SA explores cost-effective 'less miles' delivery option

New ‘less miles’ express delivery technology – which cuts down on transport costs and doesn’t require a recipient to be physically available for a delivery – has gathered global momentum and South African companies are now also tentatively exploring this option, according to the South African Express Parcel Association (Saepa). A spokesperson for Saepa explains: “The proverbial ‘last-mile’ in a supply chain is often the most expensive due to the need for immediacy and the fact that the delivery destination is often located outside of the usual delivery network.” He adds that in the past, most express deliveries involved several items being delivered to one location – urgent documents destined for one office park or parts required by one manufacturer. “This meant greater economies of scale and the ability to manage express costs more effectively,” he pointed out. However, due to an ongoing rise in e-commerce, the last leg of delivery – ending up at the consumer’s home or small business – has become more challenging. Since most e-commerce consumers are usually away from home when deliveries are made, unattended delivery has become a significant issue. DHL Express recently noted that home deliveries could be up to four times more expensive than delivery to companies, or even a block of companies in the same area. “In close-knit communities, leaving a parcel with a trusted neighbour is often an option, but this is increasingly a less prevalent alternative in South Africa,” says Saepa. Enter the new ‘less miles’ technology which permits the opening of a garage at a recipient’s home address – providing sufficient room for a parcel to be inserted and still be protected from bad weather and potential thieves. The delivery company would use a cloud-based keypad, linked to a company-specific mobile phone application, to access the opening and close it again once the parcel has been safely inserted. “This would also allow for delivery companies to block out deliveries to a specific suburb or street for the day and not have to wait until the recipient is available for delivery, resulting in quicker and most costeffective deliveries,” comments Saepa. INSERT Since most e-commerce consumers are usually away from home when deliveries are made, unattended delivery has become a significant issue.