How to Master Middle Mile Logistics [2022 Guide]
Middle mile logistics is often overlooked and misunderstood, mostly because companies assume they can’t optimize this step like they can with the last and first mile. But companies like Amazon and Walmart are seizing opportunities to save money, time, and other resources by reviewing their middle mile operations and finding ways to improve them. Business owners need to fully understand and take control of all three stages of shipping logistics: first mile, middle mile, and last mile. Only by fully understanding every stage of the delivery process can you identify where you can improve efficiency along the way.
What Is Middle Mile Logistics?
Middle mile delivery is the point in the supply chain where goods are transported from one facility to another, before being picked up for delivery. The route of a middle mile delivery is usually from a holding or fulfillment center to a distribution hub. Middle mile logistics refers to the operations needed during middle mile delivery. It’s the process of working with truckers to move product from the two locations. Middle mile delivery requires proper planning and scheduling based on trucker availability, order load, inventory, and other factors.
Middle Mile Logistics vs. Last Mile Logistics
In addition to middle mile delivery, there are two other steps in supply chain delivery to optimize: first mile and last mile delivery. The main difference is where the product gets transported to. Optimizing your middle mile logistics can improve your supply chain, as bottlenecks tend to happen during middle mile delivery while the product goes from a fulfillment facility to a distribution center.
- First mile logistics: This is the operations for delivering product from the manufacturer or retailer’s warehouse to a holding or fulfillment facility. This is the first step in the process of moving the product from production to the customer.
- Middle mile logistics: The process of moving product between facilities. Each order needs to be fully accurate in terms of labeling, packaging, and shipment to keep the process on schedule.
- Last mile logistics: Keeping things accurate in the first mile can ensure on-time deliveries to your customers in the final mile.
How to Optimize Your Supply Chain
To improve your middle mile operations, consider the following tools and strategies:
| Feature | Objective |
|---|---|
| Automated Planning | Maximize the number of orders performed, while reducing costs |
| Driver and Vehicle | Account for driver skills, costs, vehicle capacities as you plan |
| Order and Task | Add priorities, time windows, job durations, skills, and more |
| Live Tracking and ETA | Know where your drivers are and get accurate ETAs |
| Truck & Hazmat Routing | Optimize routes for large trucks and hazardous material vehicles |
To further refine the process, you can utilize a Mobile App for Drivers to send routes directly to drivers and receive real-time updates. Implementing Barcode Scanning allows you to scan barcodes to confirm order completion. Furthermore, Realtime Route Modification helps you react to last-minute route changes with Intelligent Drag & Drop. Using Commercial Truck Navigation ensures you find best truck routes, avoid road restrictions, and save money.
