LOGISTICS FORUM 2023 PANEL 4 | MILE DELIVERY

The LNME FORUM 2023’s last panel discussed how the e-commerce sector is changing the last-mile ecosystem in the region. Consumers like to have their online orders delivered within a day or, at most, the following day. This preference may be psychologically motivated, or the business model may have been modified to accommodate it. Correspondingly, between now and 2027, the size of the global e-commerce logistics industry is projected to expand by USD 404.84 billion at a CAGR of 20%.

Aby Sam Thomas moderated the fourth panel, including notable business leaders Shailen Shukla, Bassant Zein, and Juan Garza. Shailen started the discussion by providing a general overview of last-mile delivery in the UAE and the larger MENA region. We know that the e-commerce sector is also investing in cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics to boost efficiency, decrease delivery times, and optimise delivery routes. The environment for last-mile delivery has undergone a substantial transformation, and last-mile delivery startups and internet companies are now posing a more significant threat to established courier firms.

Then, concerning the future, he added more about ‘What comes next?’ ‘What will the future hold, and what trends should everyone involved in this sector be aware of?’ He revealed some fascinating information, such as how autonomous delivery robots, smart lockers, and delivery drones are altering the business and will do so in the future.

Juan also discussed some of the significant challenges that the industry is currently facing. Juan highlighted that automation is a crucial issue for businesses to consider for adaptation not later but soon. He concentrated on how AI and machine learning would play a vital role in the logistics and supply chain sector, far beyond the last mile.

Aby shared his thoughts based on his expertise and relevant information, being outstanding in ensuring that the talk flowed well. Bassant, who has experience in the media, explained the customer-centric approach to knowledge acquisition. Customers are well aware that there are various retailers and delivery services, including FedEx and DHL, on the market, according to her, but identifying lastmile delivery as the link in the e-commerce supply chain that connects brands and customers requires extensive and methodical media campaigns. As a result, media departments should adapt to digital means of communicating the process to the very average customers. Players in the sector are well-established, and know-how supply chains function from A to Z in their complex fashion, but we cannot expect the customers to be aware of this.

BASSANT ZEIN, MEDIA EDITOR AT PORTS, CUSTOMS AND FREE ZONE CORPORATION, SAYS, “One of the biggest challenges that almost all logistics companies are facing since E-commerce had boomed in the market is how to reach the final leg, which is the customer, so it’s recommended that Companies working in the logistics field to reach out to the journalists responsible for covering their news, in different media outlets and try to get him how the process sig going behind the scenes to ease the explanation of the process to the ordinary consumer.”

JUAN S. GARZA, BUSINESS DIRECTOR AT ROUTEMAGIC LOGISTICS, ADDS, “For me, the LOGISTICS FORUM 2023 was an opportunity to experience, in one single very well-designed event, comprehensive learning on the most relevant topics of interest for us, the logistics professionals; explained by real, active industry experts.”

SHAILEN SHUKLA, CHIEF LOGISTICS OFFICER AT PICTRUC, COMMENTS, “Last mile delivery has become the new battleground for e-commerce companies as the Last Mile service is the only factor which is emerging as a USP while product lines are similar and often overlapping, and those who can provide a seamless, fast and reliable delivery experience will emerge as winners in the fiercely competitive market.”