When it comes to e-commerce fulfillment, the “last mile” is often the hardest—and most expensive—part of the journey. It’s also the most visible to customers.
Today’s shoppers expect fast, affordable, and transparent delivery. Meeting those expectations without breaking the bank is one of the biggest challenges brands and 3PLs face.
If you’re exploring 3PL last mile delivery solutions, understanding how third-party logistics providers approach this critical phase—and how technology like eHub can make it even better—is key to building a fulfillment strategy that scales.
What Is Last Mile Delivery in a 3PL Context?
Last mile delivery refers to the final step of the shipping journey: moving a package from a fulfillment center to the customer’s doorstep.
When you work with a 3PL (third-party logistics provider), they typically manage:
- Order fulfillment: picking, packing, and preparing orders
- Carrier handoff: generating shipping labels and passing packages to carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, or regional providers
- Tracking and communication: ensuring the shipment can be monitored in real time
Some 3PLs also offer additional last-mile options through local couriers, regional carriers, or hybrid delivery models to balance cost and speed.
Key Challenges in 3PL Last Mile Delivery
Delivering that final mile isn’t as simple as slapping on a label. 3PLs—and the brands they serve—face a number of challenges:
Cost Pressures
The last mile can represent over 50% of total shipping costs. Residential deliveries, fuel surcharges, and accessorial fees add up quickly.
Speed vs. Affordability
Consumers want two-day (or even same-day) delivery, but expedited options drive costs higher. Striking the right balance between speed and affordability is critical.
Visibility Gaps
Customers expect real-time tracking and proactive updates. Gaps in tracking or communication can create a poor delivery experience.
Returns Complexity
Reverse logistics—handling returns—is a growing challenge, especially for 3PLs managing high-volume ecommerce operations.
How eHub Supports 3PL Last Mile Delivery
At eHub, we make last-mile delivery more innovative and more cost-effective for both 3PLs and the brands they serve.
Here’s how:
Multi-Carrier Access
Through eHub Ship, users can access USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and regional carriers from a single platform. This gives 3PLs and merchants greater flexibility in managing last-mile delivery strategies.
Shipping Automation
Our platform automatically selects the best carrier and service level based on order parameters, helping reduce manual decision-making and optimize costs.
Cost-Effective Parcel Solutions
eHub makes it easier for fulfillment providers to access competitive shipping options for affordable residential delivery.
Simplified Returns Management
With eHub, merchants and 3PLs can better manage return labels and workflows, closing the loop on the post-purchase experience.
Scalable Fulfillment Partnerships
Through our network of vetted 3PLs, eHub helps brands expand into new fulfillment centers and markets, shortening delivery distances and supporting faster, more affordable last-mile solutions.
From checkout to final delivery, eHub helps fulfillment teams optimize speed, cost, and visibility across the last mile.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Speed—It’s About the Customer Experience
Winning in e-commerce isn’t just about offering faster shipping—it’s about delivering a consistent, reliable experience that keeps customers coming back.
A strong 3PL partner combined with innovative last-mile optimization tools can help you achieve both.
And that’s where eHub fits in.
Whether you’re growing your brand, expanding into new regions, or looking to simplify complex logistics challenges, we’re here to help you build a fulfillment strategy that delivers on every promise you make.
