The final delivery stage – the “last mile” – has become the most strategic and sensitive link in modern logistics. As e-commerce continues to grow rapidly and the expectation for same-day or next-day delivery intensifies, last-mile performance now determines the difference between operational excellence and competitive decline.
According to GlobeNewswire, the global last-mile delivery market is expected to reach US$170.6 billion by 2025, growing at an average annual rate of 12.8% through 2034. In Brazil, the challenge is particularly acute. Carriers, marketplaces and logistics providers are under increasing pressure to reinvent traditional business models as online consumption accelerates. The last mile, while only one part of the supply chain, is also the most expensive and the most visible, directly shaping the customer experience.
Research published in the International Journal of Scientific Research and Applications shows that 41% to 53% of logistics costs are concentrated in this final stage. Simple problems – like incorrect addresses or failed delivery attempts – can quickly multiply costs, create inefficiencies and damage brand reputation.
But cost is only part of the story. Today's consumers expect speed, transparency and control. They want real-time tracking, accurate delivery windows, and proactive communication. Companies that don't offer these capabilities risk losing customers to competitors with smarter, more connected operations. The last mile is no longer just a delivery checkpoint – it’s the front line of brand perception.
Building an effective last-mile operation requires aligning people, technology and strategy. Smart systems must be combined with local pilot programs, continuous algorithm refinement, and investment in workforce training. Integration is key: unifying inventory and demand data, adopting modular delivery models, and using AI-driven insights to predict and optimize delivery scenarios. Environmental impact must also become an operational performance metric, not just a compliance box.
The last mile is not the end of logistics – it is the beginning of a new relationship with the customer. Delivering with precision, responsibility and intelligence defines the next generation of logistics leaders. Those who understand this shift are already paving the way for the supply chains of the next decade.
* Tiago Dantas, Sales Manager at Infios in Latin America.
