The logistics industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly in the "last mile" segment, which refers to the final stage of the product's journey from the distribution center to the customer. This segment has become crucial for meeting customer expectations and establishing a company's competitive advantage.

Today's consumers are increasingly intolerant of delays, with research indicating that approximately 80% of customers are willing to abandon services if they are not delivered on time. Therefore, the efficiency of the "last mile" directly impacts the success of businesses. Companies operating in e-commerce are looking for new ways to deliver, as optimizing this step not only speeds up the process, but also reduces fuel and staff costs.

Growing user expectations are driving the development of flexible delivery models, such as same-day delivery, flexible pick-up times, and pickup points. Express delivery options are becoming increasingly popular, with "hour-long" delivery options becoming more common.

This requires logistics companies to reevaluate their routes and technologies. Automation is also a growing trend. Drones and self-driving cars are being tested for delivering packages of various sizes. Robotic couriers moving through streets and sidewalks are gradually becoming a part of the urban landscape. IoT and AI solutions are being implemented in parallel: smart warehouses predict demand, automatically generate routes, and manage inventory to minimize delays.

The topic of returns is equally important. Online dressing rooms and virtual fitting systems help customers evaluate clothing, furniture, or accessories before making a purchase, reducing the risk of returns and the costs of reverse logistics for marketplaces.

Thus, the "last mile" is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity. With the rapid growth of online shopping, this stage has become a crucial factor in customer satisfaction. Companies that innovate and adapt to new standards will have a significant advantage in the market.