Zhihu Is the Final-Mile Logistics Cost High in the US?

Is Last-Mile Logistics Cost High in the US? Zhihu

In the United States, last-mile logistics costs have become a topic of great concern, especially against the backdrop of the rapid development of e-commerce. As giants like Amazon and Walmart continue to expand their e-commerce businesses, the efficiency and cost of last-mile logistics directly impact consumers' shopping experiences and companies' profitability. According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, in recent years, last-mile logistics costs in the U.S. have shown a year-on-year upward trend.

Last-mile logistics refers to the final leg of the journey where goods are transported from distribution centers or warehouses to the end consumer. This segment is generally considered the most complex and costly part of the entire logistics chain. The main reasons include urban traffic congestion, high labor costs, and diverse delivery demands. For example, according to a Deloitte research report, labor costs in U.S. urban areas are more than twice those in rural areas, which directly drives up last-mile logistics costs.

Consumers' demand for instant delivery is also increasing. According to Bloomberg reports, an increasing number of consumers expect to receive their orders within hours after placing them. This same-day or even hour-order service model poses higher operational requirements for logistics enterprises. To meet these demands, logistics companies have to hire more staff, optimize route planning, and invest in advanced technological solutions such as drones and autonomous vehicles.

However, despite numerous challenges, some companies are lowering last-mile logistics costs through innovation. For example, Amazon launched its Amazon Logistics program to reduce reliance on external carriers by building its own delivery network. Meanwhile, Walmart has increased its investment in local distribution centers to shorten the time it takes for goods to reach customers. These measures not only improve delivery efficiency but also help companies gain a competitive edge in the market.

It is worth noting that last-mile logistics costs are not solely determined by a company's efforts but are also influenced by external factors. Fluctuations in oil prices, changes in policies and regulations, and labor market conditions all significantly affect logistics costs. How to effectively control costs while ensuring service quality remains a major challenge for all logistics providers.

In summary, last-mile logistics costs in the U.S. are indeed relatively high. However, with advancements in technology and innovations in business models, this issue is expected to be alleviated in the future. For ordinary consumers, this means they can look forward to more convenient and efficient delivery services. For businesses, it requires finding a balance between enhancing customer satisfaction and maintaining profit margins. With the application of more new technologies, we have reason to believe that the cost structure of last-mile logistics in the U.S. will undergo profound changes.