<figure><img alt="Shopping cart in front of laptop" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*G-o9C7u2l6wPdn9aiVpKvQ.jpeg" /></figure>Checkout is where parcels are won or lost. The way options are shown directly affects a carrier’s volume, costs, and service offering.For retailers, the same screen decides whether the basket turns into revenue or into cart abandonment. On average, <a href="https://www.clickpost.ai/blog/cart-abandonment-statistics">about 7 in 10 carts never reach payment</a>. Delivery cost and uncertainty are among the main reasons.If carriers treat checkout as not their business, they give up a channel to influence volume and quality. The reality is that last mile providers are in a perfect position to help retailers build better checkouts and to claim a stronger presence there.<h3>What actually improves checkout completion</h3>Before talking about delivery options, it helps to look at the whole picture. A high-performing checkout usually gets five things right:<ol><li>Payment choice that fits real life The main payment methods are available, work smoothly on mobile, and feel familiar.</li><li>Costs are clear from the start Shipping, taxes, and duties are visible before the final step, with no surprise add-ons.</li><li>Delivery is plannable and convenient Shoppers see who delivers, when it will arrive, and can choose where to receive the parcel.</li><li>The flow works on a small screen Short forms, address lookup, and clear buttons keep mobile users moving forward.</li><li>Trust is reinforced at the end The last step shows a clean order recap, visible returns information, and real support contact details.</li></ol>All five play together, but the carrier has real influence on the topic of plannability and convenience.<h3>The problem with “3 to 5 business days”</h3>Vague delivery promises are bad for business. Studies show that unclear or missing shipping information explains roughly a quarter of checkout abandonment.<a href="https://fenixcommerce.com/the-hidden-link-between-delivery-dates-and-cart-abandonment-why-every-product-page-needs-estimated-delivery-times/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"> </a>Customers want a simple answer to “When will it get here? Will it arrive in time for that birthday party? Will I get it before I leave for vacation?”<h3>The Power of Plannability</h3>Carriers can solve this problem by offering precision. Replacing a vague range with a specific date — “Arrives Thursday, June 11” — changes the psychology of the purchase. It eliminates the guesswork.<figure><img alt="Mobile phone showing delivery time prediction at checkout" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*umr_8FS9uBva_3dK6QIVrQ.png" /><figcaption>By predicting and displaying reliable 2–4 hour delivery windows directly in the checkout — days before the parcel actually moves — carriers provide the confidence shoppers need to complete the sale. This upstream precision significantly reduces failed delivery attempts and secures a distinct competitive advantage.</figcaption></figure>Some carriers already go a step further and supply a predicted time window for the chosen date. Knowing that a parcel is going to arrive between 10:00 and 12:00 creates a very different feeling than “sometime on Thursday.” This early delivery time prediction (preETA) helps people decide whether to receive at home, send to a parcel shop, or choose an evening slot.This level of detail offers two distinct advantages:<ol><li>Increased Conversion: The shopper gains the confidence to click “Buy” because they can plan their week around the arrival.</li><li>Reduced Failure: If a customer sees a time slot that does not work, they may choose an out-of-home option, such as a locker. This saves the carrier a failed delivery attempt.</li></ol><h3>Strategies to Dominate the Checkout</h3>Carriers should not wait for retailers to figure this out. They must actively advise merchants on how to display shipping options. Research indicates that <a href="https://www.metapack.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/MP_2019-Consumer-Research-Report_exec-summary.pdf">41 percent of consumers specifically want to choose which carrier delivers their goods</a>.Here is how to ensure your service stands out:Innovate the Service Menu Do not force the retailer to look elsewhere for niche services. If the market demands same-day delivery, evening slots, or green delivery options, provide them. If a retailer has to hire a specialist courier for these premium services, you lose that volume.Negotiate for Position Be proactive. Offer competitive rates or volume rebates in exchange for being the default shipping option. Incentivize the merchant to keep your competitors off the list.Highlight Specific Value If your service is premium, ensure the label reflects it. A generic label hides your value. Insist that the retailer uses descriptive tags. A label reading “Fastest (Guaranteed by Tuesday)” is far more compelling than “Express.” Even if it costs more, a segment of buyers will always choose the sure thing.Provide a Stellar Delivery Experience Finally, the best way to win the checkout is to be the carrier the customer hopes to see. This requires a flawless post-purchase experience. Excellent <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/what-is-last-mile-tracking/">last mile tracking</a>, branded portals, and features like driver tipping and feedback build a reputation for reliability.Carriers that understand checkout mechanics, offer precise delivery promises, and work closely with retailers on how options are displayed gain three things at once: higher parcel volume, lower failure costs, and a stronger brand in the eyes of the end customer.Learn more about Bettermile’s early ETA prediction service: <a href="https://docs.bettermile.com/products/tracking/resources/pre-eta">preETA</a>.<img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=02d5a9503b3f" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Winning the Parcel at Checkout: How Carriers Shape the Last Mile Before It Starts

<figure><img alt="Laptop with Bettermile Logistics Data Hub" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*xqzk0vBuZ_dckVZUgqFelA.jpeg" /></figure>Ever heard of shadow IT in parcel delivery?The problem arises when a business intelligence tool is seen as too complex, slow, or not relevant. When it doesn’t solve immediate problems, depot managers and their teams default to their own “shadow IT”: gut-feel and complex Excel sheets.The problem isn’t a lack of data; it’s a lack of actionable insight. On the depot floor, time is the one resource nobody has. If a dashboard can’t be read in seconds, it’s failed. The best analytics solution isn’t the one with the most charts; it’s the one that guides operators to the next best action.<blockquote>This article explores how to move from insight to implementation, so teams can finally control last mile delivery performance.</blockquote><h3>Key areas to monitor for strong delivery performance in the last-mile depot</h3>Depot and operations managers need to optimise their logistics processes to keep up with the constant cost pressures that the industry is known for. So they have a whole lot of delivery KPI’s to track.Here are four core areas depot managers pay attention to:<ol><li>Productivity & Throughput — Are we fast? Track parcels per hour, trailer turnaround, and on-time departures to see how quickly the depot moves packages.</li><li>Quality & Accuracy — Are we right? Watch scan compliance, mis-sort rate, and first-attempt delivery — and balance speed vs. accuracy.</li><li>Process Control — Are we smooth? Measure cases that need manual handling (packages not scanned, lost, or damaged), parcel dwell time, and driver time in depot to keep operations stable.</li><li>Cost & Safety — Are we efficient and safe? Control total and per-parcel costs while monitoring safety incidents.</li></ol>Depot managers are constantly balancing speed, accuracy, cost, and safety. It shows that measuring depot performance is not just about reducing costs and faster delivery time; it’s about the interplay of these different factors resulting in an efficient delivery hub.And the same logic applies to last-mile delivery operations: there is no single magic KPI. Last-mile delivery performance emerges from speed, accuracy, cost, and safety — plus the extra complexity of meeting evolving customer expectations.<h3>Last-mile Delivery: Fixing the Data Black Hole</h3>For years, the moment drivers left the depot in their delivery vehicle, visibility dropped to almost zero. Managers had to call drivers to understand where they were, whether routes were efficient, <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/route-driven-history-a-breakdown-of-our-latest-product-update-9ab9b0288cee">if stop sequences made sense</a>, or why someone was falling behind. Linking any of this to customer experience was nearly impossible.That’s changing. <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/the-power-of-flexibility-in-last-mile-delivery-16b0eca9804b">Dynamic route optimization</a> and real-time tracking solutions generate live delivery information that provide the depot with instant <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/the-last-mile-visibility-platform-putting-depots-in-the-drivers-seat-f2d7c687474c">visibility into the final mile</a>. Add machine learning and predictive analytics to the mix, and you get an operational data platform that offers guidance and a path for improvement.<figure><img alt="Bettermile Back Office Depot Overview" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/657/1*RfFhZG-OZRK58Uu6_BOPmg.png" /><figcaption>Bettermile gives depot and operations managers a smarter way to start the day, bringing live KPIs, tour insights, and proactive action items together in one clean view.</figcaption></figure><h3>Taking Control of the Last Mile with Bettermile</h3>Bettermile <a href="https://bettermile.com/backoffice/">Back Office is a real-time control center</a> that gives depots full transparency from route to recipient, surfacing issues like delays, missed scans, bad addresses, or time-window conflicts as they happen so teams can intervene immediately. It links live KPIs, alerts, and trends to delivery performance, helps compare routes, depots, or partners, and makes it easy for operations managers to see where performance is slipping and which action — driver support, data correction, or process fix — will have the biggest effect.<h4>The Operations Manager’s Daily Cockpit: Depot Overview</h4>The Depot Overview in Back Office functions as a unified operational cockpit, replacing morning chaos with a single, clean view. It provides a smarter start to the day by uniting live and historical KPIs, like route performance and, with a dynamic map of today’s routes.This isn’t just data; it provides actionable insights. The system automatically flags issues and surfaces priority actions that need attention, alongside highlights of what’s running smoothly. This clear focus empowers teams to act before problems escalate, turning reactive firefighting into proactive management.<figure><img alt="Last Mile Delivery Data into Performance Improvements" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*LBEDarLwABVSn6ny4k6WaQ.jpeg" /><figcaption>A last mile visibility platfor that provides <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/the-transformation-of-logistics-through-tour-recommendation-3c5c5e890b7c">route recommendations to improve delivery route performance</a>.</figcaption></figure><h4>Back Office tools that turn insights into action</h4><ul><li>Live tour progress — Monitor waypoint progress in real time and contact the driver if a delay appears.</li><li>Unsuccessful jobs — See failed or missed deliveries, understand the reason, and trigger a follow-up.</li><li>Customer-impact — View how many parcels are tracked on the last mile by parcel recipients to gauge delivery performance with CX impact.</li><li>Tracking status — Spot routes that are underperforming and blocked for tracking to address problems early.</li><li>Sequence fidelity — Check how closely drivers follow the planned stop order and coach where deviations hurt performance.</li><li>Time-frame monitoring — Follow time-window deliveries or special services to make sure they’re met.</li><li>ETA to depot — See when a driver will finish the delivery route to plan returns or depot resources.</li><li>Driver app usage — Track if and how actively drivers use the app to <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/technology-adoption-analyzing-driver-app-usage-b37e94387c6f">understand technology adoption rates</a> on depot level and identify</li></ul>These last mile KPIs are not about monitoring individual driver performance — they are about making efficient routes and giving delivery service providers a way to track their improvement efforts on depot and <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/tools-to-integrate-subcontractors-into-final-mile-delivery-operations-6f004c726fa1">subcontractor</a> level.<h3>Why BI Tools Fail on the Depot Floor</h3>Logistics companies often have Business Intelligence (BI) tools in place to manage their data. They are helpful but for depot staff they can be a pain. BI software is built for high-level visibility, letting executives analyze the past. A depot manager lives in the chaotic present, needing real-time, on-the-floor decision support.The main issues with BI tools from a depot manager’s perspective:Not real-time enough for the floor Last-mile depots live in minutes, not days. If the BI dashboard updates hourly or only after EOD processing, it can’t help when a wave is late, a driver calls in sick, or a trailer arrives short. By the time the number appears, the decision window is gone.Too high-level, not operationally actionable Many BI setups are built for central visibility (on-time %, stop density, cost per drop). A depot manager needs “Which 7 stops are at risk right now, and who can take them?” If the tool can’t drill to route/driver/stop level quickly, it’s extra work.Data quality exposes the depot BI makes bad scans, late status updates, or sloppy close-outs very visible. That’s good long term, but in the short term it feels like the tool is highlighting the “wrong” more than the delivery successes — which erodes trust.Doesn’t capture local realities Depots often run on workarounds: manual reallocations, WhatsApp to subcontractors, local holiday patterns, driver skill differences. A BI tool that only shows what’s in the system ignores the judgment calls the manager made — so the picture looks worse than reality.Takes time during the busiest window Morning sort, dispatch, exception handling — that’s when managers are slammed. If the BI tool needs 5 filters and 3 dashboards to answer, “Are we on track with first-wave departures?”, it’s too slow compared to just asking the lead or looking at the floor.Metric overload Many BI setups push a lot of KPIs (OTD, RTS, productivity, damages, scan compliance, fleet utilization). If everything is red, nothing is prioritized. Managers need “fix this now,” not 14 red widgets.Limited usability on the floor Last-mile managers walk the dock. If the BI tool works best on a big screen in an office, it’s less useful than a simple operations app showing real-time progress on a mobile device.Bettermile decided to take a different approach. Its logistics data hub is designed to be used. It provides actionable data in real-time, highlights the wins, and focuses on the most important last mile delivery metrics in clean dashboards — all available on both mobile and desktop.<h3>From Data Dumps to Daily Decisions</h3>Measuring delivery performance is an ongoing battle. You need secure, GDPR-compliant data. You need KPIs that actually reflect your logistics operation. And you absolutely need visualizations that a busy shift lead can understand in seconds.Bettermile’s approach is to put the depot back in the driver’s seat. The goal isn’t just to show data, but to provide a data cockpit that makes it actionable. By highlighting priority issues and showing what’s running smoothly, it empowers teams to increase efficiency and reduce costs in real time.The outcome is twofold: you get immediate <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/reducing-last-mile-delivery-costs-strategies-for-route-efficiency-37f34db669fd">cost-cutting and more streamlined delivery performance</a>. But the real value is in finally turning data into decisions — ones that fix today’s problems and drive continuous improvements.Learn more about Back Office, Bettermile’s <a href="https://bettermile.com/backoffice/">data hub for parcel delivery</a>.<img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=9be240ba0276" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Turning last mile delivery performance into daily action on the depot floor

<figure><img alt="Out-of-home takes center stage: insights from London and Amsterdam." src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*1ORs11VlUI9dH3b3_wCXOw.jpeg" /><figcaption>OOH Takes Center Stage: Insights from London & Amsterdam</figcaption></figure>While our teams have been busy behind the scenes preparing all systems for the upcoming peak season, the industry has gathered one last time before the end of the year at major events across Europe.In October, Bettermile attended two key forums: <a href="https://leaders-in-logistics.com/events/summit/">Leaders in Logistics</a> in London (October 8–9) and <a href="https://parcelandpostexpo.com/">P+P Expo</a> in Amsterdam (October 21–23). These events brought together parcel and postal operators, retailers, tech and hardware providers.One topic consistently emerged across every conversation: The industry is accelerating the shift toward <a href="https://medium.com/@bettermile/out-of-home-delivery-a-logistics-game-changer-or-a-costly-challenge-fed7d5594c07">out-of-home (OOH) delivery solutions</a> while striving to optimize home delivery operations and achieve higher first-time success rates, especially as parcel volumes surge.In this recap, we explore what this means for hybrid delivery operations and explain how Bettermile helps delivery companies orchestrate home and out-of-home (OOH) deliveries efficiently for the benefit of senders and recipients.<h3>Leaders in Logistics — London</h3>Out-of-home (OOH) delivery continues to dominate industry discussions. At some events, there seem to be more providers than buyers, yet adoption is accelerating. In several European markets, locker delivery has already surpassed parcel shops as the second most popular delivery option after home delivery. The cross-country success of C2C platforms like <a href="https://www.vinted.de/">Vinted</a> further fuels this growth by connecting shoppers across borders and driving higher parcel volumes into OOH networks.This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for delivery companies. Increased use of lockers can significantly reduce delivery costs, justifying large investments in infrastructure expansion.<h3>P+P Expo — Amsterdam</h3>If any more proof was needed of lockers’ dominance, this year’s Parcel + Post Expo certainly delivered it. One of the three vast exhibition halls was entirely dedicated to lockers with around 30 providers showcasing their solutions and many more visiting to join panels and keynotes.Yet, simply adding lockers does not solve the operational challenges they introduce. Carriers must intelligently integrate OOH into logistics ecosystems and the customer journey, from checkout to the minutes before delivery. The goal should be to position OOH as a value-added option, not just a low-cost alternative. This will help avoid commoditization, which occurs when the personal touch of home delivery is replaced by a “cheap locker” option that any logistics company can provide.From Bettermile’s perspective, carriers’ keys to success are:<ul><li>Owning the consumer touchpoints: Keep recipients informed and empower them to plan with confidence through accurate ETAs and real-time updates, starting early in the journey and continuing through delivery day.</li><li>Responsive systems: Let recipients control where and when their parcel is delivered, especially on the final mile, enabling them to plan their day around deliveries while allowing high-volume operations to adapt dynamically to their needs.</li><li>Dynamic optimization: Offer smart OOH alternatives aligned with real-time delivery progress, while guiding drivers through optimized routes for faster, more successful deliveries — whether to doorsteps, shops or lockers.</li></ul>Recent keynotes and panels offered valuable insights into how carriers are implementing OOH delivery innovations. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanholstein/">Johan Holstein</a>, Digital & Last-Mile Transformation Director at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/gls/posts/?feedView=all">GLS</a>, together with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonseeger/">Simon Seeger</a>, Managing Director at Bettermile, emphasized that adopting OOH technology is not just a cost-saving measure but a vital component of customer convenience and experience, setting apart industry leaders.The session explored how carriers and retailers can meet the evolving expectations of today’s recipients, shifting from static delivery models to truly flexible, customer-driven experiences. Johan and Simon shared how GLS and Bettermile are working together to make this transformation a reality through<a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/5-levels-of-delivery-orchestration/"> Intelligent Orchestration </a>— leveraging real-time data, dynamic optimization, and technology-driven flexibility to enhance delivery precision, empower recipient choice, and drive operational efficiency.At the AI Parcel Lab, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-poberschin/">Sebastian Poberschin</a> shared Bettermile’s approach to leveraging data-driven delivery predictions to enhance the consumer journey from basket to doorstep.His talk illustrated how early planning, real-time visibility, and the flexibility to reroute parcels to OOH options — even at the last moment — can be achieved reliably within high-volume operations. Alongside other experts, the discussion focused on practical AI use cases and the long-term transformative potential of technology, steering clear of buzzwords to maintain a concrete, actionable dialogue.However, as the industry shifts its focus to scaling out-of-home (OOH) and hybrid models, it’s important to ask: Does this intense spotlight risk creating blind spots elsewhere? Though promising, automation and autonomous delivery models were notably underrepresented. Looking ahead, carriers that invest in adaptive, real-time orchestration platforms and empower recipients with flexible options will ensure the future success of their operations and strengthen consumer relationships.For those interested in staying ahead in the rapidly evolving logistics space, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/best-logistics-last-mile-delivery-events-to-attend-in-2025-and-2026-82a9b6c1680b">best logistics and last-mile delivery events to attend in 2025 and 2026.</a> Discover opportunities to connect with industry leaders, explore innovative solutions, and keep your finger on the pulse of the latest trends.Don’t miss also our upcoming Last Mile Delivery Meetup #11 on January 27! <a href="https://pages.bettermile.com/meetup-11">Register here.</a><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=a9cf3d95339e" width="1" height="1" alt="">

OOH Takes Center Stage: Insights from London & Amsterdam

<figure><img alt="Cover of Real-Time Tracking Report 2025 with Live Tracking Screen" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*yFzPG_9M46GeYdnGMrzrOA.png" /></figure>Why the 2025 Real-Time Tracking Report matters for carriers and what its findings reveal about the next phase of transformation in the last mile.The annual Last Mile Delivery Experience Study gauges consumer sentiment in parcel delivery by analyzing how people use real-time tracking (RTT). As tracking has become central to how recipients plan, anticipate, and evaluate deliveries, it serves as a powerful barometer for the overall delivery experience.Now in its third year, the study by Bettermile and Customer Code offers a consistent view of how consumer expectations are evolving — from visibility to flexibility, from information to control.<h3>Real-Time Parcel Tracking Is No Longer Optional</h3>The numbers speak clearly: 88 % of consumers now use real-time tracking, and almost 70 % expect it with every delivery. Live package tracking has become part of the daily routine — not just for visibility, but for planning, timing, and peace of mind.<figure><img alt="Usage of Real-Time Package Tracking When Available" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/477/1*YIe1n9rHD4KXdcKvA0PZdQ.png" /><figcaption>96 % of recipients actively engage with tracking once it’s available.</figcaption></figure>What it means for carriers: Having real-time tracking is no longer a differentiator — but offering the best live tracking experience builds trust and strengthens market position.The report also shows that what defines “best” is changing: it’s less about design and more about offering customers real control and timely choices throughout the delivery journey.<h3>Moving From Visibility to Flexibility</h3>The focus of consumer expectations has shifted. Accuracy still matters for planning, but flexibility has overtaken it as the key driver of satisfaction. Recipients like knowing the exact delivery time and live tracking the delivery on a map, but they also want to be able to act upon that information: redirect, reschedule, or give last-minute drop-off permission.<figure><img alt="Demand for Parcel Redirection on Delivery Day" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/495/1*4301QEl7nquxIXQSW2mXKQ.png" /><figcaption>41 % of consumers tried to redirect a parcel on delivery day but couldn’t.</figcaption></figure>This unmet expectation highlights the next frontier for innovation: giving customers control, not just updates.What it means for carriers: Real-time tracking should evolve from showing where a parcel is to letting customers decide what happens next. Enabling short-notice redirection or delivery permissions directly in the real time tracking interface is the next step toward customer-centric package delivery.<h3>Out-of-Home Delivery Still Has Untapped Potential</h3>Parcel lockers are widely available, but still underused. The top reasons consumers don’t choose delivery to parcel lockers are not only infrastructure-related. Many indicate that they’re not offered the option at checkout or on the delivery day.<figure><img alt="Why Consumers Do Not Use Parcel Lockers" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/592/1*FFsoV7ti0fq70lN9dqrwRA.png" /></figure>It shows that timing is everything: if routing to lockers or shops isn’t possible during checkout or tracking, even willing customers can’t switch to out-of-home (OHH) options.What it means for carriers: Better digital integration could drive parcel locker adoption. OOH and home delivery should become part of one connected service.To meet consumers where they want to take control requires <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/5-levels-of-delivery-orchestration/">last mile orchestration</a>: linking existing OOH networks with <a href="https://bettermile.com/route/">dynamic routing</a> and real-time tracking. It makes the entire system more efficient and turns lockers into an appealing option for recipients.<h3>Making Last Mile Delivery Smarter</h3>The Real-Time Tracking Report 2025 makes one thing clear: Real-time parcel tracking is now the foundation of a customer-centric last mile. The next phase is to make it interactive — a space where customers can manage deliveries, not just monitor them.Every tracking interaction is a chance to build satisfaction, reduce friction, and strengthen brand reputation. The carriers that lead will be those who orchestrate the last mile — delivering visibility, flexibility, and confidence to consumers while running a seamless operation.What it means for carriers: Invest in digital flexibility. Introduce systems that let customers control their deliveries as easily as they track them. The next competitive edge will come from smarter, more adaptive delivery systems.<h3>Get the full <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/real-time-tracking-report-2025/">Real-Time Tracking Report 2025</a> to learn what kind of delivery experience consumers want.</h3><figure><a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/real-time-tracking-report-2025/"><img alt="Cover of Real-Time Tracking Report with Tracking Screen" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*yFzPG_9M46GeYdnGMrzrOA.png" /></a></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=85b0ce5a6792" width="1" height="1" alt="">

The Delivery Experience Barometer: Real-Time Tracking Is No Longer Enough

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*CbbJYyTl2LjlGkB3ChnziQ.png" /></figure>For the tenth edition of the Last Mile Delivery Meetup, taking place in Berlin on September 30th, we had the spotlight on one of the hottest topics in the industry: AI-Powered Parcel Intelligence.Simon Seeger, Managing Director at Bettermile was the master of ceremonies and he was joined by an impressive lineup of speakers:<ul><li>Brody Buhler, CEO, Escher Group</li><li>Ravi Kiran, Digital Transformation Technology Strategist at PostNord</li><li>Adrian Wilhelm, Product Owner, Bettermile</li><li>Steffen Ochsenreither, Lead Digital Excellence Logistic Services Operations, Swiss Post</li></ul>Watch the whole event on YouTube:<iframe src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2Fd-vnQdZ6AVs%3Fstart%3D85%26feature%3Doembed%26start%3D85&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dd-vnQdZ6AVs&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fd-vnQdZ6AVs%2Fhqdefault.jpg&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/ca58d4c31c25d7aff96da12fbdbab602/href">https://medium.com/media/ca58d4c31c25d7aff96da12fbdbab602/href</a></iframe><h3>The Parcel Industry is Evolving</h3><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonseeger/">Simon Seeger</a> began by welcoming new members into the Meetup network. He then shared fresh insights from the latest <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/real-time-tracking-report-2025/">Last Mile Delivery Experience Study</a>, highlighting the importance of delivery flexibility for customers and the barriers to wider parcel locker adoption.With that context in place, Simon passed the mic to the first speaker, Brody Buhler who joined via video link.AI value creation? Not yet.With 20+ years in postal and parcel innovation, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brodybuhler/">Brody Buhler </a>is CEO of the Escher Group. Diving straight into the topic of impact, he cut through the hype and talked about AI and the global economy. He highlighted some key statistics around expectations, discussing how global GDP is expected to rise by 14% as a result of AI with call centers alone predicted to save 80 billion USD by 2026.Despite these high expectations, challenges remained. These included factors such as integration with existing systems and the lack of skilled personnel to drive the application of technology into the operations of businesses. Considering these issues, it is perhaps no surprise that 42% of postal operators in a Shyftbas survey said they didn’t know how much in savings they could expect from AI.Having sketched out a context of great AI potential but lingering organizational barriers, the conversation shifted from the big screen back to the Bettermile HQ as Simon handed over the mic to the next speaker.<h3>Visual Intelligence Driving Down Fleet Costs</h3><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-kiran-kotty-5b1b678b/">Ravi Kiran</a> brings 10+ years of experience in AI, computer vision, and digital transformation. He has skills showing how technology can deliver real results in logistics, and currently he is Digital Transformation Technology Strategist at PostNord.In his talk Ravi raised the topic of visual intelligence. He discussed the use case of applying AI to analyze for damage to delivery vehicles. He showed how the tech can automate external vehicle inspection to identify and classify damages.In the short term this can reduce maintenance costs and support the fleet to execute appropriate repair work. In the long term it can also improve vehicle utilization by reducing damages and manual control points, reducing cost overall.In facts and figures, Ravi showed how with Computer Vision Technology we can achieve a 400% higher success rate compared to manual reporting, with a 1:5 ratio of monthly AI fees to per-vehicle savings. Early data also suggests improved driver behavior.Next up to the front was Adrian.<h3>AI Transforming Parcel Tracking</h3>For over a decade <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-wilhelm/">Adrian Wilhelm</a> has focused on both the theory and practice of digital innovation. As a product owner at Bettermile he puts user-centric innovative product development at the heart of his work.During his session, Adrian discussed how consumers want reliable and <a href="https://medium.com/p/2380beb31879">precise ETAs</a> throughout their shopping experience. With this in mind he discussed how the Bettermile product suite leverages AI and ML for reliable and accurate ETAs.He touched on the development of PreETAs where time estimates are provided ahead of the delivery day. This can happen as early as during checkout through converting historical delivery data into geospatial areas.The result? Greater reliability, accuracy, and customer confidence.Adrian noted an important point: for many companies, AI involves more aspiration than action. However, in the case of AI-powered orchestrated tracking, this technology is a proven, present-day reality.<h3>A brave new world of agent bosses</h3>Rounding off the evening was <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffen-ochsenreither/">Steffen Ochsenreither</a>. He is a digital transformation expert and digital lead for logistics at Swiss Post. He champions IoT, AI, and data-driven business models, focusing on digitizing workflows and implementing advanced AI solutions.Steffen divided the use of Swisspost AI into four categories: everyday AI where employees use tools to boost productivity, process AI where automation and adaptation streamlines and optimizes business operations, and AI game changers where businesses get transformed and disrupted with tech.In terms of everyday AI, Swiss Post is assessing how AI could help different roles in the company. First, they assigned Microsoft Copilot licences to select roles and then asked them how the Copilot was supporting them with their tasks. The AI solution received a lot of positive feedback but Steffen’s team also found out that only a few are really using the Copilot beyond meeting transcripts. So now they are working on a strategy on how to roll out everyday AI throughout the company.Looking further into the future Steffen detailed how we could move from a world where AI assists humans to a world where humans lead agent-operated teams. In this vision employees become agent bosses, overseeing multiple AI actors across operations.<h3>Insights from our final panel</h3>The panel discussion is always a space for quickfire insights.First, the discussion focussed on the cost of implementing AI projects. Adrian kicked things off by pointing to the challenge of handling ever-growing volumes of data. With so much to process, he explained, the cost of testing alone can make AI feel “too hot to handle.” Picking up on the theme of value, Brody noted that while individuals often see personal productivity gains from AI, companies as a whole struggle to convert those wins into tangible ROI. Building on that, Steffen underlined how difficult it is to measure AI’s direct impact on profit and loss, reminding the audience that data quality and strategy are what really determine success. To close the discussion, Ravi shifted the focus from obstacles to action, urging the audience not to overthink but to move forward with confidence: “Don’t wait. Just act.”, he said.At that moment Simon closed the live stream and the meetup moved to the informal networking session.<h3>The Last Mile Delivery Meetup</h3>The Last Mile Delivery Meetup grows and grows. We’re a dynamic global community of 1,000+ logistics professionals, representing 350+ organizations across 60+ countries. We celebrate every iteration with hundreds of online participants and 80–120 guests in person at Bettermile’s Berlin office, mixing up thought-provoking keynotes and lively panels with informal networking over a glass of something and tasty snacks.Get your spot now. Join us at <a href="https://bettermile.com/last-mile-meetup-event/">Last Mile Delivery Meetup #11</a>.<img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=be188e920e90" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Highlights of Last Mile Meetup #10: AI-Powered Parcel Intelligence

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*RDZgA5OBB4RoU2r3amgXdg.png" /><figcaption>Mohammad, Product Owner of Team Sequencing</figcaption></figure>In this interview, we sat down with Mohammad Zarch, Product Owner at Bettermile, to talk about how route optimization can move beyond abstract algorithms and actually make delivery drivers’ lives easier.<h4>Mohammad, what’s your role and what excites you most about it?</h4>As product owner, I am responsible for improving route optimisation in our Bettermile app for delivery drivers, providing them with the most efficient sequence of stops. I am passionate about bridging the gap between technical algorithms and the real-world challenges that drivers face every day.<iframe src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FQrAp1ZSSzc0%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fshorts%2FQrAp1ZSSzc0%3Ffeature%3Dshare&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FQrAp1ZSSzc0%2Fhq2.jpg&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/94c183906d50d279e9faba49c6272409/href">https://medium.com/media/94c183906d50d279e9faba49c6272409/href</a></iframe>What challenges do drivers have that algorithms often miss?Most companies treat route optimization like a math problem: put in addresses, calculate a travel time or distances matrix, and then you get an “optimized” route. On paper, that looks perfect.But in reality, drivers face challenges the math can’t see:<ul><li>a street is blocked</li><li>an address doesn’t exist or is hard to find</li><li>a recipient isn’t home</li></ul>Alternatively, the suggested route may not be efficient, for example:<ul><li>the driver is sent back to the same area multiple times</li><li>the app does not recognise that it is difficult to cross a busy road to deliver on both sides</li><li>the driver would like to prioritize different stops than the route suggests</li></ul>You need dynamic solutions that can react to such unforeseen challenges. And you need to remember that efficiency isn’t just about maths; it’s about creating effective routes in the real world.<h4>How do you address these route optimization challenges?</h4>Instead of only crunching numbers, we can look at how routes work for the drivers. For example, by analyzing feedback, we can adjust future routes to fit better with real-life conditions.We conduct depot visits and ride-alongs with drivers. We have in-app features that allow drivers to provide feedback or correct delivery locations on the spot. Our support team assists drivers when they encounter issues and passes information on to the developer teams.<h4>Why does the driver experience matter so much?</h4>We learned that users integrate apps into their routines more effectively when they like them, which improves the overall delivery process. While you can optimize a route, if the driver takes a different route or delivers the bulky packages first, the optimization becomes ineffective. What is needed is a dynamic solution that can adapt to changes in the route, combining the driver’s invaluable knowledge with the efficiency gains calculated by the routing engine.<h4>How can artificial intelligence improve route optimization?</h4>AI technologies can help strike a balance between efficiency and driver comfort. Machine learning helps us to analyze data more effectively and make useful predictions. In general, AI’s strength is in creating dynamic solutions — it can look at challenges in real-time and adjust the algorithm so it fits better with what drivers actually experience on the road. Here at Bettermile, we are already able to provide dynamic route optimization and update delivery sequences while drivers are out for delivery. However, there are still many hurdles to overcome before AI can take over the routing.<h4>What’s your vision for the future of delivery routes?</h4>My vision is simple: a driver looks at their route and thinks, “Yes, this makes sense. This makes my day easier.”Want to know what Bettermile’s routing software can do? Find out more about our <a href="https://bettermile.com/route/">dynamic last mile software</a> solutions.<img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=5febdd21d95b" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Interview: How Can AI in Routing Support Delivery Drivers?

<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*UGExh4ChzwAh_Mla0bnCUA.png" /><figcaption>5 Exciting AI Use Cases In Last Mile Delivery</figcaption></figure>Much of the news about AI is about content tools or chatbots. But some of the most interesting work is occurring out on the street. In last-mile delivery — where carriers face traffic, scarce delivery slots, and rising expectations from customers — AI has very good optimization potential.The last mile is a messy, volatile, and costly space— offering a prime playground to innovative data-driven technologies. From parcel surge prediction algorithms to last meter delivery problem solution, last mile AI is shifting to reality-driven action.These five areas of innovation for last mile AI introduce what’s happening now — and why it matters.<h3>1. Location Intelligence & Last Meter Optimization</h3>It is much harder to finish a delivery than to complete a highway mile. It is a question of finding an appropriate entrance into a building, deciding which doorbell to ring, or where to park the delivery van.That’s where <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/operations/amazon-ai-innovations-delivery-forecasting-robotics">Amazon’s Wellspring project</a> comes in. Wellspring is a mapping tool powered by generative AI that increases delivery location precision by connecting data from satellite imagery, street-level imagery, building footprints, customer instructions, proof-of-delivery images, and historic delivery information. The system is already mapping millions of addresses in apartment complexes, detecting building entrances and mailrooms, and even recommending the best parking spots.Other logistics companies might struggle to replicate Wellspring in-house — it takes enormous amounts of delivery data and AI expertise — but they don’t need to start with nothing. Back at Bettermile, we’re attacking the same “last meter” challenge by creating <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/navigating-the-last-meter-a-key-trend-in-2025s-delivery-evolution-4c31a6833cb1">digital twins of delivery locations</a>, marrying driver feedback with several data sources to more effectively guide couriers through their final steps.<figure><img alt="Amazon’s Wellspring project" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*Mi1iE-JKWGf_2kbBRQkqwA.png" /><figcaption>Amazon’s Wellspring project. Source: <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/operations/amazon-ai-innovations-delivery-forecasting-robotics">www.aboutamazon.com</a></figcaption></figure><h3>2. Robot & Drone Deliveries</h3>If last-mile delivery is difficult for humans, it’s even more difficult for machines — which is why robots and drones represent some of the most thrilling spaces for experimentation.<a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/operations/amazon-ai-innovations-delivery-forecasting-robotics">Evri and RIVR’s wheel-legged robots</a> in Britain are a good example. Built for the “last 100 yards,” they can climb curbs, handle steps, and navigate tricky terrain — helping drivers tackle the most frustrating part of a route. Less cerebral than these <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3yQHYNXPws">humanoids from Helix</a> that can solve problems together 🤯, but with enough creativity to showcase how robotics is increasingly being implemented into real operations.Drones are also included. From Wing of Alphabet to Amazon Prime Air, pilot projects around the world are testing how aerial deliveries can speed up lightweight, short-distance dropoffs.<figure><img alt="Evri and RIVR’s wheel-legged robots" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/829/1*TgF0pgceomlKbXM4iaj67A.png" /><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.rivr.ai/stories/rivr-partners-with-evri-to-deploy-autonomous-robots-for-parcel-delivery">https://www.rivr.ai/stories/rivr-partners-with-evri-to-deploy-autonomous-robots-for-parcel-delivery</a></figcaption></figure><h3>3. Car Inspection Using Computer Vision</h3><a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/ai-in-logistics-from-hype-to-real-transformation-in-the-last-mile-7ab44aca7d4e">AI in logistics</a> finds a good playing field in fleet management. Machine learning helps predict maintenance needs, optimize vehicle allocation, and cut empty miles — making fleets more efficient and resilient.A good example here is computer vision. Instead of having to wait for tedious manual checks, AI-based systems scan vehicles in seconds. <a href="https://www.uveye.com/amazon-announcement/">UVeye and Amazon have jointly created inspection tunnels</a> where delivery vans pass through high-resolution cameras that automatically detect such issues as undercarriage issues, tire wear, or body damage.PostNord is also exploring the same. At the upcoming <a href="https://bettermile.com/last-mile-meetup-event/">Last Mile Delivery Meetup</a>, Ravi Kiran is to showcase how AI photo detection inspects vehicle checks automatically to identify issues early and reduce downtime.Smarter fleets mean fewer breakdowns, lower costs, and smooth last miles — long before a parcel ever touches a customer.<figure><img alt="Amazon’s Car Inspection Tunnel" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/603/1*FPkMp1NO-ev4mwAV1T3QTA.png" /><figcaption>Amazon’s Vehicle Inspection Tunnel. Source: <a href="https://www.uveye.com/amazon-announcement/">https://www.uveye.com/amazon-announcement/</a></figcaption></figure><h3>4. Parcel Shipping with Agentic AI</h3>Agentic AI is one of the most thrilling spaces in AI right now. It’s about creating agents that perceive and act semi-autonomously to complete messy, real-world tasks. These aren’t chatbots — these are systems that watch, decide, and act on their own in real time.Amazon has recognized the potential of agents and set up a dedicated team within its robotics division to explore them. The vision is ambitious: robots that can hear, understand natural language, reason about it, and act autonomously in complex delivery environments. It’s early days, but it shows how seriously the industry is taking the leap from predictive AI to proactive, decision-making agents.Meanwhile, scientific circles also come forward with fresh ideas. One recent Cornell University paper imagines <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.13068">combining agentic systems with digital twins of delivery networks</a>. It’s a great idea: AI agents could run simulations of traffic jams or bottlenecks in a virtual model, test solutions in seconds, and then apply the best option to the real-world fleet. Imagine dispatching that can not only react but “practice” decisions before they affect drivers and customers.It’s still early and full of challenges—agents can only be as good as the data they’re fed, and complex tasks remain error-prone—but the momentum is clear. With every bit of experimentation, that ideal of an AI agent for logistics draws one step closer.<h3>5. Orchestrating Last Mile Delivery</h3>If AI is better than humans at anything, it is orchestration. The last mile is full of moving parts — drivers, depots, parcels, customers, and endless disruptions like traffic or rescheduling. Systems that rely on humans can only account for some variables but process all at once. Orchestration becomes the intelligent layer that connects workflows and data streams into a single coordinated operation.AI makes this possible by fusing data from different sources — orders, traffic, weather, fleet availability — and using it to make dynamic decisions. When disruptions occur, orchestration systems can reprioritize routes, reassign drivers, or shift loads between depots, all in real time. They also learn from every delivery, successful or not, gradually improving their ability to anticipate bottlenecks and reroute before problems arise.<a href="https://medium.com/@carsten.krause/ups-and-agentic-ai-a-case-study-in-logistics-innovationby-carsten-krause-ceo-chief-editor-9f9950868652">UPS ORION</a> is a good example. It processes billions of data points daily, dynamically adjusting routes and continuously learning. The results are staggering: 100 million miles saved per year, $300 million in annual savings, 100,000 metric tons less CO₂, and faster delivery times.Closer to home, <a href="https://bettermile.com/case-studies/gls-netherlands-case/">GLS Netherlands</a> uses Bettermile’s orchestration tools for dynamic route optimization, advanced real-time tracking, and operational improvements — boosting both efficiency and customer satisfaction.In a nutshell, orchestration is what turns disparate technologies into a single cohesive system. It’s fast, it’s accurate, and it brings real-time visibility to every stakeholder — from drivers to customers.<h3>A Laboratory for AI Experimentation</h3>From Amazon’s innovations in mapping to robot dogs cruising British streets to vehicle inspection tunnels to dispatchers with agentic AI, last-mile delivery is increasingly a fun laboratory for applied AI.The trend clearly points one way: towards more intelligent deliveries. Last-mile AI is beyond a buzzword. It’s on roads, running on wheels, flying through skies, and handling last-mile deliveries in real-time.<img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=f030d9e02faf" width="1" height="1" alt="">

5 Innovative Examples of Last Mile AI in Action

<figure><img alt="A futuristic city with a head-shaped silhouette. Text: AI in Logistics." src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*7KhsCIeD9b9biqGyPqJ8rg.png" /></figure>Logistics companies are making real progress with AI, yet the road to full transformation is still long. In this article, we explore whether AI in logistics is more buzzword than reality, how long it may take before we see full-scale transformation, and why the last mile — the most customer-facing and cost-intensive part of delivery — stands to benefit most.<h3>Artificial Intelligence: Buzzword or Reality?</h3>Step outside logistics for a moment, and a look at the global AI debate will show that not everyone is as convinced that the AI revolution is happening tomorrow.The New Yorker recently asked: “<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/what-if-ai-doesnt-get-much-better-than-this">What if AI doesn’t get much better than this?</a>” — arguing that today’s tools may prove more incremental than revolutionary. For example, OpenAI’s latest release of GPT5 suggests that progress on large language models has stalled. Also, the Wall Street Journal doesn’t think “<a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/artificial-superintelligence-overestimation-3f954065">superintelligent AI</a>” is taking over any time soon, pointing out that even billion-dollar models stumble on puzzles a child can solve. In the end, it’s also a question whether generative AI is really intelligent. It learns statistical patterns and relationships between words to predict the next word and does not necessarily have real understanding.In other words, the hype often outpaces the reality.That same tension plays out in logistics. <a href="https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/ai-in-logistics-and-supply-chain-market">Recent estimates</a> put the AI in logistics and supply chain market at $20.1 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 25.9% through 2034 — but adoption is still uneven. Many deployments remain limited to projects in real-time supply chain visibility, route optimization, demand forecasting, and warehouse automation.The real obstacle isn’t whether AI works, but whether companies can integrate it into sprawling, fragmented supply chains where data silos and legacy systems are the norm. So while AI in logistics is moving well beyond buzz, the reality is a step-by-step journey rather than a sudden leap into the future.<h3>Does Logistics Need AI?</h3>“AI” has become the magic word in supply chain and logistics. It’s on websites, in investor decks, and splashed across product brochures. But very often, what’s marketed as “AI” is really machine learning at work. And that’s not a problem — because you don’t need a sci-fi-level superintelligence to get real value in logistics. Smarter predictions, faster decisions, and automated processes are already driving big improvements. To cut through the buzz, it helps to understand the different layers.<h4>What is the difference between AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning?</h4>AI is the broad field of creating machines that perform tasks that mimic human intelligence. Machine learning and deep learning are a subset of AI.<ul><li>Artificial Intelligence (AI): the umbrella term for machines doing tasks that feel “intelligent.” In logistics, this might mean systems that can automatically process shipping documents or flag errors in invoices — work that once needed a human eye.</li><li>Machine Learning (ML): a subset of AI that learns from data and improves over time. Think of a parcel network predicting demand for the next holiday season by analyzing years of historical data and spotting patterns no human planner could crunch fast enough.</li><li>Deep Learning (DL): a more advanced branch of ML that uses multi-layered neural networks to handle really complex problems. For example, cameras on sorting belts can be trained to recognize damaged parcels and pull them out before they reach the customer.</li><li>Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): the idea of a system that can think, reason, and adapt like a human. It’s not here yet — and frankly, logistics doesn’t need it at the moment. The tools already available are more than enough to optimize routes, cut costs, and improve service.</li></ul>When companies claim to be “AI-powered,” it’s usually ML or DL under the hood. And that’s fine. These technologies don’t replace humans, but they can supercharge logistics operations where data, speed, and precision matter most.<figure><img alt="Timeline Market Growth AI in Logistics and Supply Chain (2024–2034)" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*lYw-CDeewvXye9lvvXkBYg.png" /><figcaption>AI transformation in logistics: By 2030, AI is expected to have become a standard in logistics workflows.</figcaption></figure><h3>A Logistics Transformation Timeline</h3>AI in logistics is on a steady ascent, so let’s make an attempt at predicting a timeline. Based on the <a href="https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/ai-in-logistics-and-supply-chain-market">GMI</a> “AI in Logistics and Supply Chain Market Report” companies are piloting automation in routing, documentation, and <a href="https://bettermile.com/backoffice/">control towers</a> across the industry. Over the coming years, these early efforts will mature into broad-scale adoption. By the end of the decade, AI will be embedded in daily logistics operations. And in the early 2030s, robots and advanced AI systems may finally nudge the supply chain toward near autonomy.At Bettermile, we see this progression clearly in the last mile, where delivery orchestration evolves step by step — what we describe as the<a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/5-levels-of-delivery-orchestration/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"> 5 Levels of Delivery Orchestration</a>.<figure><img alt="5 levels of delivery orchestration blueprint" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*9dsk6N6THy4CoDLnRxS9gg.png" /><figcaption>Learn more about this <a href="https://bettermile.com/lp/5-levels-of-delivery-orchestration/">blueprint for last mile transformation</a>.</figcaption></figure><h3>Last Mile Delivery: Where Smart Technologies Show Tangible Value</h3>The last mile is where logistics complexity peaks — and where smart, data-driven technologies are already proving their worth. Bettermile makes use of AI technology to help the parcel logistics industry transform fast and keep up with the newest last mile AI development updates.<ul><li><a href="https://bettermile.com/route/">Dynamic Route Optimization</a> Algorithms learn from traffic patterns, delivery density, and route patterns to recommend <a href="https://bettermile.com/route/">efficient delivery routes</a>. This reduces delivery times and missed deliveries, making routes both leaner and more cost-efficient.</li><li>Real-Time Tracking Transforming raw GPS data into clear updates for customers and dispatchers depends on applied intelligence — systems that integrate multiple data streams and translate them into actionable insights.</li><li>Delivery Time Forecasts <a href="https://medium.com/me/stats/post/2380beb31879">Reliable ETAs</a> come from models that process historical and live data to spot patterns. Advanced systems use deep learning to handle complex variables like traffic flow or stop duration, improving accuracy.</li><li>Location Intelligence <a href="https://medium.com/@bettermile/the-secret-to-a-good-address-validation-solution-address-normalization-742ef222aa47">Address validation</a> and geocoding combine machine learning for correcting errors and matching data with deep learning for geospatial mapping or predicting likely delivery entrances. This reduces failed first attempts and time searching for the right delivery location.</li></ul>Together, these applications show that <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/5-innovative-examples-of-last-mile-ai-in-action-f030d9e02faf">last mile AI</a> is not about science fiction — it’s about practical tools that create value for drivers, logistic operators, and customers alike.<h3>Conclusion: Harness the AI Technology Available</h3>AI in logistics has moved beyond the buzz. While integration challenges, data quality, and investment hurdles remain, the industry is already seeing tangible value. From smarter route planning to predictive delivery forecasts, these AI tools are helping logistics operators, carriers, and 3PLs implement logistics and AI to cut costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences.An AI logistics company powered by one superintelligence is probably an illusion. However, for shippers, carriers, and last mile delivery service providers, the opportunity is not to wait for AGI but to harness the tools already available. In the end, AI in logistics provides another opportunity to make the delivery process more efficient and a better experience for everyone involved.Join us for the Last Mile Delivery <a href="https://bettermile.com/last-mile-meetup-event/">Meetup #10 on AI-powered parcel delivery</a> if you are interested to learn about real-world AI applications in package logistics.<img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=7ab44aca7d4e" width="1" height="1" alt="">

AI in Logistics: From Hype to Real Transformation in the Last Mile

<h4>In Europe and the U.S</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*zc3-dFSYAsh-DRJYjw8kng.jpeg" /><figcaption>Logistics and Last-Mile Events 2025 and 2026</figcaption></figure>Attention to all trailblazers of the logistics sector! Your event roadmap for 2025 and 2026 has arrived! These events offer insider access to the strategies, technologies, and innovations redefining last-mile logistics in Europe and the U.S.Mark your calendars, get ready to make powerful connections, and refine your strategies to transform the way goods reach customers.<ol><li><a href="https://bettermile.com/last-mile-meetup-event/">Last Mile Delivery Meetup: AI-Powered Parcel Intelligence</a></li></ol>📅 30 September 2025 📍 Berlin, Germany & Online Join us in Berlin or tune in virtually for the next edition of the Last Mile Delivery Meetup. Our meetups tend to be technical discussions where we get into the nitty-gritty of what makes our industry tick. Expect candid discussions, case studies, and insider insights from industry leaders. It’s the perfect spot to network with peers while exploring practical solutions for improving last-mile efficiency.<a href="https://leaders-in-logistics.com/events/last-mile/">2. Leaders in Logistics: Last Mile 2025</a>📅 8–9 October 2025 📍 London, UK This is Europe’s premier conference dedicated entirely to last-mile delivery innovation. From out-of-home delivery solutions and sustainable fleets to the ever-important customer experience, this event unites parcel carriers, postal operators, retailers, and tech innovators to explore what’s next for the final mile.<a href="https://parcelandpostexpo.com/">3. Parcel+Post Expo 2025</a>📅 21–23 October 2025 📍 Amsterdam, Netherlands An unmissable trade show for anyone in the parcel and postal logistics sector. With 220+ exhibitors and a global audience, Parcel+Post Expo showcases the latest tech — from autonomous delivery vehicles to high-speed sorting systems. A hotspot for innovation and a goldmine for last-mile tech discovery.<a href="https://leaders-in-logistics.com/events/summit/">4. Leaders in Logistics Summit 2026</a>📅 17–18 March 2026 📍 Brussels, Belgium This pan-European summit focuses on transforming parcel delivery and cross-border e-commerce. With a mix of strategic talks, networking sessions, and cutting-edge case studies, it’s where you’ll hear how the best in the business are tackling cost, speed, and sustainability in the final mile.<a href="https://manife.st/">5. Manifest 2026 — The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics (US)</a>📅 9–11 February 2026 📍 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA One of the fastest-growing logistics events in the world, Manifest connects startups, industry giants, and investors under one roof. With a strong emphasis on last-mile innovation, automation, and robotics, this is the playground for anyone looking to spot — or launch — the next big thing in delivery tech.<a href="https://www.finalmileforum.com/">6. CLDA Final Mile Forum 2026 (US)</a>📅 18–20 February 2026 📍 Austin, Texas, USA Hosted by the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association, this forum is all about the final mile. A mix of networking, education, and industry insights, it’s the perfect place for delivery companies to swap strategies and find new opportunities.<a href="https://ecadeliveryindustry.org/marketplace/">7. ECA MarketPlace 2026 (US)</a>📅 27–29 April 2026 📍 Arlington, Texas, USA A matchmaking powerhouse, the ECA MarketPlace pairs shippers and carriers for targeted one-on-one meetings. Ideal for building strong business connections, especially in courier and express logistics.<a href="https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/home-delivery-world/index.stm">8. Home Delivery World USA 2026 (US)</a>📅 20–21 May 2026 📍 Nashville, Tennessee, USA The go-to U.S. event for last-mile delivery and e-commerce logistics. Covering every stage from freight to the customer’s doorstep, it’s where retailers, carriers, and tech providers come to solve the last-mile puzzle.<a href="https://www.deliver.events/europe/">9. Deliver Europe 2026</a>📅 3–4 June 2026 📍 Amsterdam, Netherlands Known for its unique one-to-one meeting format, Deliver brings together major retailers, brands, and logistics providers for targeted conversations and partnerships. Expect a focus on innovation, sustainability, and future-ready fulfillment strategies.<h3>Why These Events Should Be on Your Calendar</h3>In an industry where the only constant is change, standing still means falling behind. These nine events bring together the brightest minds, the latest technologies, and the most ambitious ideas in last-mile delivery and logistics.Whether it’s the collaborative energy of Berlin’s Last Mile Delivery Meetup, the innovation showcases of Amsterdam and Las Vegas, or the strategic conversations in Brussels, attending these events will give you the insights, connections, and momentum to lead in 2025 and beyond.The last mile is evolving fast. These are your moments to evolve with it.<img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=82a9b6c1680b" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Best Logistics & Last-Mile Delivery Events to Attend in 2025 and 2026

<h4>Insights from Meike and Marie, Product Owners at Bettermile, on how data drives performance across the last-mile.</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*tAjf5Z-ICiHa5VLj" /><figcaption>Meet Meike and Marie from the Bettermile Team</figcaption></figure>Last-mile operations are complex. Depot staff need to keep everything running smoothly, transport partners need visibility into the delivery routes, and managers need accessible data for decision-making. However, in reality, it’s easy to get lost in scattered tools, incomplete data, and time-consuming processes.That’s where Back Office comes in. We spoke with Meike and Marie, the two Product Owners, to understand how Back Office tackles common pain points for different user roles, such as data overload, performance blind spots, limited route visibility, and unclear responsibilities.<iframe src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FXVGgzLTzEmk%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DXVGgzLTzEmk&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FXVGgzLTzEmk%2Fhqdefault.jpg&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/d55452bf1b9f7fabd0b827a8a7da2639/href">https://medium.com/media/d55452bf1b9f7fabd0b827a8a7da2639/href</a></iframe><h3>What is Back Office?</h3>Back Office is Bettermile’s live operations dashboard for last-mile delivery. It provides depot teams, transport partners, and managers with complete visibility into current activity on the road. From tracking route progress and identifying missed stops to reviewing KPIs and long-term trends, Back Office offers real-time visibility and data-driven decision-making in one intuitive web app.It helps teams act fast when issues pop up, support drivers more effectively, and make smarter choices that improve delivery performance over time. Whether you’re running a single depot or overseeing a full network, Back Office puts you in control.<h3>How does Back Office balance the needs of different users, including depot staff, transport partners, and managers?</h3><a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/route-driven-history-a-breakdown-of-our-latest-product-update-9ab9b0288cee">Back Office</a> uses a role-based access system to ensure that each user group only sees information relevant to them. Permissions are fully configurable to match local requirements. For example, depot staff might have access to all operations data from their depot, while transport partners can only access information related to their drivers and routes.This technical foundation is paired with a strong focus on user research. The team incorporates feedback from depot visits, conversations with users, and input from the <a href="https://medium.com/@bettermile/supporting-drivers-a-look-inside-the-usis-team-bd89bdb9aafb">User Success Teams</a>. This ensures that the tool is not only functional but also helpful in the day-to-day work of each user group.<h3>What’s the most common challenge new users face when starting to use Back Office, and how do you help them overcome it?</h3>For many new users, the biggest challenge is understanding and interpreting the data. With so many metrics and views available, it can be overwhelming at first, especially for those who are unfamiliar with last-mile data tools.To ease the onboarding process, Back Office offers an interactive walk-through that appears the first time users access key features. This step-by-step guide uses pop-ups to indicate where action is needed and explain certain parts of the interface. Many depots also have experienced colleagues on-site who help others get up to speed. However, the built-in guidance also supports independent onboarding.Additionally, the User Insights and Support Team regularly hosts official onboarding workshops.. These online sessions are designed to help users feel more confident navigating Back Office, interpreting key performance indicators, and making the most of its features.<h3>How can Route Performance be improved with Back Office?</h3>Back Office provides users with a real-time view of daily delivery operations, allowing them to respond swiftly to issues and optimize performance. The route Details View allows users to examine individual routes in depth, including planned stops, delivery addresses, and route conflicts.Key performance indicators highlight critical events, such as whether the suggested stop sequence is followed, which usually improves efficiency. Another KPI shows if the route was trackable by consignees, providing insight into the customer experience and potential feedback.Historical data and performance trends support long-term improvements as well. By identifying patterns, users can refine routes, adjust staffing, and improve coordination between depot teams and transport partners. Back Office plays an important role in performance management, whether it’s responding to today’s disruptions or planning for better outcomes tomorrow.<h3>What kinds of decisions can be made better with the help of Back Office data?</h3>Back Office transforms operational data into meaningful insights that support a wide range of decisions, from tactical adjustments to strategic planning.Depot staff and managers can use Back Office to track the suggested stop sequence, investigate deviations, and make real-time adjustments. Over time, they can analyze route data to identify recurring issues, such as frequent delays or delivery conflicts. This helps them plan resources more effectively.The tool also enables benchmarking across depots, regions, and transport partners. Users can compare KPIs, identify best practices, and set realistic improvement targets.Customer experience is another area where Back Office adds value. With visibility into whether consignees were able to track their deliveries and the feedback they provided afterward, managers can identify pain points and address them.Higher-level decision-makers can use the analytics capabilities to focus on strategy. Historical data highlights which depots or regions fall short in key metrics, such as trackability and Bettermile app usage. This helps organizations determine where to invest time, training, or process updates to have the greatest impact.<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*AYN6cfNy8gMgmZk0" /></figure><h3>How do we use AI in Back Office?</h3>We are particularly proud of the “<a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/the-transformation-of-logistics-through-tour-recommendation-3c5c5e890b7c">Route Recommendations</a>” product, which is a game-changer for drivers and depot managers. It’s an AI coach that provides quick, practical action items to improve the navigation. The Sequencing and Back Office Teams collaborated on this project, and its impact was especially significant during our first pilot. We saw a dramatic reduction in the number of routes with inconsistent real-time tracking prediction accuracy, cutting them in half in just two weeks!You can read about this topic in our <a href="https://blog.bettermile.com/meet-mohammad-the-innovator-behind-advanced-route-optimization-at-bettermile-96d820d9876f">interview with Mohammad, Product Owner for team Sequencing</a><h3>How do we see AI in Back Office developing in the future?</h3>The next phase of our AI-coach technology is a major step forward in driver assistance and fleet optimization. By integrating intelligent coaching into the Bettermile app interface, we deliver real-time recommendations and insights directly to drivers’ screens, providing a new level of personalized guidance and support. The recommendations will appear at the optimal moment for drivers.<h3>How safe is it to use Back Office in terms of data privacy?</h3>Back Office is designed with data privacy and security at its core. Its roles and permissions system ensures that users only access the data they’re authorized to see. For example, transport partners can view their own operational data, while depot managers can view depot-wide information.All users must log in securely and multifactor authentication can be enabled.Importantly, the system prevents privilege escalation, meaning users cannot assign roles or access rights beyond their authorization. These measures keep data access tightly controlled and aligned with information security best practices.Depot teams are under pressure to manage daily operations while coordinating with multiple partners. Managers need clear performance data to drive improvement, and transport partners require accurate data to plan efficient routes. Back Office brings it all together.With role-specific access, real-time views, and decision-ready insights, Back Office reduces friction in everyday operations and helps users focus on what matters. As Meike and Marie explained, the goal isn’t just to present data, but to facilitate the right actions at every level of the last mile.You can now read more about the Back Office product on <a href="https://bettermile.com/backoffice/">our website</a>!<img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=1a114afc267b" width="1" height="1" alt="">

Back Office: Smarter Delivery with Data-Driven Insights and Route Visibility

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