Article

Duty & Tax Collection

Unlocking Logistics Efficiency: First & Last-Mile

September 19. 2023

Time to read: 4 min

In the fast-paced world of logistics, mastering Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) / Delivered At Place (DAP) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) can be a real game-changer.

To tackle these challenges head-on, businesses are now channeling their efforts into leveraging smart automation for both first and last-mile deliveries, all in a bid to exceed customer expectations.

By forming strategic alliances with 3PL service providers specifically for last-mile processes, businesses can ensure swifter deliveries and maintain a lean, cost-effective pipeline. This is of paramount importance, considering that last-mile operations alone can account for a substantial 53% of the overall shipping costs.

First-Mile and Last-Mile Logistics

The first-mile and last-mile segments of logistics play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless order fulfillment. Understanding and optimizing these crucial stages can make all the difference in customer satisfaction and business growth.

The initial phase, known as first-mile operations, involves the critical task of picking up orders from manufacturers or sellers and efficiently transporting them to the carrier. This phase sets the foundation for a reliable logistics chain. Timely and flawless deliveries are paramount to keeping customers content. Any inconsistencies or lapses in quality can lead to customer attrition, which is a risk no business can afford to take in today's competitive landscape.

On the other end of the spectrum, last-mile logistics represents the final leg of order delivery, concluding when the product reaches the consumer's doorstep. This stage encompasses the process of retrieving products from the distribution center and ensuring their safe delivery to the end customer. Typically, smaller carriers handle this phase of transportation.

The significance of last-mile delivery cannot be overstated. It offers a cost-effective and swift option, including instant or same-day delivery, which holds immense value for both consumers and businesses. From a business owner's perspective, mastering last-mile logistics is not only profitable but also sets the stage for sustainable growth.

 

How First and Last Mile Logistics Can Be Optimized with DutyPlus?

In the world of logistics, efficiency is the name of the game, and optimizing first-mile and last-mile operations is pivotal. Discover how DutyPlus revolutionizes these critical stages through automated payment processes.

At the heart of efficient first-mile and last-mile logistics lies the automation of payment processes, a feat effortlessly achieved through DutyPlus. This comprehensive solution is designed to seamlessly integrate with your logistics operations, ensuring a streamlined and hassle-free experience.

DutyPlus collects customs and VAT on shipments by streamlining and facilitating the handling of financial transactions related to customs charges, duties, and taxes incurred during the shipping process. With payment processing infrastructure you can avoid headaches related with cross-border duties and taxes.

DutyPlus takes charge of the entire process - from handling receipts to processing and settling customs charges. By leveraging the DutyPlus solution and its robust payment processing infrastructure, logistics partners open up a realm of new possibilities for enhancing supply chain efficiency.

 

Consequences of Incorrect Duties and Taxes During Cross-Border Shipping

When you're sending things across borders, it's really important to pay close attention to the taxes and fees that apply in each place. Doing it by hand can be risky because there might be mistakes or missing paperwork. This could lead to your packages getting stuck in customs for various reasons.

Keeping up with all the different rules in different countries can be tricky, and if you miss something, it can cause big problems. It's not just about money - it can also affect what people think of your business. If there are issues with customs, it can slow down how quickly things get delivered to your customers.

Plusius serves as the intermediary among the shipper (merchant), customs, and end consumer, handling the receipts, processing, and settlement of customs charges. Say goodbye to customs-related delays and hello to a smoother, more reliable logistics experience.