Courier Delivery vs “Last Mile” Delivery: Which Should You Choose for Your Business?

If you plan on starting a delivery truck business, then you probably know there are two main branches: courier delivery and last mile delivery. The main difference stands in, as their name hints, the distance these businesses are willing to cover and the type of items they can transport.

So, if you’re not sure which type of delivery would suit your resources and plans best, we will try and describe each business model and the main characteristics below.

What Is “Last Mile Delivery”?

Last mile delivery takes care of the final journey of the package, where it reaches the customer’s doorstep. This part of the logistics process is where the delivery company interacts with the customer (so they also have to take care of customer satisfaction) and also the part that’s the most expensive and time-consuming.

Customers expect speed (same-day delivery is no longer just an option), timeliness, accuracy, and precision. Therefore, the entire process requires a wide range of factors to be in sync at all times for the delivery to happen as expected.

As a result, one of the most important elements of last mile delivery (besides trucks and drivers) is truck routing software. This type of software tool improves efficiency, keeps down costs with the trucks, and helps drivers stay safe and highly productive.

In summary, this type of delivery is quite complex, but it can also be rewarding if you can keep up with the competition.

What Is Courier Delivery?

Courier delivery follows a more flexible business model and focuses on long-haul trucks that can cover long distances while carrying all sorts of cargo. Moreover, not all courier delivery services offer the same services — they usually adapt to the area they cover for maximum efficiency and productivity.

Given their flexibility, this type of service will have multiple means of transportation, which allows them to adapt to each customer’s specific needs. Usually, courier delivery is a B2B system, but there are situations when individuals can employ their services as well. For instance, there are courier delivery businesses that allow people to hire a truck and handle the delivery as they see fit.

In summary, a courier delivery business is best suited for transporting large cargo. Therefore, they will cover jobs such as moving (furniture, appliances, and everything else), equipment transportation, and more.

Which One’s Best for You?

As you can see, even though they both work in the delivery industry, these business models have different styles. One requires several similar trucks or vans and needs detailed daily planning, while the other needs different means of transportation that can adapt to each customers’ needs. Also, one is a B2C model (the last mile delivery) and the other is more of a B2B model (courier delivery).

In the end, it all depends on what you are trying to achieve and the resources at your disposal. Lastly, it’s just as important to understand the type of audience you can attract and why.