How can you reduce the risk of theft during last-mile delivery?

Let’s start by delivering when we promise to deliver. Give clients a more definite time window in which deliveries will be made. (From 13:00-19:00 is not an appropriate time slot - this should be between 13:00-14:00). In addition we should ensure that alternative drop off locations are convenient, secure and accessible at all time s.

To reduce theft during last-mile delivery, consider secure packaging, route optimization, and real-time tracking. Use tamper-evident packaging and GPS tracking to deter thieves. Collaboration with local law enforcement can also help

Following thoughts: a) Seamless documentation of the various steps along the customer journey (i.e. drivers particulars, exact drop-off location, receiver at drop-off location in order to be able to identify where exactly the theft happened b) Making sure, that personell dealing with last-mile deliveries has been well trained - even or especially during peak-periods c) Meeting the planned delivery time-slots exactly to avoid the need to make us of alternative drop-off locations d) incentive programs which favour personell with low theft rates e) Tracking devices for valuable goods Efficiency considerations are important to balance out risks and opportunities....

Providing order tracking and milestone based notifications to shoppers, helps to keep them updated and ready to expect the delivery at the right date. Another way is to offer them the ability to choose when they want the item to be delivered. This makes theft chances minimum and also reduces missed deliveries.

The GPS Advantage: Imagine always knowing where your package is, down to the very street. Real-time tracking is more than just technology; it's peace of mind. 2. Secure Spots Over Doorsteps: Your favorite coffee shop might just be the safest place for your new shoes. Local business partnerships for package drop-offs could be the future of e-commerce.

One of the reasons why theft occurs frequently is due to the ease of re-making fake accounts to avoid being banned. Invest in security with technology partners like SHIELD to eliminate the root of fraud, fake accounts.

I'm sure this is a hot take but it's backed by successful anecdotes in leading ecomm firms - The individual(s) responsible for last mile delivery assurance must be a properly compensated internal employee, not a contractor. It's okay to cascade down granular work to traditional security vendors, but the POC owning the full loss prevention strategy must be a seasoned, competent player. This is necessary for a couple reasons; first, it streamlines sensitive case resolution (your legal team will thank you), and secondly it reduces the isolating effect of handling such a flexible space. A seamless relationship between outbound/inbound departments and loss prevention swings the odds ever in your favor, especially in high crime areas.

At Cubbo, we've taken a strategic approach to managing the risks associated with last-mile delivery. While some companies lean on insurance measures to protect against theft, we've assessed that, for us, this isn't the optimal route. The cost of insuring last-mile packages comes in at roughly 1.25% of the retail price. This would imply that for the insurance cost to be justified, we'd need one theft for every 86 shipments. However, in reality, our data shows that only 1 in 8,000 orders faces an issue. Given this disparity, it's more financially prudent for us to self-insure, bearing the occasional cost ourselves, rather than pay the premium for external insurance.

The security overhaul included installing surveillance systems at our warehouses and on delivery vehicles. We also negotiated with insurance providers to obtain a policy that provided adequate coverage without being prohibitively expensive. The insurance cushion provided us with the confidence to explore innovative delivery options knowing that the financial risks were mitigated.

Technology is one aspect but analog solutions also work. Simple activities such as limiting handling; fewer handoffs provide less opportunities for loss. Secured packaging such as container identified seals/locks and well wrapped pallets (from all sides, easy to lose boxes from top layer). Lastly, working with good supplier partners; train them well, treat them well and pay them well - it's a business investment not a cost.

Encourage customers to provide feedback on their delivery experience. This can help you identify and address security issues. Work closely with local law enforcement to address theft issues.

In my experience having the background check and grading the last-mile delivery associates with different factors could help. Background / credit / customer feedback / previous delivery performance.

Boosting last-mile delivery security involves proactive steps. Here are two key strategies: Customer Feedback: Encourage customers to share their delivery experiences and feedback. This valuable input can help you identify and address security issues effectively. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Establish a close partnership with local law enforcement to address theft concerns promptly, enhancing the overall security of your delivery operations.

Productize a trusted neighbor notification feature in the Amazon or Ring app. Customers can identify neighbors who can receive updates when packages are en route and arrive. In doing so, a neighbor can go to your home, pick up the package, and flag it in the app thus notifying others in the trusted circle.

E-commerce thrives on trust. By fortifying the last-mile delivery with strategic, customer-centric solutions, businesses not only safeguard their goods but also strengthen their bond with customers, ensuring long-term loyalty.