and eliminating last-mile frustrations.
ASLG: Reliable door-to-door shipping from China
A well-managed last-mile process does more than speed up deliveries. It improves tracking accuracy, reduces failed delivery attempts, and boosts overall customer satisfaction. And it is especially crucial in e-commerce, retail, and B2B shipments where timeliness equals trust.
As a trusted 3PL logistics provider in China, we offer fully integrated door-to-door shipping solutions that include customs clearance, warehousing, real-time tracking, and reliable last-mile delivery. Whether you’re shipping to New York, Sydney, or Dubai, our team ensures your products arrive safely, on time, and with zero guesswork.
