Llamadas

The last mile is one of the most critical and complex sections of the entire logistics chain. And although we often talk about route optimization or cost reduction, there is an equally crucial aspect that is often overlooked: communication between the key actors in the cast. We refer to logistics managers, delivery people and, of course, end customers.

In this article we are going to break down the main communication problems that currently exist, why they continue to occur and, most importantly, how we can solve them using modern tools and more efficient flows.

📞 The phone: the king who no longer reigns

In many delivery companies, the main communication tool is still the telephone. It's a fast, straightforward, and widely adopted solution. But it is also the source of numerous problems that directly affect operational efficiency.

Problems with (synchronous) telephone communication between manager and delivery person

1. Time lock
2. A call requires simultaneous attention from both people. If you are busy, the entire operation is delayed.
3. Constant interruptions
4. The manager interrupts the delivery person to answer questions or make adjustments, affecting their concentration and productivity.
5. Mutual dependence
6. If the delivery person doesn't answer, the manager is left without information. If the manager is not available, the delivery person gets frustrated.
7. Lack of traceability
8. The calls leave no clear or organized record of what has been said or agreed.
9. Coverage or noise issues
10. In rural areas or noisy environments, voice communication is inefficient or even impossible.

🧍 ‍ ♂️📱 Deliver-customer communication: the big bottleneck

The other major battle front in the last mile is the interaction with the end customer. Here, too, the telephone reigns, with equally questionable results.

Main customer communication issues

1. Last-minute alerts
2. Many delivery people call just a couple of minutes before arriving, leaving little room for the customer to react.
3. Unanswered calls
4. The customer may be busy, at work, or without coverage. This requires repeated attempts, causing delays.
5. Unnecessary waste of time
6. Coordinating deliveries over the phone multiplies downtime, especially when you have to retry or wait for answers.
7. Ambiguity and errors
8. Poorly indicated addresses, unclear instructions, or last-minute changes without documentation.
9. Unnecessary tension
10. Calls can lead to misunderstandings or even conflicts if there are unpunctualities or unmet expectations.

💡 How to improve communication in the last mile?

1. Using Asynchronous Messaging Platforms

Tools such as Routal they make it possible to establish asynchronous communication channels where information flows without the need for both parties to be available at the same time. This allows:

• Leave clear, written instructions.
• Record incidents and inquiries.
• Send automatic notifications about the status of the cast.
• Notify in advance, generating options for the end customer and for the manager.

2. Smart notifications for the customer

Customers can receive automatic notifications by SMS, email or WhatsApp stating:

• Estimated time of arrival.
• Number of stops remaining before yours.
• Possibility to change the time or place of delivery from the mobile phone.
• Ability to send messages to the delivery person to find solutions or alternatives

3. Real-time tracking portals

A solution such as Routal allows us to offer the customer a tracking link where you can see the location of the delivery person and their progress. This reduces unnecessary calls and increases customer satisfaction.

4. Quick feedback and issue forms

Both the delivery person and the customer can report problems in a structured way (damaged package, wrong address, missing customer...), which avoids long calls and centralizes management.

5. Integration with planning and CRM tools

By having all the information centralized, the logistics manager can make faster and more data-based decisions: redistribute routes, assign tasks, anticipate delays or manage incidents.

🧭 Result

The last mile is not only about kilometers traveled, but about people who understand each other (or not). If we continue to rely on the telephone as the only communication tool, we are doomed to a system that is fragile, inefficient and difficult to scale.

Moving to smarter solutions such as Routal improves coordination, reduces errors and, above all, Save time for the whole team. Because in the end, good communication doesn't just deliver packages... Give peace of mind.

If you feel that you have this type of problem, I encourage you to try Routal Planner or Schedule a call.

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In the last mile, every second counts and every cent matters. As a parcel delivery company, you know that efficiency is key to delivering more packages in less time and with less effort. However, many manual processes continue to slow down delivery people and saturate customer service channels.

The solution: automate repetitive tasks. Not only does this reduce errors, but it also saves valuable minutes on each delivery. Let's see how automation can make a difference in productivity and customer satisfaction.

📞 1. Call automation: less time searching for numbers

The problem

Every time a deliveryman needs to contact a customer, they must:

🔹 Look up the phone number in your delivery list.

🔹 Type it manually.

🔹 Wait for the call to connect.

This can take between 30 seconds and 1 minute per attempt. Multiplied by dozens of daily deliveries, the time lost can easily exceed 1 hour a day.

The Solution: Automated Calls

With optimization tools such as Routal, delivery people can make calls with a single tap from their app. No copying and pasting numbers or dialing by hand.

⏳ Estimated savings: 15-25 minutes per day and per delivery person.

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🚚 2. Automating delivery information

Share ETA and number of pending stops

Customers want to know When will your package arrive precisely. If they don't have clear information, they call to ask, which results in:

🔹 Waste of time for delivery people.

🔹 Saturation of customer service.

The solution: automatic updates

Automate the notification of the estimated time of arrival (ETA) and the number of pending deliveries allows customers to stay informed in real time.

💡 Example: “Your package will arrive in 15 minutes. There are 2 deliveries left before yours.”

⏳ Estimated savings: 30-40% reduction in unnecessary customer service calls.

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🤝 3. Automation of customer-deliveryman communication

Why is it important?

When the customer is involved in the delivery, success is greater. But manual communication is slow and ineffective.

The Solution: Automated Messaging

🔹 Reminders before delivery.

🔹 Confirmation of availability.

🔹 Options for rescheduling or providing special instructions.

This allows the customer to ready to receive the package, reducing failed attempts.

⏳ Estimated savings: 20-25% fewer failed delivery attempts.

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📞❌ 4. Reduction of customer service calls

The problem

Every call to customer support can last Between 3 and 10 minutes. If hundreds of customers call daily, this represents an enormous operational burden.

The Solution: Real-Time Information

🔹 Automated ETA.

🔹 Confirmations via SMS or WhatsApp.

🔹 Live tracking link.

When customers have the information they need, They call less, they are more concerned with receiving the goods and have a better perception of the service.

⏳ Estimated savings: 50% reduction in customer service calls and a delivery success rate above 98%.

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🎯 Conclusion: More automation, more deliveries per day

Eliminating manual processes allows delivery people to focus on what really matters: deliver more packages in less time and with less stress.

With tools like Routal, you can:

✅ Save up to 30 minutes per delivery person per day.

✅ Reduce failed delivery attempts, achieving a 98% successful first delivery.

✅ Reduce unnecessary calls in 50% or more.

📦 Do you want to take your parcel delivery company to the next level? Find out how Routal can help you automate and optimize your operation. 🚀

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