Final mile delivery services are those that provide transportation for goods from the final delivery hub to the customer. These are the delivery services that most people see as they bring the parcels to our homes and businesses.
They specialise in delivering e-commerce parcels which can have them delivering a large volume of parcels each day within a geographical area.
Load boards play a great role in assisting the supply chain, sellers and final mile carriers in promoting available loads and matching them with a suitable carrier. This can help drive efficiencies in a part of the delivery chain that is expensive.
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The table below shows a quick price comparison of all the load board solutions that we’ve researched:
| Company name | Monthly cost | Free plan |
|---|---|---|
| Harte Hanks | Not stated | No |
| RXO | Not stated | No |
| Ryder | Not stated | No |
| TQL | From free | Free to use |
| Bennett | Not stated | No |
| Globaltranz | Not stated | No |
*The prices in the table above (where available) come directly from each company’s website and were accurate at the time of writing. Since then, those prices may have changed.
We’ve listed the results of our load board research and the features of each company’s product in a bit more detail below. You’ll be able to see the benefits of their service and some general information about the company as well.
*companies are ranked in no particular order.
Topics
1. Harte Hanks
Harte Hanks provides specialist freight management services including a TMS and a load board that operates in North America, Asia Pacific and Europe.
- They provide a brokerage service for shippers
- They have over 9,000 trucking companies in their network
- They facilitate a variety of loads including final mile services
- Claims to offer cost-effective and transparent logistics services
- The load board is quick and easy to use
- You can search the load board by origin, destination and equipment
- Provides real time controls to make it easier to manage loads
- Carriers can contact shippers directly to discuss loads
- The load board allows you to track your load finances
- They aim to deliver improved efficiency through process automation
Website: https://www.hartehanks.com/
2. RXO
RXO provides transportation services and they claim to be one of America’s leading transportation brokers as well as one of best largest employers.
- Their load board is called RXO Connect
- They have an extensive network of independent carriers with 100,000 carriers
- Caters for a range of load types including last mile services
- They operate across North America
- Offers on-demand capacity to shippers
- Loads can be searched by equipment and location
- Real time information enables you to bid and book loads with confidence
- Accessible through their mobile app allowing you remote access
- A wealth of information is available such as market conditions, spot rates and capacity
- Offers a reward program that can help you save money on fuel
Website: https://rxo.com/
3. Ryder
Ryder offers transportation and e-commerce fulfilment solutions which include full-service brokerage that can assist with optimising supply chains and keep trucks on the road.
- Provides a one-stop network of carriers through their load board
- Over 28,000 carriers are part of their network
- Facilitates a range of loads including final mile loads
- Offers coverage across North America
- Complete a Carrier Profile and submit proof of eligibility to become a carrier
- Eligibility is checked including safety and insurance
- Dedicated account experts are available to support users
- Real time shipment tracking is available through the load board
- They aim to make supply chains more sustainable and efficient
- Offers a range of market intelligence and insight
Website: https://www.ryder.com/en-us
4. TQL
TQL provides transportation and freight brokerage services that operate across North America with 56 offices and they claim to move three million loads annually.
- Their load board is free to use
- Offers over 65,000 loads weekly
- Caters for a variety of equipment and load types including final mile
- Complete their online form to become a carrier
- Vetting takes place which includes checking certificates and insurance
- Carriers can search for suitable loads and find preferred lanes
- Their dedicated Carrier Relations Team are available for support
- You can access the load board through their web portal or mobile app
- Carriers can access payment options
- They provide the highest Blue Book credit rating
Website: https://www.tql.com/
5. Bennett
Bennett serves North America with their transportation and logistics services that are provided by their network of employees, owner-operators and agents.
- They offer a load board that caters for owner-operators and carriers
- Over 3,000 carriers form their carrier network
- They offer a range of load types which include final mile loads
- Loads can be easily searched to find suitable matches
- Loads can be accessed through the mobile app or they can be emailed to you
- Offers a personal contact who can provide support when needed
- Receive a free ELD if you transport five or more loads each month
- Advanced technology is utilised to assist with tracking loads and providing proof of delivery
- Quick payments are offered to carriers
- Offers faster payments which incur a processing fee
Website: https://www.bennettig.com/
6. GlobalTranz
GlobalTranz offers freight and logistics services across North America to shippers of all sizes that operate across all freight modes.
- Their load board caters for drivers and dispatchers
- They have built a customer base of over 121,000 customers
- Their carrier network comprises over 85,000 carriers
- They facilitate a broad range of load types including final mile
- Carriers need to complete an online application
- Carriers can search for loads in real time and manage loads
- The load board enables users to track loads and run performance reports
- Provide the ability to manage payments online
- They support users with their dedicated carrier relations team
- Carriers can access Quick Pay solutions which can pay in as little as 24-48 hours
Website: https://www.globaltranz.com/
Final mile load board Q&A
What are final mile deliveries?
Final mile or last mile deliveries are the description for the final part of the delivery where the goods are delivered to their final destination.
Key Characteristics of Final Mile Deliveries:
- Customer Interaction: It’s often the only physical interaction between the e-commerce business and the customer, making it a critical moment for customer service and brand perception.
- Efficiency Challenges: Final mile delivery is known for being the most time-consuming and expensive part of the shipping process due to factors like traffic, delivery route inefficiencies, and the small size of deliveries.
- Technology Use: Companies use advanced technologies, including GPS tracking, route optimization software, and customer notification systems, to enhance the efficiency and transparency of final mile deliveries.
- Customization and Flexibility: Customers increasingly expect flexible delivery options, including the ability to choose delivery times, track their orders in real-time, and receive goods through contactless delivery methods.
- Environmental Impact: The final mile segment is under scrutiny for its environmental footprint, leading to a growing interest in sustainable delivery options such as electric vehicles, bike couriers, and optimized routing to reduce emissions.
Importance of Final Mile Deliveries:
The rise of e-commerce has significantly increased the volume and expectations around final mile deliveries. Customers expect fast, reliable, and free or low-cost shipping, putting pressure on retailers, e-commerce companies, and logistics providers to innovate and improve efficiency in this final leg of delivery. The effectiveness of final mile delivery strategies can significantly impact customer satisfaction, repeat business, and overall competitiveness in the marketplace.
Challenges:
- Cost: Final mile delivery is often the most expensive part of the logistics chain due to the individual handling and transportation costs associated with delivering packages to numerous final destinations.
- Speed: Consumers increasingly expect rapid delivery times, often within the same day or the next day, which can be logistically challenging and costly to achieve.
- Urban Logistics: High-density urban areas pose unique challenges for final mile delivery, including traffic congestion, parking limitations, and restrictions on vehicle types, which can impact delivery times and costs.
- Rural Deliveries: Conversely, rural deliveries can involve long distances between stops, making them time-consuming and less efficient.
Innovations and Solutions:
To address these challenges, companies are exploring innovative solutions such as:
- Localized Distribution Centers: Using local warehouses or fulfillment centers to shorten the distance to the customer.
- Alternative Delivery Methods: Employing drones, autonomous vehicles, and bicycle couriers for more efficient, eco-friendly delivery options.
- Advanced Software: Utilizing AI and machine learning for route optimization and predictive analytics to improve delivery efficiency.
- Collaborative Delivery Models: Pooling resources and networks among businesses to share the burden of final mile deliveries.
Why should you use a final mile service?
Final mile services are designed to help businesses to get their goods or products delivered in smaller volumes to the customer whether that is an individual or business. These types of services tend to offer tracked deliveries, on-time services and a higher level of customer care.
Delivery has become an essential part of product and supplier selection for many consumers as the world has become more driven by e-commerce as price and product are no longer the only consideration factors.
Getting your delivery service right can make the difference in return purchases. Final mile providers can help with providing these services if you use the right one.
Do all final mile load boards show rates?
Generally, load boards don’t tend to show the rates for loads and those that do are in the minority. Many providers have designed their load boards to advertise loads and encourage carriers to bid or quote for the loads.
This approach means that carriers are more likely to submit competitive rates and the shippers will benefit from more cost-effective load rates.
Some load boards may also offer support in assisting their users in pricing loads as they can provide tools such as historical rate information or market insight, and some offer rate calculators. These sorts of resources can be useful for both the carrier and shipper to set rates or evaluate rates.
Which load board pays the most?
When every load counts and profit margins are tight, you will want to ensure you are getting the most for the loads you carry but it’s not the load boards that determine the price of the load.
Many load boards require carriers to submit bids or quotes for loads and then the shipper or broker will select which carrier they want to use. In a smaller number of load boards, the rates are advertised by the shipper or broker for load and carriers may be able to negotiate the rate.
The load board can only impact the price by the charges that they apply. Some load boards may charge a fee for the loads won and others don’t. Some load boards charge a membership or subscription fee to access the load board.
Both, one or neither of these charges may apply so it is worth understanding the charges before you use the load board and so you can include them in your rates.
Are there any restrictions around using a final mile service?
While final mile delivery services aim to optimize the last leg of the delivery process, there are several restrictions and challenges that companies may face, often depending on the region, the nature of the goods being delivered, and the specific delivery methods employed.
Here are some common restrictions and considerations:
1. Regulatory Compliance
- Transport Regulations: Vehicles used in final mile deliveries must comply with local, state, and federal transportation regulations, including size, weight, and emissions standards.
- Permits and Licensing: Depending on the location and type of goods being transported, special permits or licenses may be required for delivery vehicles or drivers, especially for hazardous materials or food products.
2. Zoning and Urban Restrictions
- Many urban areas have specific zones where commercial delivery vehicles are restricted during certain hours, or entirely, to reduce congestion and pollution.
- Restrictions on vehicle size or type in residential areas or city centers can affect the choice of delivery vehicles.
3. Parking and Access
- Limited parking availability and restrictions can pose significant challenges for final mile deliveries in densely populated areas, leading to delays.
- Gated communities, secure buildings, and pedestrian-only zones may have access restrictions that complicate deliveries.
4. Environmental Regulations
- Increasingly, cities are implementing low-emission zones (LEZs) or zero-emission zones (ZEZs) to combat pollution, affecting vehicles that can be used for deliveries in those areas.
- Regulations around noise pollution may also restrict delivery times in certain residential areas.
5. Safety and Security
- Deliveries that require leaving packages unattended can raise security concerns, especially in areas with high rates of package theft.
- Ensuring the safety of delivery personnel, especially in areas with higher crime rates or when delivering after dark, is a priority that may necessitate additional measures or restrictions.
6. Product-Specific Restrictions
- Certain products, such as alcohol, tobacco, or prescription medications, are subject to additional regulations, including age verification on delivery and specific handling requirements.
- Perishable goods may require temperature-controlled transportation and faster delivery times to ensure product quality.
7. Customer Availability
- Deliveries requiring customer presence or signature pose challenges around scheduling and may lead to increased failed delivery attempts if customers are not available.
8. Technological Limitations
- The effectiveness of final mile delivery services can be limited by the availability and reliability of technology, such as real-time tracking and communication tools, especially in areas with poor connectivity.