How Much Does It Cost for Last-Mile Delivery in the US?

How Much Are the Last-Mile Delivery Fees in the U.S.?

In the e-commerce industry of the United States, last-mile delivery fees are a topic of great concern. Last-mile delivery refers to the final leg of the transportation process from the logistics center to the consumer's hands, and its cost directly impacts consumers' shopping experiences as well as merchants' operational costs. In recent years, with the rapid development of e-commerce, the demand for last-mile delivery has surged, making delivery fees a shared concern for both merchants and consumers.

According to the latest industry reports, the last-mile delivery fee in the U.S. typically fluctuates between $5 and $15 per order. This price range is influenced by various factors, including delivery distance, package weight, delivery speed requirements, and specific delivery service providers. For example, if merchants opt for standard delivery services, the fees may be relatively low; however, if they choose same-day or two-hour delivery services, the fees will significantly increase.

Take Amazon as an example, one of the largest e-commerce platforms globally. Its last-mile delivery services, PrimeNow and Amazon Fresh, which offer same-day or two-hour delivery, can have single-order delivery fees reaching up to $10 or more. In some remote areas where the logistics network coverage is insufficient, delivery fees may also increase. With fluctuations in fuel prices and rising labor costs, last-mile delivery fees are also showing an upward trend year by year.

It is worth noting that in recent years, the rise of third-party logistics companies 3PL in the U.S. market has provided merchants with more delivery options. These companies reduce last-mile delivery costs to some extent by integrating resources and optimizing delivery routes. For instance, traditional courier giants like UPS and FedEx are also continuously adjusting their strategies, introducing more competitive last-mile delivery solutions to attract more customers.

For consumers, the level of last-mile delivery fees directly affects their purchasing decisions. A survey targeting consumers showed that over 60% of respondents stated they would prioritize merchants offering free delivery services. Many merchants are now cooperating with delivery service providers to launch free shipping policies to enhance competitiveness. However, while this approach may attract customers in the short term, merchants must balance costs and benefits in the long run.

It is noteworthy that against the backdrop of growing environmental awareness, green delivery has become a new variable affecting last-mile delivery fees. An increasing number of merchants are adopting low-carbon delivery methods such as electric vehicles and bicycles, which not only help reduce carbon emissions but may also potentially lower delivery costs in the future. For example, some cities have already piloted drone delivery projects. Although these are still in the exploration phase, once the technology matures and becomes widespread, it could significantly reduce the time and economic costs of last-mile delivery.

The exact amount of last-mile delivery fees in the U.S. varies due to multiple factors. However, overall trends indicate that competition in this field is becoming increasingly fierce. Whether it is e-commerce platforms, third-party logistics companies, or merchants themselves, all are actively seeking innovative solutions to meet the ever-changing market demands. For ordinary consumers, understanding the composition and changing patterns of last-mile delivery fees will undoubtedly help them make wiser choices when shopping online. In the future, with technological advancements and societal developments, last-mile delivery fees may undergo more unexpected changes.