How to Calculate Final-Mile Logistics Costs?

How is the Calculation Method of Last-Mile Logistics Cost?

In the context of the rapid development of e-commerce and logistics industries, last-mile logistics has become an important link connecting merchants and consumers. Last-mile logistics refers to the transportation process from the distribution center or transit station to the final delivery address. Although this stage of logistics costs may seem simple at first glance, its calculation method involves many details. This article will analyze the calculation method of last-mile logistics costs in detail based on relevant background knowledge and news reports.

The last-mile logistics cost is usually composed of three parts basic freight, additional fees, and special service fees. The basic freight is the most fundamental part, which depends on the weight, volume, and transportation distance of the goods. For example, an e-commerce platform may charge a basic freight at a rate of 3 yuan per kilogram. For large items, additional calculations for volumetric weight may be added. If the destination is remote or the transportation is inconvenient, it may also lead to an increase in the basic freight. These rules are often clearly stated in the platform's user agreement, allowing consumers to understand the specific charging standards by reviewing the agreement.

Additional fees are an important supplement to last-mile logistics costs. These fees include but are not limited to fuel surcharges, packaging fees, and insurance fees. Fuel surcharge has been a topic of concern in recent years due to frequent fluctuations in international oil prices. Logistics companies need to adjust the fuel surcharge rate to balance cost pressures. For instance, a courier company increased its fuel surcharge rate from 5% to 8% at the beginning of 2025 due to rising oil prices, sparking widespread discussion. Packaging fees mainly apply to goods that require special handling, such as fragile items or liquid items. Insurance fees are set up to ensure the safety of the goods, and consumers can choose whether to purchase them based on their needs.

Special service fees are also an important component of last-mile logistics costs. With intensified market competition, major logistics companies have introduced personalized services to attract customers. For example, services such as timed delivery, night-time delivery, and reverse logistics may incur additional fees. For instance, a well-known courier company charges about 20% more for its timed delivery service, which guarantees delivery within a specified time frame. Such service projects not only enhance user experience but also make last-mile logistics costs more complex.

It is worth noting that in actual operations, last-mile logistics costs are also affected by other factors. For example, during peak holiday periods, tight capacity may lead to higher freight rates; under adverse weather conditions, the difficulty of delivery increases, prompting logistics companies to raise their fee levels. The application of some emerging technologies has also brought new changes to last-mile logistics. Drone delivery and autonomous vehicle models are gradually being popularized. Although they have not yet been widely applied in daily operations, they are expected to reduce the cost of last-mile logistics and optimize the fee structure in the future.

According to the latest market research data, the overall level of domestic last-mile logistics costs is showing a steady upward trend. This trend is caused by both macroeconomic environmental changes and adjustments in industry competition patterns. On one hand, with the enhancement of residents' consumption capacity, people have put forward higher requirements for the quality of express delivery services, driving up the cost of last-mile logistics; on the other hand, industry integration is accelerating, and leading enterprises are achieving resource optimization through economies of scale, further compressing the survival space for small and medium-sized enterprises. This polarization phenomenon deserves attention because it may increase the risk of market monopolies and affect the healthy development of the entire industry.

In summary, the calculation method of last-mile logistics costs is a multi-dimensional and multi-level process that includes both basic elements and flexible adjustment mechanisms. For ordinary consumers, understanding the logic behind last-mile logistics costs can help better plan shopping behavior and avoid unnecessary expenses. For logistics enterprises, it is necessary to continuously explore more efficient and reasonable pricing models to meet diversified market demands while maintaining profitability. It is believed that with technological progress and continuous social and economic development, last-mile logistics costs will become more transparent and reasonable, providing users with a better logistics experience in the future.