Top 10: Last-Mile Delivery Companies

As consumer demand for fast delivery grows, companies must show they have what it takes to adapt to responsible last-mile delivery.

Whether it's investing in sustainable vehicles or implementing parcel-tracking technology, the best delivery providers are showing they can adapt to customer demand.

These businesses are reducing carbon emissions, increasing efficiency and ensuring greater customer satisfaction.

Here, Supply Chain Digital takes a look at the top 10 last-mile delivery companies, which have proven they put consumer needs first.

10. XPO

XPO runs one of the largest LTL (less-than-truckload) networks in North America – freight that doesn’t require a full truckload and can be shipped on pallets.

The XPO network covers 99% of US zip codes, offering cross-border and offshore service to Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Mexico and Puerto Rico. 

Its European branch, XPO Logistics Europe, covers end-to-end logistics solutions and last-mile delivery across the continent, ensuring it remains a trusted partner for B2B or B2C companies.

9. GEODIS

GEODIS is a leading logistics provider with expertise in every sector of the supply chain, working across global freight forwarding and distribution and express transport. Based in France, it has a global network of almost 170 countries.

The company has its own real-time parcel monitoring / delivery app, Zipline, which provides total visibility into last-mile delivery.

GEODIS recently appointed Laura Ritchey as CEO of the Americas region, strengthening the top market in the GEODIS global network.

8. Nippon Express

Nippon Express has a global network spanning 56 countries and more than 3,000 locations around the world.

With beginnings in Japan, the business now spans across the globe, also focusing on Europe and the Americas, but tapping into East and South Asia and Oceania. 

Nippon has optimised its global services to meet growing demand for goods, ensuring safe delivery to the end consumer, as well as establishing itself as a full-service logistics partner offering end-to-end management.

7. Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel is a major logistics provider headquartered in Switzerland. It is the global number one group in air and sea logistics with strong presence in road and contract logistics, providing end-to-end supply chain solutions for companies and industries around the world. 

K + N offers reliable carrier partnerships and custom reporting in its last-mile delivery solutions, helping customers ship more efficiently without extra costs.

What's more, it offers flexible options to accommodate the needs of every customer and offers real-time shipment tracking information.

6. SF Express

SF Express is a Chinese multinational delivery services and logistics company. Providing domestic and international express delivery, it is the largest courier in China.

The organisation offers a range of services including express delivery (which includes half day delivery), cold chain shipping, bulk shipping, pharmaceutical shipping and international shipping. 

It provides door-to-door care with short transit time and a safety guarantee. From shipment dispatch to last-mile delivery, SF Express has highly-efficient controls to reach every corner of the world.

5. Amazon

Retail and technology giant Amazon is known for its Amazon Prime next-day-delivery service. Its last-mile delivery offering relies on Amazon’s wide range of delivery vehicles, including vans, e-bikes and drones. 

The drone delivery service launched in 2022 has safely delivered thousands of packages to customers in 60 minutes or less, using a fleet of electric drones.

Meanwhile, Amazon's range of electric cargo bikes are used to deliver groceries and smaller packages to customers, particularly useful in congested cities.

4. DSV

DSV offers all-in-one parcel solution packages, handling everything from IT to physical delivery. It aims to simplify e-commerce delivery by streamlining operations by putting everything in one place. 

DSV offers a wide range of carriers and delivery options for each customer. As it is growing its European market, it is also opening up its customers to new market opportunities.

It partners with local last mile carriers in order to include trusted brands and keep supply chains flowing.

3. DHL

With DHL Express, customers can rely on online tracking systems which provide real-time visibility into the shipment's journey, allowing both businesses and consumers to track the parcel the entire journey.

With AI-driven route optimisation software, DHL couriers can analyse traffic patterns, weather conditions and delivery urgencies in order to come up with the most efficient delivery route in real-time.

To help with last-mile delivery, DHL has more than 36,000 parcel lockers around the world, helping meet the customer half way.

2. FedEx

FedEx offers a range of solutions to help meet last-mile delivery needs. To reduce failed deliveries, FedEx has a Delivery Manager service which includes delivery instructions for the driver, which the recipient can change if necessary.

The delivery giant also uses route optimisation tools to analyse real-time traffic data and delivery windows to ensure the speedy delivery of items.

FedEx also has a number of self-collection points across Asia Pacific, Europe and North America to help with last-mile delivery. To enhance sustainability credentials, it is using electric vehicles and e-cargo bikes. The company is working to grow its presence in the APAC region in order to help the future of its supply chains.

1. UPS

UPS delivers more than 22.4 million packages every single day, working across more than 200 countries and territories.

It uses a variety of shipping management software to provide effective last-mile delivery solutions, while its mobile app allows customers to manage deliveries and track packages on the go, maintaining full visibility over their items.  

UPS is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their objectives in a rapidly-changing world. It operates with a customer-first solution in order to build more resilient communities and help economies thrive.

The company is also prioritising sustainability in its last-mile delivery operations, using e-cycles and natural fuel for vehicles to cut down on carbon emissions.