The last mile represents the most complex and costly segment of the logistics chain. Delivering a package directly to the consumer involves facing challenges ranging from traffic congestion and insecurity to weather events and seasonal peaks in demand.
According to Jonathan Esses, CEO of Segmail , two factors currently stand out as the main obstacles for delivery operations in Mexico: infrastructure and security .
“There are many places that are very difficult to reach. During the rainy season, even if you know the delivery point, there are areas where it is simply impossible to access. And to that you have to add the insecurity that the country is experiencing,” he explained.
The sustained growth of e-commerce has increased the pressure on logistics networks. Events such as Hot Sale, El Buen Fin, retail promotional campaigns , and even massive events like the World Cup generate significant increases in delivery volumes.
However, responding to those spikes presents a significant operational challenge.
“It’s difficult to hire staff, increase capacity, and invest in infrastructure for two weeks of high demand. Then comes the question: what do you do with all that capacity when the peak ends?” he commented.
According to the executive, the key is to find a balance that allows the company to absorb temporary growth without compromising the profitability of the business.
Given this scenario, technology has become an indispensable ally for logistics operators.
Esses highlighted that data analysis tools, routing algorithms, and artificial intelligence (AI) allow for optimizing routes, anticipating demand behaviors, and improving resource utilization.
“Today, technology is key to normalizing peak demand, optimizing routes, and maximizing the number of packages delivered,” he stated.
In the case of Segmail, the company implemented eShip, a technological platform that connects online stores, marketplaces and carriers to facilitate the comprehensive management of operations.
Currently, the company operates various business units ranging from fulfillment services and national transportation to last-mile solutions.
The future: fewer home deliveries and more collection points
Looking ahead to the coming years, Esses considered that increasing urban complexity will force a transformation of traditional distribution models.
One of the alternatives with the greatest potential will be the strengthening of collection points, where consumers can pick up their orders at convenient times.
“You deliver hundreds of packages to one place and customers pick them up when it suits them. That reduces costs and simplifies operations,” he explained.
The expansion of branch networks and collection centers by courier and parcel companies responds precisely to this need to optimize the last mile .
As e-commerce continues to grow and cities become more complex, the logistics industry will have to rely more and more on technology, planning, and new operating models to maintain competitive service levels.
Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21
