Modernizing Supply Chain Operations Should Reduce Last Yard Issues, Asserts Augusto Beato

Portland SEO's Augusto Beato emphasized the need for third-party logistics companies and shippers to modernize their operations to minimize last-yard logistics issues.

Beato was reacting to the 23rd annual Third-Party Logistics Study, which pointed out that supply chain participants need to modernize mail rooms and receiving departments for smoother operations as well as utilize appropriate technology and software to keep them informed in real-time of delivery status.

"Third-party logistics companies also need to take greater responsibility for facilitating and executing shippers’ last-yard services in order to eliminate or reduce last-yard problems," added Beato, who is the CEO of Portland SEO. "But shippers also need to improve internal processes."

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Problems that may occur in the last yard include delayed, damaged, misplaced and lost deliveries.

The last yard represents the customer receiving that package and taking it to its point of use, as opposed to the last mile, which is the delivery from a retail store to a customer's front door. The capable execution of last-yard responsibilities will determine whether the customer’s needs are fully satisfied or not, according to the study.

Beato noted that growths in e-commerce and omnichannel distribution had increased package volumes that have made last yard logistics very challenging.

The report added that many shippers had taken innovative steps to fulfill the last yard. These include delivering perishables inside a customer's refrigerator rather than leaving the items on the doorstep.

Still, there's more room for improvement, Beato says.