Time is the difference between these legs. If a procrastinating birthday celebrant needs a projector for her party, the first and middle miles cannot help. Last-minute purchases won’t make it in time if the products still need to go through a shipping hub.
Automations or machines essentially handle the first and middle mile, while human hands often still manage the last mile. Yes, machines are efficient as they are, but transactions by man are much more careful and personal. In line with this, human resources cost more, which means it’s the area that needs more attention.
Tech industries have progressed much with the first and middle miles, overlooking the last mile option. However, the tables may be about to be turned as the demand for last-mile solutions is beginning to rise. E-commerce transactions are increasing by the minute, and the number of deliveries per transaction follows suit.