The final mile is an area of competition within the overall portfolio of logistics services, and shippers are demanding innovative solutions and timely deliveries. To ensure success within the final mile, providers are utilizing route optimization, incentivized scheduling, and real-time electronic tracking and communication, all of which are moving products from the manufacturer to the end user faster than ever.
“E-commerce is having an effect on our customer base and we’re seeing a host of verticals focusing on omni-channel and the last mile. We’re able to support our customers with their needs in this area and creating the necessary supply chain, with one example being a pilot delivery program in the western part of the U.S.”
-Joe Carlier, senior vice president of global sales, Penske Logistics
E-commerce, in part, has driven the demand for more innovative final-mile solutions and continues to drive new delivery methods, many of which haven’t been used before.
Amazon Prime now offers one- and two-hour deliveries on thousands of items in certain areas of the country.
Amazon has turned to everyday individuals to help make its timely deliveries and has developed Amazon Flex in which people can earn $18 to $25 an hour as independent contractors delivering packages with their car and smartphone, Amazon said.
The service is available now in Seattle and “coming soon to Manhattan, Baltimore, Miami, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta and Portland,” Amazon said on its website.
Wal-Mart has also looked to innovate crowd-sourcing solutions in which the retailer’s existing or in-store customer base would make deliveries near their destination location.
The concept of drones has been growing as a final-mile solution and a field hospital in rural Virginia launched the first federally-approved small parcel drone delivery. As part of the project,
the final mile of prescription deliveries for 20 people was completed via a special drone delivery.
Amazon initially made headlines for the delivery method in 2013 and recently proposed that airspace located between 200 feet and 400 feet from the ground be reserved for drones.
While the latest innovations hold promise, they can also create challenges, such as safety, privacy and liability concerns. However, as the space continues to develop and change, industry analysts anticipate it will shape the ways in which 3PL providers deliver service to their customers.
The Third-Party Logistics Study (Penske is a co-sponsor) can be accessed here.
Shippers have always had to be concerned about potential 
Panama Canal Authority originally said the change would take effect on September 8 with another adjustment possible on September 16, but subsequent rainfall has enabled the authority to suspend restrictions. The limit would have affected an estimated 18.5 percent of ships traveling through the canal, resulting in negative consequences for some companies, particularly those that rely on just-in-time inventory. While the rainfall provided current relief, the situation requires an urgent call for strong contingency planning.
Sales Director Fabricio Orrigo will host one of several think tanks to be held, on the lead logistics provider concept.
Penske Logistics, a leading provider of 
The criteria for this honor include: on-time pick up and on-time delivery of company components and products; innovation practices; accuracy of invoices; and the business flexibility to keep pace with the premier appliance maker. 
One-third of CEOs participating in the 22
nd Annual Surveys of Third-Party Logistics Provider CEOs said they saw significant changes in the e-commerce marketplace in the past year. Lieb said North American and European CEOs reported that Amazon has had a particularly significant impact on supply chains and e-commerce in their regions.
Competition within the logistics industry is ramping up due to tightened capacity along with increased consolidation within the supply chain arena that has resulted in fewer partners for 3PLs and increased prices.
The Worsening Labor Shortage
Jesse Burnette, Penske Logistics truck driver.
As the transportation industry wrestles with how to fill open truck driver positions, companies like 
William Black is a Penske operations supervisor.
A highlight of his captainship was co-driving a tractor over 2,360 miles, from Pittsburgh to Reno, Nevada. He was sent to Pittsburgh for a FedEx safety event, where he was able to advise their fleet on best practices. From there, the ATA had asked the captains to deliver the truck out west for another event.
Throughout the year, Penske’s professional truck 
Consumers rely on the nation’s 3.4 million professional truck drivers to deliver the goods they want when they need them – from food and clothing to furniture and electronics. In honor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week from Sept. 13-19, 
