Transport/Logistics

First mile delivery

First mile delivery refers to the initial stage of the delivery process, where goods are transported from the origin (e.g. a factory, farm, or supplier) to a distribution center, warehouse, or fulfillment facility.

Who is typically responsible for first mile delivery?

First mile delivery is usually handled by bulk freight carriers, local transport companies, or logistics service providers (LSPs) that specialize in moving raw materials or finished goods from suppliers to distribution hubs. In retail and e-commerce, it can also be managed by wholesalers or brand-owned logistics teams.

What are the main challenges of first mile delivery?

The main challenges of first mile delivery are:

  • Lack of real-time tracking and shipment visibility
  • Inefficient route planning and underutilized vehicles
  • Poor coordination between suppliers and warehouses
  • Delays in customs clearance (for international shipments)

How can companies make first mile delivery more sustainable?

There are many ways to make first mile delivery more sustainable, including:

  • Using multimodal transport with lower-emission options (e.g. rail instead of road)
  • Optimizing shipment loads and avoiding underutilized vehicles
  • Working with LSPs and carriers that prioritize sustainability
  • Using carbon accounting tools like BigMile to track emissions and identify savings opportunities

Explore other terms like

First mile delivery

Transport/Logistics

Freight consolidation

Freight consolidation is a logistics strategy where smaller shipments from multiple suppliers or shippers are combined into one larger shipment. This consolidated load is then transported together to a common destination or regional hub.

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Sustainability

Carbon tax

A carbon tax is a government-imposed fee on the carbon content of fossil fuels or on CO₂ emissions generated by certain activities. This could apply to fuel producers, energy companies, industrial manufacturers, or large transport operators, depending on how the national or regional tax is structured. The more a company emits, the more it pays.

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Sustainability

Last mile delivery

Last mile delivery refers to the final step of the delivery process, where goods are transported from a distribution hub or warehouse to the end customer. Traditionally, it is the most expensive, time-consuming, and logistically complex stage in the supply chain.

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