Count outcomes, then activity
Define a completed delivery consistently before comparing routes. Divide the relevant delivery operating costs by completed parcels, and report attempted stops separately. Agree whether depot handling, subcontractor charges, customer support and claims are included. A low headline cost can simply reflect a narrower accounting boundary. Pair the financial result with first-attempt success, delivery timeliness and damage measures so savings are evaluated alongside the service customers actually receive.
Understand the route mix
Two routes with the same parcel count can require very different working days. Examine distance between stops, parcels per stop, access time, delivery windows and time spent waiting or parking. Compare dense urban, suburban and rural work separately. Pickups and returns also consume capacity. A useful operational review follows the driver's whole shift, including loading, travel to the delivery area and the return to the depot.
Change one constraint at a time
Test address validation, recipient instructions or a suitable collection option against a clear baseline. Lockers and pickup points can consolidate handoffs, but their benefit depends on location, utilization and customer acceptance. Include fees and failed collections when assessing the result. Measure both operating effort and completed delivery outcomes. Expand a trial only when the economics remain credible across the route types and service promises it will cover.
The practical takeaway
Takeaway: Evaluate last-mile costs against successful delivery outcomes and compare like-for-like routes.
Sources & further reading
Industry knowledge and interpretation; carrier terms and local requirements vary.
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