Last mile B2B (business-to-business) delivery refers to the delivery of a product from the final transfer point or “hub” to the purchasing business or end-user. It is widely considered to be the most important and costliest link in the supply chain. B2B delivery services can make or break a supplier in today’s rapidly changing and demanding supply chain environment. In order to keep up with these changing demands, suppliers must turn to the best possible solution: B2B delivery software.
Why You Should Care About the Last Mile
Businesses are beginning to act more like consumers in how they view the overall value and experience a supplier provides them. In short, businesses are still looking for the best quality at the lowest price, but now it is becoming crucial that a supplier is capable of fast delivery too. According to Finances Online, a 2021/22 survey of businesses showed that “deployment time or ease of use” ranked in the top five “most important factors for B2B buyers.” Shortening that B2B delivery time can mean the difference between retaining or losing a client.
The Last Mile Delivery Industry as a Whole
As it becomes a major B2B selling point, the last-mile delivery industry is growing and getting extremely competitive. In fact, the global last mile delivery market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.29% between 2021 and 2027. This has been spurred by an overall upward trend in online B2B transactions and magnified by industry-wide changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is indicative of the importance B2B buyers are placing on a supplier’s ability to provide quick and reliable B2B delivery.
On-Demand Services Disrupting Traditional Delivery
On-demand B2B delivery services are becoming an increasingly important factor within the last mile delivery industry as grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses look to increase value for their customers. A prime example of this is your local grocery store, which traditionally receives deliveries at scheduled intervals. Now, instead of sending customers to competitors to purchase an out-of-stock item, stores can utilize more dynamic restocking technology, allowing them to request on-demand delivery of certain items before they run out. Not only do customers win, but retailers and suppliers benefit as well from the increased efficiency in the B2B delivery industry by speeding up delivery times and driving down costs.
B2B Delivery Keys for Suppliers
Understanding what last mile B2B delivery is and how it can affect one’s business is crucial for suppliers in today’s market. Businesses want to receive their purchases sooner, cheaper, and transported in a safer, more secure manner. Suppliers who can achieve those three important keys to effective B2B delivery already have a leg up on their competitors. With transportation costs increasing, serious care and consideration must go into the decision-making process for a supplier looking for effective B2B delivery services.
How Elite EXTRA Can Help
It is not enough to simply know that last mile B2B delivery is important for the health and growth of your business – you’ll want to take the next steps sooner rather than later. This is where Elite EXTRA can step in and help streamline your B2B delivery process. Elite EXTRA’s software suite provides all-encompassing logistics services including routing and dispatch, returns automation, a delivery network, and courier management. This easy-to-use software is customizable to your specific business needs and is backed by an in-house support and training team available 24/7 to answer your logistics solutions questions. For more information on how Elite EXTRA can streamline your B2B delivery process, head over to eliteextra.com.
Resources:
https://financesonline.com/B2B-statistics/
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/at-9-29-cagr-last-mile-delivery-market-size-is-expected-to-reach-usd-200-42-bn-in-2027–says-brandessence-market-research-301387705.html
https://www.wsj.com/articles/shipping-and-logistics-costs-are-expected-to-keep-rising-in-2022-11639918804
