Companies, big and small, know that the last steps in a customer’s purchase journey are just as important as the first. Today, the logistics involved in getting product safely into the hands of customers are complex. The global supply chain is still recovering from pandemic shutdowns and the U.S. supply chain has recently been impacted by gas price increases, labor shortages, and capacity issues.
Companies are responding to a rise in demand for quick and dependable direct-to-consumer shipping services, and the transportation industry is working hard to strengthen the domestic distribution networks needed to meet that demand.
This is essential for manufacturers who need a steady supply of materials to build their products, companies who ship products directly to homes nationwide, and families who depend on the timeliness of those deliveries.
As part of strengthening the supply chain, final mile logistics, and white glove delivery service have become an important part of doing business today. In response, EFW provides clients with direct-to-consumer shipping services, enhanced distribution strategies, and industry-leading final mile logistics support.
When combined with white glove service, our clients can be confident that their customers’ brand experience is protected from order to home delivery.
What Is Final Mile Logistics?
Final or ‘last mile’ logistics is the final step in the delivery process from a manufacturer, distribution center, or facility to the end user. While the name implies the final ‘mile’ of delivery, the actual service can range from a few blocks to more than 50, or even 150 miles to reach the order destination. Final mile logistics works to transport goods as quickly and efficiently as possible, helping to reduce shipping costs for consumers and businesses.
Last-mile delivery began as a solution for manufacturers and companies to ship freight directly to a large commercial shopping location – like a big box store. As shopping behaviors have changed in the U.S., it has increasingly been used by parcel and small package carriers to deliver products directly from a business to individual homes.
Many industries have joined the direct-to-consumer shipping wave, including grocery stores and restaurants, while e-commerce continues to increase dramatically. The use of final-mile delivery is in demand and growing rapidly.
Achieving Business Growth with Final Mile Logistics
Final mile delivery helps companies get more products to more customers faster. It helps to reduce shipping and logistics costs with improved inventory management and cost-effective delivery service. Final mile delivery is an integral part of a growing e-commerce business, as consumers continue to demand quick, home delivery for various products.
In addition, final mile delivery is also used for business-to-business, business-to-warehouse, job site, and cross-docking deliveries. From Amazon merchants to medium-sized businesses, nationwide home delivery is now essential to every business growth plan.
To compete with national brands, small and medium-sized companies must strengthen their supply chain and implement final mile logistics today.
What is White Glove Service?
When companies deliver products directly to another business or consumers, additional challenges impact the success of last-mile delivery.
For example, a company may launch a new product at grocery stores nationwide with a unique end-of-aisle rack that requires a skilled and trained person to assemble it correctly. Or a residential consumer may need a basketball hoop delivered and installed.
For companies that sell complex products that require unpacking, set-up, and testing as part of the delivery process, final mile logistics may include specialized installation by a skilled technician.
Meeting the specific shipping needs of consumers or companies that require extra support, like the examples above, requires white glove service.
This premium delivery support provides the extra attention some companies need to get their products into the right hands, at the right time, in the right way.
White glove service is tailored to meet the needs of each residential customer or company. It can include multi-person delivery, special handling and equipment requirements, final placement, installation, assembly, and other special requirements.
Home Delivery that Meets Customer and Business Expectations
EFW has made more than 3 million successful residential home deliveries. With complex supply chain management tools and a nationwide transportation network, we continue to respond to the challenges impacting the U.S. supply chain while protecting our client’s most valuable assets and improving consumers’ brand experiences.
To do this at scale, EFW serves as an extension of each company we touch, treating each brand’s reputation as our own. With technology, we help clients stay on top of every shipment, from door to door. Our HomeNow service allows customers to confirm a delivery appointment day and time, improving their delivery experience and protecting products while in transit. Our home delivery services include:
Basic (To the Door) – Delivery to the main entrance, porch, garage, or driveway. No appointment or signature is required.
Standard (First Service) – Delivery includes a signature and an appointment with a four-hour delivery window set by the customer.
Through the Door (Lifestyle) – Delivery inside the home’s main entrance. Includes a four-hour delivery window appointment and signature required.
Room of Choice (Saver) – Delivery to the room of choice (including one flight of stairs). Includes a four-hour delivery window appointment and signature required.
White Glove (Plus) – Delivery to the room of choice (including one flight of stairs), with unpacking, debris removal, and light assembly with no tools required. Includes a four-hour delivery window appointment and signature needed.
White Glove Assembly – Delivery to the room of choice (including one flight of stairs), with unpacking, debris removal, and complete assembly requiring tools. Includes a four-hour delivery window appointment and signature needed.
The EFW Experience
EFW has been providing B2B and B2C final-mile and white-glove service for 20 years. With a highly trained team of logistics specialists, we help businesses grow and adapt to changing marketplace and consumer demands. Contact our team today if you need support with final-mile and white glove shipping services.