Who Should Be Responsible for Printing Last-Mile Delivery Labels

Who Is Responsible for Printing the Last-Mile Delivery Labels?

In the modern logistics industry, last-mile delivery is a crucial part of the entire supply chain. It not only determines whether goods can be delivered to customers on time and accurately but also directly affects customer satisfaction and corporate brand image. In this process, the issue of printing last-mile delivery labels often becomes a focal point of attention. So, who should be responsible for printing these labels?

Firstly, theoretically speaking, the responsibility for printing last-mile delivery labels can be attributed to multiple parties, depending on the logistics service model and contract agreements. In traditional logistics systems, logistics companies usually take on this task. For instance, when an enterprise ships goods through a third-party logistics company, the logistics company will print the label after receiving order information and arrange for delivery. The advantage of this approach is that the logistics company can ensure the accuracy of label information and can uniformly manage the entire delivery process.

However, against the backdrop of the rapid development of e-commerce in modern times, more and more enterprises are beginning to adopt direct shipping models, where the platform or merchant directly sends the product to the consumer. In such cases, the responsibility for printing the last-mile delivery labels often shifts to the e-commerce platform or merchant. For example, JD Logistics requires merchants in its self-operated model to print the labels in advance and attach them to the package. The purpose of doing so is to improve delivery efficiency and reduce errors that may occur in intermediate stages.

With the development of intelligent logistics technology, some emerging logistics platforms have also begun to try returning the responsibility of label printing to end-users. For example, Cainiao Network's Cainiao Station service allows users to download electronic waybills and print them at home. This method not only facilitates users but also alleviates the burden on logistics companies, but it also puts higher demands on the operational capabilities of users.

It is worth noting that, regardless of which party is responsible for printing the label, it must ensure the completeness and accuracy of the label information. This is because last-mile delivery labels contain critical information such as the recipient's name, address, contact details, and cargo weight; any error could lead to delivery failure or delays. Whether it’s logistics companies, e-commerce platforms, or merchants, they all need to establish strict quality control mechanisms to ensure that every label is generated correctly and without error.

From a practical perspective, at present, most cases still see logistics companies responsible for printing last-mile delivery labels. This is mainly because logistics companies have well-established hardware facilities and professional technicians who can efficiently handle large-scale label printing tasks. At the same time, logistics companies can use their own logistics information systems to update label information in real-time, ensuring the traceability of goods throughout the transportation process.

However, with the growth in demand for personalized services, more customized label printing solutions may emerge in the future. For instance, some logistics companies have already started exploring collaborations with e-commerce platforms to develop intelligent label printing systems based on big data analysis. Such systems can automatically generate personalized labels according to different customer preferences and habits, thereby enhancing user experience.

In summary, there is no fixed answer to who should be responsible for printing last-mile delivery labels; instead, it needs to be flexibly adjusted according to specific circumstances. Whether it’s logistics companies, e-commerce platforms, or merchants, they should fully recognize the importance of this link and take corresponding measures to ensure service quality. Only then can the logistics industry truly achieve efficient operations and meet the growing market demand.