<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*8eoepNkC_6rO_DAo4cSSJQ.png" /><figcaption>Bike-o-rama Challenge</figcaption></figure><p>At Bettermile, we take testing seriously, not only when it comes to delivery packages in vans, but also features that support bike couriers. To truly understand the realities of urban cycling, <strong>we set out on a month-long challenge to use our bike-optimized navigation feature</strong>. A total of 18 team members participated, with an additional 5 providing critical support to ensure the tests ran smoothly. Whether before work, after work, or while running personal errands, our team integrated the app into their daily routines, facing the same conditions bike couriers encounter every day. This hands-on approach allowed us to see the road from their perspective, gaining invaluable insights along the way.</p><p>This challenge marked <strong>our first real-world test of the feature</strong>. Getting out of the office and on the bike gave us a clearer picture of what’s working, what’s not, and where we need to focus next to make cycling safer and more efficient for bike Couriers.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*74lYZ7-csn5MC_J5CC5Flg.png" /><figcaption>Bike-o-rama challenge</figcaption></figure><h4><strong>A Month of Real-World Route Testing</strong></h4><p>Over the course of a month, we committed to using the app in a variety of scenarios, from commuting to work to running errands, to better understand the day-to-day experience of bike couriers. Along the way, we encountered several challenges that bike couriers often face, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Road Conditions</strong>: Cobblestone streets, gravel paths, and uneven surfaces made some routes less than ideal for cycling. These conditions highlighted the importance of prioritizing smooth and bike-friendly routes.</li><li><strong>Traffic and Intersections</strong>: Busy streets and areas without dedicated bike lanes highlighted the critical importance of safety for cyclists. Especially during peak traffic hours.</li><li><strong>Detours and Road Closures</strong>: Construction or unexpected obstacles required improvisation, demonstrating the need for dynamic route adjustments.</li><li><strong>Waypoint Tracking</strong>: Occasionally, waypoints were tricky to locate which highlighted the necessity for precise navigation to, around and into buildings</li><li><strong>Weather and Visibility</strong>: Cycling in colder weather drained phone batteries faster, and glare on the screen sometimes made it difficult to follow routes. These factors can complicate navigation and reduce overall efficiency.</li><li><strong>Balancing Safety and Directness</strong>: While the app often prioritized bike-friendly paths, there were times when detours felt unnecessary or overly cautious, showing the need to strike a better balance between safety and efficiency.</li></ul><p>These challenges gave us valuable insights into the realities of urban cycling and <strong>the importance of designing tools that directly address these pain points.</strong></p><p>Despite the challenges, the experience also demonstrated the potential of the app. Many participants discovered routes that were more efficient or safer than their usual paths. The ability to plan and navigate multi-stop routes directly through the app proved useful, especially in less familiar areas.</p><p>The tests also gave us a better understanding of the unpredictable situations that bike couriers deal with, such as sudden detours, unsafe crossings, or hard-to-access delivery points. These scenarios highlight the critical need for <a href="https://medium.com/@bettermile/launching-the-navigation-software-development-kit-for-parcel-delivery-f6f7587b4a38">navigation</a> tools that not only adapt in real time but also offer precise guidance down to the last meter.</p><p>This first test wasn’t just about improving our app; it was about<strong> putting ourselves in the shoes of bike couriers to better understand their needs</strong>. By encountering real-world conditions ourselves, we gained insights that go beyond data points and algorithms.</p><p>We learned that urban cycling is as much about flexibility and safety as it is about efficiency. While we’re proud of what the app can already do, this challenge has shown us where to focus next as we continue to refine the tool.</p><p><strong>A key driving force behind this initiative was Leitha, Product Owner for the Navigation Team,</strong> who brought the idea to life. Reflecting on the challenge, she shared:</p><blockquote><em>“I thought it would be a great way to test out the new navigation functionality, and the HR department thought it would be a great way to get people moving, so it ended up being a really nice cross-team alignment!”</em></blockquote><p>Interested in learning more about Leitha, her role, and the exciting projects she’s leading? Check out <a href="https://medium.com/@bettermile/meet-leitha-the-product-owner-making-navigation-easier-for-drivers-855c885c5ebc">her story</a></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=bfa8419bcb52" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Bike-o-rama Challenge: Testing Our Bike Navigation for Bike Couriers

<figure><img alt="2024 European Last-Mile Tracking Report" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*cr-GKD3FUHijdyh-oNSt0A.jpeg" /></figure><p><em>Editor’s Note: This article is an update to our 2023 European Last Mile Tracking Report, which can be found </em><a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/real-time-tracking-report-2023"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p><p>Last year, together with <a href="https://customercode.de/">Customer Code</a>, we released our first-of-its-kind<strong> 2023 European Last Mile Tracking Report</strong>, which highlighted the growing importance of real-time tracking in the European last mile delivery market. This year, Bettermile surveyed 1,200 consumers in Germany to update and augment the survey’s results.</p><p>The trends identified in the 2023 survey, such as rising use of advanced tracking tools like RTT and steadily increasing consumer expectations caused by innovations in similar industries, have persisted throughout the gap between surveys. Some key findings:</p><p><strong>RTT usage rose from 82% in Q1 2023 to 84% in Q3 2024. </strong>Though this represents a striking increase of almost 20% since Q1 2022 (when RTT penetration was around 67%), it also indicates that the rate of growth may be slowing as the market becomes saturated.</p><p><strong>The frequency of RTT usage continued to rise.</strong> Even if it appears that market penetration may have started to plateau, overall usage growth remains strong. 3 out of 4 consumers surveyed mentioned they use RTT more often than they did two years ago, and over 40% say they use it “much more often.”</p><p><strong>Increased flexibility remained a primary motivator for consumers to use RTT. </strong>68.2% of recipients surveyed mentioned the ability to make last-minute changes as very important, up slightly from 2023. Those surveyed mentioned increased convenience in daily planning as a primary motivator, with more than 70% of consignees relying on RTT to better manage their schedules.</p><p><strong>Consumer expectations continued to be shaped by other industries. </strong>A significant portion of those surveyed also made use of similar tools, such as food delivery, grocery delivery, and rideshare services. These industries, especially rideshare and food delivery, set the bar high with their quality of service, especially those related to technology. More than 40% of users rated RTT quality in rideshare and food delivery services as superior to that of parcel delivery.</p><p><strong>RTT has become a basic consumer expectation. </strong>More than 90% of consumers surveyed expect their last-mile parcel carriers to meet or exceed the standards they’ve become accustomed to from industries perceived as adjacent — the aforementioned rideshare and food delivery apps chief among them. 70% of consumers now expect RTT as a standard feature.</p><figure><img alt="70% of consignees expect RTT with every shipment compared to 2023 where it was only 64%" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*sVOhLLFHFDZBD-hCMGiElA.jpeg" /><figcaption>In 2024, 70% of consignees expect RTT with every shipment compared to 2023, where it was only 64%</figcaption></figure><p><strong>The study also identified some more difficult-to-quantify benefits and exposed consumer desires for the future. </strong>Chief among these less-tangible benefits are a heightened sensation of excitement and emotional connection throughout the entire purchase and delivery process: from the moment checkout is completed all the way to the final unboxing, consumers surveyed reported increased sensations of excitement and happiness as compared to 2023. This growing emotional attachment has made consumers much more willing to share information to help the delivery process, such as indicating a preferred delivery location on a map, giving precise delivery instructions, or even providing drivers with a photo of their preferred delivery spot.</p><p><strong>The bottom line? Real-time tracking has come close to saturating the European market and emerged as a major part of the online shopping experience.</strong> For the first time, last-mile logistics operators have the opportunity to play a role in a customer’s emotional journey.</p><p>Bettermile’s 2024 European Last-mile Tracking Report demonstrated the importance of RTT in the changing landscape of last-mile logistics. RTT’s steady growth reflects changing consumer expectations brought on by innovations in adjacent industries like ridesharing and food delivery. No longer a luxury, RTT is now a standard expectation for over 90% of customers. As we move forward, it will be critical for last-mile logistics operators to continue innovating while keeping a close eye on adjacent industries for clues about where the future will take them.</p><p><a href="https://bettermile.activehosted.com/f/46">Download</a> the <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/real-time-tracking-europe-2024">EU Real-Time Tracking Report 2024</a> to get more detailed insights!</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=3440a2b670af" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Bettermile releases its 2024 European Last-Mile Tracking Report

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*dNWpcJcUImvkO2ZKft5b1w.jpeg" /></figure><p>As we at Bettermile look back on a dynamic year full of pivotal industry events, it’s clear that 2024 brought exceptional opportunities to connect with logistics experts and thought leaders and innovators in Europe and North America. This year, our journey took us from <a href="https://clda.org/">CLDA</a> and <a href="https://ecadeliveryindustry.org/">ECA</a> in Orlando and the <a href="https://www.parcelforum.com/event/f8d861e5-7030-4a46-b053-bba11ba661a5/summary">Parcel Forum</a> in Dallas, the two European <a href="https://leaders-in-logistics.com/">Leaders in Logistics</a> Summits, and wrapped up our events calendar at the <a href="https://www.parcelandpostexpo.com/en/">Parcel + Post Expo</a> in Amsterdam. Each of these gatherings provided valuable insights into the evolving challenges and aspirations of the last mile sector, highlighted how innovative solutions can address these complexities, and helped us forge strategic relationships poised to shape the future of logistics. In this article, we reflect on the crucial takeaways we gathered, share actionable insights, and offer a preview of what’s to come in the first quarter of 2025.</p><h3>Setting the Stage: Why Bettermile Engaged in 2024’s Events</h3><p><strong>Defining Goals and Desired Outcomes</strong></p><p>Bettermile’s participation in these industry events is driven by a clear purpose: to deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by industry leaders, exchange insights on technology-driven solutions that improve productivity and customer experience, and explore evolving customer expectations and how delivery companies can meet and exceed them. We aim to address critical last mile needs, such as dynamic route optimization, advanced real-time tracking, and customer engagement tools, while positioning Bettermile as a partner at the forefront of last mile innovation.</p><h3><strong>The Bettermile Experience at Key Industry Events</strong></h3><p><strong>Parcel Forum in Dallas: Engaging the U.S. Market</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.parcelforum.com/event/f8d861e5-7030-4a46-b053-bba11ba661a5/summary">Parcel Forum</a> offered a deep dive into the U.S. logistics landscape, where delivery companies are under increasing pressure to balance cost with growing consumer expectations. While there is a clear push towards greater delivery efficiency, we observed a notable lag in real-time tracking adoption, with customer experience often approached from the shipper’s rather than the recipient’s perspective. This disconnect presents a significant opportunity, particularly for regional carriers, to set themselves apart, capture market share, and boost productivity by implementing dynamic routing and advanced tracking technologies. Our <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/real-time-tracking-report-2024-usa">Real-Time Tracking Report US 2024</a> explores these trends in greater detail, highlighting solutions that empower companies to enhance service, optimize costs, and thrive in a competitive environment.</p><p><strong>Leaders in Logistics (LiL) in London: European Insights into Last-Mile Needs</strong></p><p>At both <a href="https://leaders-in-logistics.com/">Leaders in Logistics</a> summits, we connected with top European postal and logistics experts. The most recent Leaders in Logistics Last Mile event in London featured standout sessions, including a keynote by Nick Landon from Royal Mail. His forward-thinking address highlighted the rising consumer demand for flexible, affordable delivery and return options. Also, he stressed the importance of strategically investing in last mile infrastructure and technology to balance these expectations while maintaining efficiency and sustainability. His insights underscored the need to balance these demands with strategic investments in last-mile infrastructure and technology for sustainable, efficient logistics.</p><p>Throughout the event, it became evident that many <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/static-vs-dynamic-striking-the-right-balance-in-mail-and-parcel-routes-a1961b04e7e2">postal companies still rely on static routing and tracking </a>systems, particularly for mixed postal and parcel routes. This reliance not only hampers productivity, but also digital customer experience, creating a critical gap that postal organizations need to address to remain relevant and preferred by communities increasingly made up of digital natives.</p><p><strong>Last Mile Delivery Meetup #7</strong></p><p>A highlight of the year was our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYUP0Yg4qxc&list=PLHOuZCXxxe_MfQYS3eaq2YWZtS8t3A22W&index=9">seventh edition of our Last Mile Delivery Meetup</a>, which took place at our Better Space in Berlin on September 11, 2024. This gathering brought together <a href="https://www.connect2posts.com/">connect2posts</a> members and industry leaders to explore the integration of traditional postal services with modern parcel delivery demands. The event centered on “Bridging the Gap Between Letters and Parcels” and offered C2P members workshops on key solutions, such as providing seamless package visibility, engaging receivers through two-way digital communication, offering flexible out-of-home delivery options, and allowing for last-minute adjustments that recipients can make to fit their schedules.</p><p>The Meetup featured insightful panel discussions and keynote speakers from earlier workshops, culminating in a compelling presentation by Christian Oestergaard. He addressed rising industry challenges and outlined strategies for postal and parcel companies to stay ahead. Those who can quickly adapt to these trends are positioned to thrive in today’s fast-paced, parcel-driven market.</p><p><strong>Parcel + Post Expo Amsterdam</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://www.parcelandpostexpo.com/en/">Parcel + Post Expo</a> once again attracted a global audience of postal and parcel professionals. The exhibition showcased a wide array of cutting-edge solutions, from smart sorting technology and electrified last-mile vehicles to sophisticated locker systems for out-of-home delivery. However, the expo also highlighted ongoing challenges in the delivery process, where human efficiency remains essential. Loading packages, navigating routes, and executing efficient hand-offs still demand significant manual effort. With the rising costs of operations outpacing price adjustments, the demand for smarter, more efficient solutions is urgent.</p><p>In a conversation with Christian from PostNord, we built on his forward-looking vision shared at our Meetup. He described the potential of using autonomous vehicles to transport loads from depots to delivery areas, where local drivers could take over to execute deliveries with optimal efficiency. The technology for these hybrid delivery models is already available and holds the promise of significantly easing time and productivity constraints, representing a game-changing advancement for the logistics industry.</p><figure><img alt="Bettermile team attending logistics and last mile event in 2024" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*6FSkSJWZ8ZKXQEyDpLLvVA.jpeg" /><figcaption>Impressions from some of the events we attended during 2024</figcaption></figure><h3>Key Takeaways: Trends and Actionable Insights from 2024</h3><p>Throughout 2024, the demand for adaptive, real-time parcel planning and flexible load-balancing solutions emerged as a critical need for logistics companies struggling with rigid, static routing systems. Bettermile’s dynamic routing and load balancing tools offer a timely solution, helping businesses respond efficiently to demand fluctuations and reduce strain during peak periods. Additionally, the call for customer-centric tracking solutions is rising, especially in the U.S., where real-time tracking remains underutilized and the possibilities for regional carriers to implement such technologies and stay ahead of the curve are higher. This trend toward responsive last-mile solutions aligns with industry expectations for predictability, flexibility, and consumer-friendly options like alternative pickup points, optimizing delivery efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Outlook for Q1 2025</strong></p><p>Bettermile is committed to deepening industry engagement, and the first quarter of 2025 will be essential, with confirmed participation in <a href="https://manife.st/">Manifest Vegas</a> and our own <a href="https://bettermile.com/last-mile-meetup-event">Last Mile Delivery Meetup #8 on February 12</a>, save the date! We’re also excited to join <a href="https://leaders-in-logistics.com/events/summit/">Leaders in Logistics in Berlin</a>, an event close to our headquarters, where we’ll share insights and collaborate. These events underscore our dedication to leading last-mile innovation and expanding partnerships in the evolving logistics landscape.</p><p>Ready to connect? If you want to dive even deeper into our 2024 highlights check out the <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/highlights-of-last-mile-delivery-meetup-7-bridging-the-gap-between-letters-and-parcels-cf12a3c41a59">highlights of the Last Mile Delivery Meetup #7</a> or explore our <a href="https://bettermile.com/careers">career page</a>, let’s keep the conversation going!</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=1720a543cd1e" width="1" height="1" alt="">

2024 Event Recap: Bettermile’s Retrospective on the Last-Mile Logistics Industry

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*FGJRrLPwZwHBE2GjmHr1ww.png" /></figure><p>At Bettermile, optimizing delivery routes is more than just creating efficient routes for drivers, it’s about transforming last-mile delivery into a seamless experience for drivers, consignees, and depot managers. Mohammad, a key figure behind Bettermile’s route optimization efforts, is leading initiatives that not only enhance the routes but also optimize the delivery sequence in real time which allows drivers to find a better sequence for their stops to improve efficiency. In this blog, we dive into Mohammad’s journey, his passion for problem-solving, and the innovative projects he is leading to optimize delivery routes for drivers.</p><iframe src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FGIe38hAuN7w%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGIe38hAuN7w&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FGIe38hAuN7w%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=a19fcc184b9711e1b4764040d3dc5c07&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/a8b7abf6c412f5c7c6dc0ede66395de0/href">https://medium.com/media/a8b7abf6c412f5c7c6dc0ede66395de0/href</a></iframe><h4><strong>What excites you about working on Route Optimization?</strong></h4><p>I’m passionate about Route Optimization because it focuses on helping drivers move more efficiently. It allows me to tackle real-world challenges and <strong>create seamless delivery experience for both drivers and consignees</strong>. It is an area where we have the opportunity to use advanced optimization algorithms and AI models to provide a faster and more efficient sequence of stops for delivery routes.</p><h4><strong>How is good Sequencing essential for delivery drivers?</strong></h4><p><strong>Dynamic and Smart Sequencing is truly the heart of an effective last-mile delivery product</strong>. It maps out the driver’s route for the day, determining how efficiently they can move from stop to stop. When sequencing is done well, it not only saves time and fuel but also ensures that drivers avoid unnecessary backtracking or re-entering the same zones repeatedly. <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/when-navigation-apps-send-users-in-the-wrong-direction-3547a345e64a">On the other hand, poor sequencing disrupts the entire flow</a>. The drivers spend more hours on the road, face higher costs, and experience unnecessary stress.</p><h4><strong>What is one project you are particularly proud of?</strong></h4><p>I’m particularly proud of the “<strong>Tour Recommendations</strong>” product as a game changer for drivers and depot managers. It is an AI-coach that provides quick and short practical action items to improve driver performance. This project was a collaborative effort between the Team Sequencing and <a href="https://medium.com/@bettermile/meet-marie-pioneering-product-innovation-at-bettermile-d6530f1de982">the Back Office Team</a>, and the impact was especially significant during our first pilot, where we saw a dramatic reduction in the number of routes with inconsistencies in real time tracking prediction accuracy, cutting them in half in just two weeks!</p><h4><strong>Can you give an example of how you’ve used feedback to improve a product?</strong></h4><p>Our products focus on providing solutions for the user’s pain points, hence user feedback is crucial, so we always make sure to stay open to it. For me, feedback isn’t just about making quick fixes, it’s about understanding the core issue and <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/route-driven-history-a-breakdown-of-our-latest-product-update-9ab9b0288cee">ensuring we deliver effective and meaningful solutions</a>.</p><p>After launching a new feature, we gather feedback from drivers and depot managers to gain a better sense of how it’s performing in real-world scenarios. Recently, we received feedback indicating that certain recommendations in our Tour Recommendations product were being repeated too often. We dug deeper to understand the core issue. This led us to refine the algorithm to provide more relevant, contextual suggestions. <strong>By focusing on the root cause, we were able to address the issue and improve the overall driver experience and performance.</strong></p><h4><strong>How do you work with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, designers, marketers, other POs) at Bettermile?</strong></h4><p>We collaborate, we innovate, and we get things done. In our teams, we keep things simple and direct. We value open communication; everyone, from developers to designers to marketers, has a seat at the table, and we’re always ready to tackle challenges. Since we operate within an autonomous management system, there’s a lot of trust in each team member to take ownership of their work. We focus on fast iterations and real-time feedback. If something doesn’t work, we adjust quickly. What keeps us moving efficiently is being open to new ideas and making sure everyone is focused on the same goal.</p><h4><strong>What has been your biggest challenge as a Product Owner, and how did you overcome it?</strong></h4><p>One of the biggest challenges I encountered early on with our product was <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/when-navigation-apps-send-users-in-the-wrong-direction-3547a345e64a">improving the quality of our sequences</a>. We were not achieving the desired results, because the problem extended beyond our product; it was linked to external factors, like the quality of the input data we received and real-world elements that affected the results.</p><p>This challenge required a collaborative approach across teams. I focused on creating a common understanding of how our combined efforts could lead to better results. By building these bridges, we were able to identify and address key areas that impacted the quality of our sequences.</p><p>The experience taught me that product ownership often extends beyond managing one’s own team, it involves influencing stakeholders across the company, building partnerships, and aligning efforts toward a common goal.</p><p>Curious to get to know more about <a href="https://bettermile.com/">Bettermile</a>? Check out what the other Product Owners are working on right now and what our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHOuZCXxxe_NUHdDCHP-GPa01rNfV0FBZ">company culture stands for</a>!</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=96d820d9876f" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Meet Mohammad: The Innovator Behind Advanced Route Optimization at Bettermile

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*enyUOMZ1of0HR5_wWaQQ0g.jpeg" /></figure><p>As the peak season approaches, logistics companies across the globe brace for the increased demand that comes with it, like the volume of the parcels delivered. This is the time when consumers are making the most purchases, leading to a surge in deliveries, increased traffic, and pressure on logistics systems. For Bettermile, ensuring seamless operations during this period requires strategic planning, scaling up resources, and refining internal processes to handle the high volume efficiently.</p><p>Let’s dive into how Bettermile and the logistics industry at large prepare for Christmas peak season, what it means for our operations, and the measures taken to ensure smooth and timely deliveries. We talked to one of our <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/meet-kim-kunc-a-facilitating-engineer-64ad1e3a8e8">Facilitating Engineers, Kim</a>.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*xIVhKADCxnR_0jx5c5x0cg.jpeg" /><figcaption>Kim Kunc, Facilitating Engineer</figcaption></figure><h3>What is Peak Season in Logistics?</h3><p>Peak season, typically covering the last months of the year from November through December, is a critical time for the logistics industry. It aligns with major retail events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday shopping season. This period sees a dramatic rise in online orders, leading to an increase in parcel volumes, extended delivery routes, and higher customer expectations for fast, reliable service.</p><p><strong>At Bettermile, peak season is not only about managing higher demand but also about making sure everything is in place before the season kicks off</strong>. This means focusing on operational efficiency and refraining from launching new features during this time to concentrate on supporting the intense workload. Every team works tirelessly to roll out updates and new functionalities before November, as once peak season hits, <strong>the primary goal is maintaining uninterrupted service</strong>.</p><h3>24/7 Operations: Ensuring Around-the-Clock Support</h3><p>To accommodate the climb in traffic, Bettermile has a 24-hour on-call system. Currently, the support teams are available 24/6, covering shifts from Monday to Saturday. However, we will now ramp up this support to a full 24/7 schedule, ensuring that there is always someone available to handle critical issues.</p><p>The team utilizes automated alarms that can be triggered if certain resources, like memory or storage, reach their limits. These alarms alert the on-call team member, which can immediately respond to any incident. Self-healing systems are in place to handle many of these issues automatically, such as by scaling resources or redistributing traffic. But in the rare cases when human intervention is required, the alarm escalation process ensures the right people are involved promptly.</p><h3>Scaling Infrastructure for Increased Demand</h3><p>During peak season, Bettermile must ensure that their systems are equipped to handle the spike in traffic, which translates to more drivers on the road and more parcels to deliver. To manage this increase, Bettermile employs a combination of horizontal and vertical scaling. But what is the difference?</p><ul><li><strong>Horizontal scaling</strong> involves adding more machines to distribute the workload. This helps when traffic increases, spreading the pressure across multiple systems.</li><li><strong>Vertical scaling</strong> is about enhancing the capacity of individual machines, making them more powerful to handle the additional load.</li></ul><p>Bettermile’s systems are designed to self-heal and auto-scale, which means they can <strong>adapt dynamically based on real-time demand</strong>. If a machine is nearing its memory or processing limit, it automatically adjusts by either allocating more resources or spinning up new machines. This flexibility is essential for maintaining performance during the busiest times of the year.</p><h3>Incident Management and Metrics</h3><p>Bettermile has a robust incident management system in place to address any potential disruptions during peak season. Incidents can be triggered by automated monitoring systems or manually by Bettermile support. Once an alarm is raised, the incident is handled by the on-call team, which tries to mitigate the issue as quickly as possible.</p><p>In cases where the incident requires more attention, an escalation process is in place to bring in additional resources. Metrics such as the total number of incidents, average response time, and time-to-resolution are tracked closely. At Bettermile we guarantee a response time of under five minutes for critical alarms, ensuring that potential issues are resolved before they impact operations.</p><figure><img alt="How Bettermile faces incident management" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/730/1*e7qya6XoTvUtLJchBUpmKw.png" /><figcaption>How Bettermile faces incident management escalation</figcaption></figure><h3>Preparing for the big time: Ramping Up Capacity</h3><p>One of the most important steps we at Bettermile take ahead of peak season is increasing system capacity. This involves “ramping up” both hardware resources and operational processes. Even though Bettermile operates mostly on virtual and cloud infrastructure, we perform a vertical scale-up before peak season, ensuring they can handle the expected surge in traffic.</p><p>Horizontal scaling, while always available, is often done on demand. <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/how-to-reduce-driver-onboarding-time-by-up-to-75-and-increase-your-companys-efficiency-5fd5fad4cc66">The team carefully measures traffic behavior and scales as needed to ensure optimal performance</a> without prematurely overcommitting resources.</p><h3>Enhancing Alerting and Monitoring Systems</h3><p>With the increase in activity during peak season, Bettermile enhances its alerting systems to ensure rapid responses to any issues. Although they do not increase the number of alerts, they expand on-call shifts to ensure broader coverage. The alarms themselves are calibrated to trigger only when necessary, so the team is not overwhelmed with false alarms.</p><p><strong>Our company approach is experience-based, having already navigated several peak seasons</strong>. We know how to handle the nuances of increased traffic, balancing system resources, and addressing potential bottlenecks before they become larger problems.</p><h3>Improving Data Quality for Better Insights</h3><p>Peak season requires us to deliver more than just capacity and alerts — we also focus on improving data quality to support better decision-making. <strong>Product data quality is key</strong> to generating accurate reports for customers, such as optimal delivery routes and performance thresholds. The collection and monitoring of data are crucial, especially since this data feeds into machine learning models used to optimize logistics.</p><p>Any loss of data can lead to inefficiencies, which is why Bettermile has systems in place to alert them if there are gaps in data collection. By ensuring high-quality data, they can provide better analytics and insights to their customers, helping us to optimize delivery routes and avoid delays.</p><h3>Time-Critical Challenges and Global Operations</h3><p>Timing is everything in logistics. Bettermile’s systems must be functioning perfectly before the start of each day, especially for time-critical operations like <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/the-last-mile-visibility-platform-putting-depots-in-the-drivers-seat-f2d7c687474c">ensuring drivers leave the depot on time for deliveries</a>. This is why we prioritize early morning incident response — if problems aren’t solved before 7 a.m., it can disrupt the entire day’s operations.</p><p>With customers operating worldwide, including in the U.S. and Canada, we maintain 24-hour support to accommodate different time zones. This ensures that no matter where a customer is located, we have access to real-time support whenever issues arise.</p><h3>Conclusion: Always Ready for the Unexpected</h3><p>At Bettermile, being ready for the unexpected is a core principle during peak season. The combination of scaling resources, enhancing support coverage, and maintaining robust incident management processes ensures that we can handle the increased demand without missing a beat. <strong>By leveraging past experience and maintaining a proactive approach, at Bettermile we ensure smooth operations even during the busiest times of the year.</strong></p><p>As peak season approaches, the company’s focus is on one goal: delivering seamless, reliable service to customers and making sure that parcels reach their destinations on time, no matter how high the demand. After all, when the holiday rush hits, even Santa relies on logistics pros like Bettermile to make sure his presents arrive on time — without needing to scale up his reindeer team!</p><p>Discover the advantages of our cutting-edge <a href="https://bettermile.com/">last mile delivery software</a> and see how our <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/how-to-build-custom-last-mile-logistics-software-395c4fb9a719">solutions and products</a> can enhance your delivery operations today.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=4d5e02b7cec7" width="1" height="1" alt="">

How Bettermile Gears Up for Peak Season: Scaling Smarter, Responding Faster, and Delivering More

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*eWj4Tgsfg_TteQeWU78Maw.jpeg" /></figure><p>This year, Bettermile decided to research the importance of advanced last-mile tracking by conducting a complementary study in the United States market. For this study, Bettermile worked in cooperation with <a href="https://www.triangle.eu.com">Triangle Management Services</a> to create a comprehensive survey of the state of the logistics and final mile delivery sector in the United States. Among other things, this year’s study revealed a significant disconnect between consumers’ rising expectations and their real-life experiences with leading last mile delivery service providers.</p><p>Though parcel volumes and e-commerce continue to grow, customer expectations have also changed, largely influenced by new technologies pioneered and deployed in other industries like ridesharing and food delivery. Apps like Uber offer granular, detailed tracking of orders and drivers displayed directly on a street map and updated in real time, resulting in a customer experience that far outmatches that typically offered by last-mile operators. However, despite the ready availability of tracking technology, rising consumer expectations, and strong growth in the industry, many US carriers continue to delay their adoption of these advanced <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-last-mile-delivery-tracking-417b90f4112a">tracking technologies</a>. Unfortunately for these operators, these technologies offer an experience that customers have begun to expect as a baseline — a baseline largely set by Amazon. Amazon has clearly established itself as the industry benchmark in this area, while competitors lag behind. This underscores the critical need for others to adopt these advanced technologies or risk being left behind in the near future.</p><p>Bettermile’s 2024 Last-Mile Tracking Report highlights these issues, but also offers several strategies for carriers to bring their customers’ experiences in line with their expectations, all while still maintaining competitiveness — and even improving their bottom line. All in all, American carriers, especially USPS, FedEx, and UPS, would do well to enhance their advanced real-time tracking capabilities in order to stay competitive, and regional or local carriers could significantly benefit from adopting these real-time tracking advancements, enabling them to expand their market share and potentially surpass the big American carriers carriers.</p><h3><strong>The Survey’s Methodology</strong></h3><p>Bettermile partnered with Triangle Management Services to produce the report. Triangle Management Services is a globally-operating research organization and consultancy specializing in the postal and delivery sectors. The sample population was made up by 1,310 US adults surveyed over the course of July, 2024. The sample population tended slightly more female and middle-aged (35–64) than the general population, and emphasized respondents in the northeastern cities of the US.</p><h3><strong>What counts as “Advanced Last-MileTracking?”</strong></h3><p>Real-Time tracking can be fairly easily divided into three distinct types of tracking: Conventional Tracking, where carriers scan parcels as they move through defined points along the delivery chain, Day-of-delivery Notifications, where recipients are kept informed of the parcel’s location and status on the delivery day, usually included an estimated time window for delivery, and Advanced Real-Time Tracking, which provides continuous updates on the day of delivery, including showing the parcel’s live location on a street map and information such as number of stops before delivery and dynamically updated time estimates. As mentioned previously, this final type most often appears in ridesharing and food delivery apps, where it has become the norm. This has contributed to increased customer expectations in this area.</p><h3><strong>The US Last-mile Delivery market: The major players</strong></h3><p>The American market is dominated by four major carriers who handle an impressive 97% of all parcel traffic in the United States. However, the study identified major deficiencies in customer experience across all of them, particularly in the areas of parcel visibility, delivery options, and user engagement. It seems that other markets, such as Europe, have much more readily embraced advanced tracking technologies, enabling them to offer their customers greater predictability and control.</p><p>Nonetheless, the ever-optimistic American consumer remains undeterred, their high expectations shaped in part by analogous experiences with the aforementioned ridesharing and food delivery services. In contrast, the American carriers offer fairly limited options for parcel tracking: customers receive updates when their parcel is scanned at various points along its journey, resulting in inexact delivery windows (if they are provided at all) or. The lack of true, advanced real-time tracking can lead to frustration, forcing recipients to stay home all day in the hopes of being there to receive an important package without the possibility to benefit from <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/flexible-delivery-how-package-rerouting-pays-off-7d987e3ad585">package rerouting</a>. The perennial issue of porch piracy raised its ugly head as well — in many parts of the United States, leaving a delivered package outside while you’re at work can be quite risky indeed. This section will break down the services offered by the four major carriers in the United States.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*xK1GoPGugpXAU_NYXiSyaw.jpeg" /><figcaption>Carrier market share by parcel volume (2023)</figcaption></figure><p><strong>United States Postal Service (USPS): </strong>USPS’ tracking offerings rely mostly on updates based on scan events along the delivery chain. Each scan event is logged and published on the USPS website and mobile app, which recipients can access at their convenience. This experience works well until the day of delivery, but since there are no scan events between loading the delivery vehicle and the delivery itself, the parcel is simply marked as ‘Out for Delivery’ until that happens (or until the delivery fails).</p><p>This prevents the customer from making additional plans to receive the delivery in a convenient way. USPS does offer a service called Informed Delivery, which in some cases offers the option of providing delivery instructions to the driver, however this is not available in all areas of the country and ultimately still relies on scan events to create status updates.</p><p><strong>FedEx:</strong> Like USPS, FedEx offers standard tracking with basic, scan event-based status updates. The FedEx Delivery Tool, which is free, gives recipients the ability to virtually sign for a package, give delivery instructions, and receive status updates. Unlike USPS, FedEx offers enhanced delivery control for a fee, which allows users to specify time and place of delivery for varying prices. However, even customers paying these extra fees do not receive truly real-time tracking, with notifications still largely based on scan events.</p><p><strong>UPS: </strong>Like USPS and FedEx, UPS’ basic tracking features are largely limited to notifications at scan events. Its premium service is available to customers as a monthly subscription as well as as a per-package fee. It is this survey’s estimation that the UPS premium offering offers more control and capabilities to customers as compared to FedEx’s offering. However, even this level of service does not really compare with the more advanced last-mile tracking solutions offered elsewhere.</p><p><strong>Amazon: </strong>Compared to the other ‘big three’ of the United States, Amazon consistently ranked highest in terms of customer experience. Their real-time tracking offerings, at least when fulfilled by Amazon Logistics, offer the usual features of advanced tracking: real-time updates, dynamic ETAs, and live tracking on a map. Amazon is a major player in the logistics space, with delivery counts exceeding those of UPS and FedEx, even when including Amazon deliveries fulfilled by those companies. It is notable that these advanced features are available to all customers as a baseline instead of for a premium price.</p><h3><strong>Key findings</strong></h3><p>Bettermile’s 2024 Real-Time Tracking Survey found substantial deficiencies in American carriers’ real-time tracking offerings as compared to their equivalents elsewhere. These deficiencies manifested themselves as significant divergence between consumer expectations and actual product offering. For example, an extremely large 89% of respondents indicated that they place a high value on increased parcel visibility to help them plan their day more efficiently. As e-commerce grows alongside these consumer expectations, US carriers would be wise to invest more into their advanced real-time tracking capabilities to stay competitive.</p><p>Commenting on the findings, Sebastian Poberschin, Growth Facilitator at Bettermile said: “While these findings reveal considerable gaps, they also present a tremendous opportunity for local and regional carriers to differentiate themselves. By investing in more advanced tracking technologies, carriers can better meet consumer expectations and gain a competitive edge over larger incumbents.”</p><p>The report indeed exposes a substantial difference in consumer experience between Amazon and the other major American players, one that can only be resolved by increased investment and attention in real-time tracking, narrowing delivery windows, and offering flexible delivery options — as a default, not as a paid premium service.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*aDKec0c_R_7HtTM6BhY4Qg.png" /><figcaption>Graph showing how visibility would affect a consumer‘s daily planning</figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://bettermile.activehosted.com/f/44">Download</a> the <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/real-time-tracking-report-2024-usa">Real-Time Tracking US Report 2024</a> to get more detailed insights!</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=5afbad48b6ea" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Bettermile releases its 2024 US Last-Mile Tracking Report

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*EUnvqys31Bo0cHGuzdDi0g.jpeg" /></figure><p>Meet Anita, the dynamic Product Owner at Bettermile who is driving the transformation of parcel tracking with creative ideas and solutions focused on user needs. Since joining the company 1.5 years ago, Anita has played a key role in transforming the way users interact with <a href="https://bettermile.com/tracking">Bettermile’s tracking system</a>, while fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.</p><p>In this interview, Anita shares insights into her journey, her approach to overcoming challenges, and some exciting features coming your way.</p><iframe src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FDJnprnc774A%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DDJnprnc774A&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FDJnprnc774A%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=a19fcc184b9711e1b4764040d3dc5c07&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/7285c5f85e90c1fe9ec80ca4356c5458/href">https://medium.com/media/7285c5f85e90c1fe9ec80ca4356c5458/href</a></iframe><h4><strong>What do you like most about working at Bettermile?</strong></h4><p>I really appreciate the freedom to innovate and the supportive environment. What I like most is that we are encouraged to think outside the box and push boundaries. Creativity is not only welcomed, it’s expected here.</p><h4><strong>What motivated you to become a Product Owner?</strong></h4><p>I’ve always been passionate about improving the lives of users. Being a Product Owner allows me to connect the dots between user needs, business goals, and technical capabilities, even though it can be challenging at times. The most rewarding moment for me is when these complex ideas become real-world solutions that have a tangible impact on users.</p><h4><strong>What is a product feature or project that you are particularly proud of?</strong></h4><p>I’m really proud of the redesign we’re working on for the Tracking product. It’s not just about basic tracking anymore — we’re creating a more intuitive, interactive experience that anticipates user needs and makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. This update takes our platform to a new level of user-centricity, making it both more informative and more exciting to use.</p><h4><strong>Can you tell us about a new feature or update that’s coming soon?</strong></h4><p>We’re about to launch a feature called “Delivery Hints”. This feature allows users to provide additional guidance to the driver if their address is difficult to find. Users can provide detailed directions or hints to ensure a seamless handover. It’s like giving your package a personalized GPS!</p><h4><strong>What excites you about the future of Better Tracking?</strong></h4><p>I’m really excited about how fast the ride-hailing and mobility industries are evolving, and I see parcel logistics as part of this larger transformation. The modern user expects flexibility, real-time updates, and a seamless experience — not just from parcel delivery, but also from food delivery and ride-hailing services. To keep up, we need to offer a similar level of convenience and entertainment.</p><blockquote>The future of tracking is all about flexibility, allowing users to plan their day around their deliveries, not the other way around.</blockquote><h4><strong>Can you give an example of how customer feedback has led to product improvements?</strong></h4><p>We often receive feedback from users about their experience with Tracking after a parcel has been delivered. One recurring theme we see is positive feedback about the drivers themselves, who do an incredibly challenging job. However, this appreciation rarely reaches the drivers directly. I see this as a communication gap that we need to close. We’re currently piloting some features that will allow users to provide feedback directly to drivers, creating a more connected and appreciative experience. I can’t wait to share the results with everyone once we’ve finalized the concept!</p><h4><strong>What was your biggest challenge as a Product Owner, and how did you overcome it?</strong></h4><p>One of the biggest challenges I face is managing the large number of stakeholders involved in each project. It’s critical to have a clear vision of what we want to achieve and to effectively communicate that vision to all stakeholders. To accomplish this, I use proactive communication to keep everyone informed of progress and next steps. This approach helps reduce stress and keeps the focus on development. I also use the RACI framework, which helps to clarify the level of detail and involvement required from each stakeholder.</p><p>Curious to get to know more about <a href="https://bettermile.com/">Bettermile</a>? Check out what the other Product Owners are working on right now and what our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHOuZCXxxe_NUHdDCHP-GPa01rNfV0FBZ">company culture stands for</a>!</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=a775be05635d" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Meet Anita: The Creative Force Behind Bettermile’s User-Centric Innovations

<h3><strong>Enhancing Road Safety in Last-Meter Deliveries: Addressing Parking, Navigation, and Delivery Drivers Collaboration</strong></h3><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*JT22B7-tCUwWMmSTD6Sdag.jpeg" /></figure><p>In the fast-paced world of last-meter deliveries, road safety is paramount-not only for delivery drivers, but also for pedestrians, cyclists, and the community at large. While efficiency often drives decisions, we believe that safety should never be compromised. At Bettermile, we are continuously working to improve road safety by tackling issues like distracted driving, unsafe parking, and the challenges of road conditions, all through the innovative use of data and navigation technology. Here’s how we’re addressing these issues and why they are worth tackling.</p><h4>The Dangers of Distracted Driving and Road Navigation</h4><p>Distracted driving is one of the most significant risks delivery drivers face, especially when using navigation apps while on the move. A common scenario is drivers setting up their delivery routes while driving, adjusting the first destination or waypoints on the go. While it might seem like a minor adjustment, taking your eyes off the road even for a second, can lead to dangerous situations.</p><p>We understand this challenge and are looking into ways to improve driver safety while setting routes up by providing the right information at the right time. By optimizing our app’s features to ensure delivery drivers adjust routes before they start driving, we can reduce these risks and we can just avoid showing distracting information until the moment when it suddenly becomes essential information. Additionally, providing smarter navigation that assists with lane changes, highway exits, and U-turn safety, particularly in countries like Germany where U-turns are sometimes legal but still risky, is a step toward minimizing distractions and improving road safety.</p><h4>Unsafe Parking: A Major Concern</h4><p>Parking in unsafe or illegal locations is another pressing road safety issue. Using historical data, we’re exploring ways to suggest safe parking spots to drivers based on where others have successfully parked in the past. One challenge, however, is that delivery drivers sometimes park in dangerous or prohibited areas — such as on sidewalks, bike lanes, or blocking driveways — and we don’t want to perpetuate unsafe habits by recommending these spots.</p><h4>Leveraging Driver Feedback to Improve Safety</h4><p>One of the most exciting developments in our approach to road safety is the potential for a driver-to-driver collaboration. With ‘Driver Notes’, we’re testing a feature that allows drivers to share valuable information with each other, such as warnings about unsafe buildings, construction zones, or tricky road conditions. This user-generated content could become a very important part of the app’s safety features, providing real-time insights that even the most sophisticated algorithms might miss.</p><p>In addition, we are exploring ways to integrate driver feedback about dangerous addresses into our navigation system. This could help future drivers avoid dangerous locations or alert them to potential hazards, improving overall road safety. In this way they can know in advance that they need to take extra care with the package or if any other driver’s experience is something to learn from.</p><h4><strong>Ethical Considerations: Safety vs. Efficiency</strong></h4><p>At the heart of road safety lies the tension between ethical responsibility and the drive for efficiency. While logistic companies, like Bettermile, want to ensure drivers operate safely and avoid injuries, there are often incentives — whether it’s finishing deliveries faster or taking shortcuts — that lead to risky behavior. For example, some drivers use apps like Waze to check for speed cameras and drive faster, which is not only illegal in some countries but also increases the risk of accidents.</p><p>Balancing this trade-off between efficiency and safety is a challenge, but we’re committed to prioritizing ethical safety practices over speed. This extends to broader ethical issues such as ensuring that packages are handled with care and that drivers are not overburdened.</p><h4>Testing Safety for Cyclists and Bikers</h4><p>In addition to improving safety for vehicle drivers, we’re also exploring how to make our app more bike-friendly. Bikers are particularly vulnerable on the road, and navigation must cater to their unique needs. Cargo bikes and e-bikes are to be seen even more often now, and they are a great sustainable option too. For instance, we are currently running a trial with Bettermile employees to test navigation features for these bikers, focusing on safety in bike-friendly cities and providing separate navigation routes where cars are not allowed, but cargo bikes are.</p><p>Testing and collecting data in real-world biking conditions will allow us to refine our app for cyclists and ensure that it offers practical value without compromising their safety.</p><h4>Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety at Every Turn</h4><p>At Bettermile, road safety is not just a box to check — it’s an ongoing journey that requires collaboration, testing, and innovative solutions. From preventing distracted driving to providing contextually aware parking suggestions and encouraging delivery driver collaboration, we are committed to making last-meter deliveries safer for everyone. As we roll out these features in Germany and the Netherlands, we’ll continue to refine our approach based on driver feedback and real-world testing, ensuring that safety is at the forefront of every decision and our <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/when-navigation-apps-send-users-in-the-wrong-direction-3547a345e64a">navigation can handle multiple challenges</a>.</p><p>After all, when drivers, companies, and communities work together, we can create a safer, more efficient delivery ecosystem — one that protects people as well as packages!</p><p>Navigation can and must be safer for drivers and for the people around them too. Discover <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/meet-leitha-the-product-owner-making-navigation-easier-for-drivers-855c885c5ebc">how the navigation team at Bettermile is dedicated to developing and maintaining advanced navigation</a> and <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/meet-mohammad-the-innovator-behind-advanced-route-optimization-at-bettermile-96d820d9876f">route optimization solutions</a>, and if this sparks your interest, visit our <a href="https://bettermile.com/careers#job-list">Career page</a>!</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=11e121c34e5e" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Enhancing Road Safety in Last-Meter Deliveries: Addressing Parking, Navigation, and Delivery…

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*wxxCYS5jTBJw3DNVdIgxJw.jpeg" /><figcaption>Highlights of the Last Mile Delivery Meetup #7</figcaption></figure><p>On September 11th, 2024, Berlin played host to the #7 Last Mile Delivery Meetup, both onsite and online, where industry leaders from across Europe gathered to discuss the future of delivery services. Titled “<em>Bridging the Gap Between Letters and Parcels”</em>, this edition focused on innovations in the parcel sector and the challenges of merging traditional postal services with growing parcel demand. Discussions spanned from real-time route optimization to the booming growth of parcel lockers — highlighting how technology can revolutionize delivery operations and enhance the customer experience.</p><p>So how can postal companies bridge the gap between the declining volume of letters and the rising tide of parcels while maintaining efficiency and delivering a top-tier customer experience?</p><iframe src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FVYUP0Yg4qxc%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DVYUP0Yg4qxc&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FVYUP0Yg4qxc%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=a19fcc184b9711e1b4764040d3dc5c07&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/c86c6794c9ceca1c18d1dc990e6eec24/href">https://medium.com/media/c86c6794c9ceca1c18d1dc990e6eec24/href</a></iframe><h3>Setting the Stage for Innovation</h3><p>Simon Seeger, Managing Director of Bettermile, opened the event by welcoming attendees in Berlin and the online audience. He introduced the overarching theme of the day — how to adapt traditional postal services in a parcel-dominated world. The unique format of the meetup, held in collaboration with Connect2posts (a networking platform for postal and logistics startups), featured two panel discussions, with a special presentation by Christian Oestergaard from PostNord.</p><p>Simon reflected on the evolving landscape: “We’re facing a critical moment in the industry. The letter business is steadily declining, accelerated by the pandemic, while parcel volumes are skyrocketing. The question isn’t just about surviving this shift — it’s about thriving. Are we, as postal and parcel companies, equipped to meet the growing demands and expectations of today’s consumers?”</p><h3>The Challenge: A Balancing Act for Postal Services</h3><p>The first challenge Simon addressed was the growing demand for transparency and flexibility. He shared early results from the <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/real-time-tracking-report-2024-usa">2024 Real-Time Tracking U.S. Report</a>, conducted by Bettermile and Triangle Management Services, which revealed that 4 out of 5 consumers expect greater visibility into their deliveries and feel like it is a need. As e-commerce continues to boom, customers want real-time updates, flexible delivery options, and a seamless experience — factors that have been largely ignored by traditional postal services.</p><p>Simon’s opening remarks set the tone for a day of thought discussions, centered on technology’s role in solving these emerging challenges. Could smart lockers and route optimization bridge the gap between letters and parcels? What role would AI and automation play in transforming last-mile delivery?</p><h3>Out-of-Home Delivery Solutions: Parcel Lockers to the Rescue?</h3><p>Moderated by Bernhard Bukovc, founder of Connect2posts, the first panel discussion explored <em>Out-of-Home Solutions</em> — specifically the growing role of parcel lockers. He was joined by:</p><ul><li>Tadas Beržonskas, Parcel Locker Network Group Manager at Lithuanian Post</li><li>Andre Veskimeister, Founder & CEO of Parcel Locker Central</li><li>Tadej Visinski, Co-Founder & CEO of Direct4me</li></ul><p>The discussion kicked off with Tadas explaining Lithuanian Post’s innovative approach to parcel lockers, which are now a key element of the country’s last-mile delivery strategy. The lockers allow customers to not only pick up but also drop off parcels, with an intuitive user interface that eliminates the complexity of packaging and labeling. Tadas shared that this service had been a hit during the last holiday season, and they are still planning to scale it up: “We’ve seen an overwhelming response. The convenience and affordability — just a few cents per transaction — make it an easier solution for customers.”</p><p>But as the panel discussed, scaling up parcel lockers is not without its challenges. Tadej Visinski highlighted one of the primary issues: finding the right locations and overcoming regulatory hurdles. “The need for lockers is growing, but so are the challenges,” he said. “It’s not just about installing a locker anywhere — it has to be in a location that’s convenient for customers, close to where they live or on their daily commute.”</p><p>What’s more, Tadej explained, early autonomous lockers required users to operate them via mobile phones, which led to adoption issues. The next generation of autonomous lockers, however, includes new features such as touchscreen displays, QR code scanners, and even credit card payment options — all of which are designed to remove friction and increase user adoption.</p><p>Andre Veskimeister chimed in with an optimistic outlook: “Lockers are the future. They’re the fastest growing delivery method, and I predict that in 10 years we won’t even be talking about them anymore — they’ll be so commonplace. The key will be integrating lockers into everyday architecture, whether in residential buildings or office spaces. Everyone will have access to a locker close to home or work.”</p><figure><img alt="The 4 experts talking about Out-of-home delivery options in last-mile-delivery and postal sector" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*nYxJO3GTL1mFoau3JBbzag.jpeg" /><figcaption>from the right: Tadas Beržonskas, Andre Veskimeister, Tadej Visinski and Bernhard Bukovc</figcaption></figure><h3>Future-Proofing Delivery: A Visionary Perspective from PostNord</h3><p>The spotlight then shifted to Christian Oestergaard, Lead Visionary and Group Strategist at PostNord. Christian’s presentation painted a picture of the future of the delivery industry, with a focus on the role of technology in solving emerging challenges, such as labor shortages and the demand for real-time delivery tracking.</p><p>“Technology is moving fast,” Christian noted. “But it won’t solve everything. In Denmark, 83% of young people are pursuing white-collar jobs, leaving just 17% to fill roles in logistics and delivery. We need to rethink our strategies — especially when it comes to automating the more labor-intensive parts of the delivery process such as moving heavy goods or driving delivery vans.”</p><p>Christian’s insights weren’t just about parcel lockers or autonomous vehicles. He also emphasized the importance of flexible delivery solutions and ensuring that last-mile infrastructure, like delivery vans and sorting centers, are optimized for the future. “The challenge isn’t just delivering parcels. It’s about how we configure our operations to meet the growing demands of consumers while managing the logistical hurdles. It’s not just a question of installing more parcel lockers or deploying more delivery vans — we need smarter, more interconnected solutions.”</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*f6_25r6hU98bz3lo1kRY2w.jpeg" /><figcaption>Christian Oestergaard, Innovation Strategist at Post Nord, during his presentation</figcaption></figure><h3>Customer Experience: More Than Just Delivering a Parcel</h3><p>The second panel of the day focused on <em>Customer Experience</em>, moderated by Simon Seeger, with experts such as Nadja Kurbanova of Avery Dennison, Ira Cohen from MMDSmart, and Christian Oestergaard contributing to the discussion. This conversation addressed a key issue for delivery companies: how to exceed customer expectations, and not just meet them.</p><p>Ira Cohen emphasized the importance of two-way communication between companies and consumers. “It’s not just about delivering a package — it’s about giving customers control over the process. For example, if a package can’t be delivered to the shop as planned, companies should offer alternative delivery points and give customers the option to choose. It’s that level of engagement that builds trust and loyalty.”</p><p>Nadja Kurbanova from Avery Dennison highlighted their Smart Labels solution, which leverages RFID technology to provide accurate, real-time tracking for parcels. “We’ve found that visibility is key,” Nadja said. “It’s not just about letting customers know where their parcel is — it’s about ensuring that the right information is communicated at every step. Our Smart Labels not only track parcels but also help avoid misdeliveries, which can frustrate customers and demage brand loyalty.”</p><p>Christian Oestergaard also touched on an innovative approach at PostNord, where they send customers a photo of their package next to a person for scale. This small touch helps consumers plan when and how to pick up their items, ultimately improving the customer experience.</p><figure><img alt="the 4 experts talking about customer experience in the last-mile-delivery and postal sector" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*_Xdue5t83Glao9tkPC4hhQ.jpeg" /><figcaption>from the right: Nadja Kurbanova, Christian Oestergaard, Ira Cohen and Simon Seeger</figcaption></figure><h3>Looking Ahead: The Future of Last Mile Delivery</h3><p>As the event drew to a close, one key takeaway emerged: the future of last-mile delivery is a blend of technology, flexibility, and customer-centric solutions. Parcel lockers, autonomous vehicles, and smarter use of data will play central roles, but so will more traditional methods like home delivery and <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/beyond-the-doorstep-the-impact-of-parcel-lockers-on-delivery-route-optimization-e2023b6a10e4">PUDO (pick-up/drop-off) points</a>.</p><p>In the next 5 to 10 years, we’re likely to see a fully integrated delivery ecosystem where lockers are ubiquitous, deliveries are optimized in real-time, and customers are in control of their experience at every stage. However, the industry still faces challenges — particularly around scaling infrastructure and navigating labor shortages.</p><p>Christian summed it up perfectly: “The dark horse in all of this is time. How fast can we implement these changes? How quickly can we adapt our operations? The companies that can figure this out will not only survive but thrive in this new era of delivery.”</p><h3>Conclusion: A New Era for Last Mile Delivery</h3><p>The #7 Last Mile Delivery Meetup was a testament to the fact that the delivery industry is undergoing a massive transformation. With rising customer expectations, advances in technology, and the decline of traditional letter services, postal and parcel companies are racing to innovate. Whether it’s through real-time tracking, the growth of parcel lockers, or enhanced customer communication, the future of last-mile delivery is set to be faster, smarter, and more customer-centric than ever before.</p><p>As the event wrapped up, attendees walked away with a clearer vision of where the industry is headed — and what it will take to get there. One thing is certain: the gap between letters and parcels is shrinking, and companies that can bridge it will lead the way into the future.</p><p>The next Last Mile Delivery Meetup is coming! Follow our <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bettermile/">Linkedin channel</a> and stay up to date by <a href="https://bettermile.com/newsletter">subscribing to our newsletter</a></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=cf12a3c41a59" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Highlights of Last Mile Delivery Meetup #7: Bridging the Gap Between Letters and Parcels

<p><em>An Expert Exchange on Future-Proofing the Last Mile for Postal Companies</em></p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*HmaBCRcOtNPPbWQlZq53xQ.jpeg" /></figure><p>As postal operators shift their growth strategy to parcel delivery, they must rethink their last-mile operations and make the transition from predictable, static mail delivery processes to the dynamic environment of parcel delivery. This process presents challenges that can only be met through technological innovation.</p><ul><li>What are the advantages that postal services can leverage to leapfrog their parcel business?</li><li>What trends are driving change in the postal industry?</li><li>What are the issues that postal companies should prioritize to future-proof their business?</li></ul><p>Last mile innovation experts Sebastian Poberschin, Growth Facilitator at Bettermile, and Bastian Schilling, Business Development Director at GIRO, got together to discuss these pressing topics in preparation for the <a href="https://bettermile.com/last-mile-meetup-event">Last Mile Deliver Meetup</a> on <strong>Bridging the Gap Between Letters and Parcels</strong>. Let’s take a deeper dive into their conversation.</p><h4><strong>Key Trends of Postal Transformation</strong></h4><p>Bastian Schilling, with over 13 years of experience working with postal organizations and suppliers, has witnessed significant changes in the industry. Increasingly, companies are integrating parcel and mail operations, each with distinct characteristics that must be managed effectively.</p><p>Traditionally, mail routes follow a static, meticulously planned sequence. This approach is necessary to ensure seamless coverage and works for the rather predictable nature of mail delivery. In contrast, parcel delivery requires greater flexibility due to daily fluctuations in volume and capacity. While stability is essential for efficient resource planning, the industry is shifting towards real-time adjustments. <strong>Instead of relying on long-term plans, operators now need to adapt their strategies on the day of operation to address daily variations in parcel volumes.</strong></p><p>As parcel volumes increase, optimizing delivery networks becomes crucial. While adding packages to mail routes is often limited, the shift from mail to parcels is even leading to the first cases of operators who integrate mail into dedicated parcel routes. <strong>This trend, coupled with the digitization of the supply chain, suggests a move towards treating all deliveries as ‘items’ rather than distinguishing between mail and parcels.</strong></p><p>The key to success in this complex landscape lies in achieving a balance between stability and adaptability, ensuring efficient resource planning while remaining responsive to daily changes.</p><h4><strong>Leveraging Strengths for Growth</strong></h4><p>One of the key advantages that postal operators have is their extensive postal network, which provides sufficient density as an operational base. By integrating parcel delivery into this existing infrastructure, postal operators can increase revenues without significantly increasing costs, but it also means they must become more efficient and agile to handle the large volumes.</p><p>Another strength of postal organizations is their experienced staff. They have local knowledge and have built working processes into their daily routines based on that know-how. But today’s market is changing rapidly. As employee turnover remains high, it is <strong>essential to equip delivery personnel with the right tools to be efficient from day one, even with little or no knowledge of the delivery area. </strong>A <a href="https://bettermile.com/route">routing application for delivery drivers</a> today must be able to strike a balance between flexibility for experienced drivers and guidance and optimization for newcomers.</p><h4><strong>How Postal Operators Can Leverage their Data for the Last Mile</strong></h4><p>Data is key — the better the data, the more effective the optimization and the better the results in the field. While parcel delivery typically benefits from rich data such as sorting and loading scans, the mail side remains more limited. This disparity underscores the importance of maximizing available data to improve both mail and parcel delivery. By improving data quality and availability across both segments, postal logistics companies can achieve new levels of efficiency and flexibility, reducing the need to differentiate between letters and parcels and simplifying training and operations.</p><h4><strong>How Dynamic Could Route Optimization Be?</strong></h4><p><a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/meet-mohammad-the-innovator-behind-advanced-route-optimization-at-bettermile-96d820d9876f">Dynamic route optimization</a> is critical to balancing efficiency and flexibility throughout the delivery process. It requires not only complete visibility into delivery data, but also seamless coordination between sorting, loading, and real-time route adjustments. Each stage presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for optimization.</p><p>Beginning with sortation and loading, the focus is on refining these processes prior to shipping to allow for flexible route adjustments as needed. Striking a balance between daily route creation and maintaining some stability is key to maximizing efficiency, keeping in mind that every time we change something in the data, there are changes in the yard.</p><p>Once on the road, dynamic optimization really comes into play. Real-time adjustments to routes are critical for managing traffic conditions, service commitments, and last-minute consignee requests.</p><iframe src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fplayer.vimeo.com%2Fvideo%2F1006563164%3Fapp_id%3D122963&dntp=1&display_name=Vimeo&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F1006563164%3Fshare%3Dcopy&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.vimeocdn.com%2Fvideo%2F1923292081-e8dd41b81a710de8bc4fa8cb9180e3abd35c56d15814ec3540fbbdbaf156cced-d_1280&key=a19fcc184b9711e1b4764040d3dc5c07&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=vimeo" width="1920" height="1080" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/183a7fa996032503758b21d60c3d99d5/href">https://medium.com/media/183a7fa996032503758b21d60c3d99d5/href</a></iframe><h4><strong>Enhancing the Customer Experience without Sacrificing Efficiency</strong></h4><p>For customers, <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/every-parcel-always-found-the-power-of-parcel-finder-d86c75c8c1bf">dynamic routing and real-time updates foster transparency and trust</a>. Accurate delivery time predictions help them plan their day, while the ability to make last-minute changes or reroute parcels boosts overall satisfaction. This keeps recipients fully informed throughout the entire delivery journey, right up to the moment their package arrives at the door.</p><p>When recipients are well informed about delivery times, interactions at the door are brief, reducing costly time spent attempting to deliver when no one is home. <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/flexible-delivery-how-package-rerouting-pays-off-7d987e3ad585">Features such as parcel rerouting</a> further minimize the time the driver spends at the door, creating a win-win situation: customers are happy and able to make last-minute decisions, and postal organizations save time and money by being able to respond quickly to these changes.</p><p>So indeed, customer satisfaction and cost efficiency can go hand in hand.</p><p><strong>About GIRO</strong><br><a href="https://www.giro.ca/en-ca/">GIRO Inc.</a> is a leading provider of optimization software for the public transportation and postal industries. Whether for planning, scheduling or operations management, we provide our customers with software and services that help them improve their efficiency while providing better service to their customers.</p><p><strong>About Bettermile</strong><br><a href="https://bettermile.com/">Bettermile</a> empowers express, courier and parcel delivery organizations to evolve their last mile, drive productivity and deliver a truly enjoyable customer experience — all thanks to a dynamic, geo-driven SaaS product suite plus expert guidance at every turn.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=a1961b04e7e2" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Static vs. Dynamic: Striking the Right Balance in Mail and Parcel Routes

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