Here's your dose of curated tips, news, and know-how about last-mile delivery, route optimization, and e-commerce. 🚚

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Why Is Real-Time Tracking Key to Successful Deliveries in 2025

Retailers and delivery companies that don't provide real-time tracking make a huge mistake regarding delivery transparency.

Why is the lack of tracking such a problem?

Because it creates a huge gap between customer expectations and reality that leads to:

• 🤬 anxiety and frustration
• 😣 eroding trust in the brand
• ❌ ultimately, it drives customers away

Customer expectations for delivery transparency have changed considerably over the last years, and they now include:

• real-time updates on order status - dispatched, in transit, etc
• knowing the location of the delivery vehicle at any time
• accurate estimate of the delivery time window
• seamless communication with the delivery driver
• notifications and updates on delays or other changes

But it's not only about the customer. Real-time tracking provides benefits for retailers too, such as enhanced customer loyalty and reduced customer service inquiries. We covered the topic in more detail here, check it out if interested.

5 Common Reasons for e-Commerce Returns

Sales during the 2024 holiday season (BFCM + Christmas) are expected to hit a new record! You know what this will also lead to? A high number of returns.

And handling returns is a pain in the a... Why?

First, because it directly impacts customer satisfaction and profit. Second, it creates a lot of operational complexities. Understanding the motives behind returns will help you handle them more efficiently. So here are the top 5 reasons:

• Product quality issues, including defects in the material, functionality problems, and products that do not meet the advertised standards.
• Size/fit mismatch - a survey found that 24% of shoppers return items because they received an incorrect size or fit.
• Buyer's remorse - according to a report by the National Retail Federation, 30% of online shoppers cited "changed mind" as their reason for returning items.
• Delivery issues, including delayed or missed deliveries, damaged packages, incorrect items shipped, etc.
• Better price found elsewhere - as simple as that; 70% of consumers reported that price is the primary factor in their purchasing decisions.

Find more on this topic here.

How To Choose Route Optimization Software

The right route optimization software will skyrocket your business. The wrong one will rather create extra costs and struggles. Here are some tips on how to choose your technology partner wisely:

1. Define your goals

Your goals are the achievable outcomes that are broad and long-term. For example: Your goal could be to achieve cost-efficient delivery, build and maintain customer loyalty, make data-driven decisions, etc.

2. Define your objectives

The objectives are measurable and short-term actions to achieve your long-term goals. For example: If your goal is to decrease delivery costs, your objectives could be decreasing mileage, fuel consumption, idle time, etc.

3. Set a deadline for picking software...and stick to it!

Otherwise, there’s a huge chance this might stay forever on your To-Do list. Postponing the decision for too long might ultimately harm your operations.

4. Research features, integrations, etc

Look for the features that correspond to your must-haves. Then, check the extra ones that help you address the should-haves and nice-to-haves. Dive into the specifics of each feature, and understand how they align with your goals and objectives, not in general.

5. See the product in action

Familiarize the vendor with your business, challenges, and needs. Dive deeper into the product functionality and customization opportunities. Get insights into the vendor’s attitude, commitment, and approach.

For more details, check out this guide.

FedEx, UPS’ 2025 fee hikes will wallop bulky package shippers

With the increase in shipping costs and extra surcharges that FedEx and UPS announced, retailers that ship bulky products like furniture, home appliances, etc, are going to experience extra financial burden.

The delivery giants of course defended their pricing changes through the years as a necessary measure. For some retailers, this increase is becoming too much, but unfortunately, there are not many alternative options for a reliable delivery partner (although in some cases, in-house delivery might be the better option than outsourcing to 3PL).

For more information on the increase and its potential impact, check out this article.

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