The unstoppable speed of new technologies and the redefinition of electronic sales processes have led to an exponential growth of e-commerce in time and form. In this context, logistics and distribution will be key aspects that will determine the future of this booming sector.
In addition, last-mile transport solutions have become a critical component in meeting consumer demands and ensuring an exceptional delivery experience. As such, companies face a number of challenges and opportunities to optimise this crucial stage of the supply chain: from route planning to inventory management and the efficient execution of the entire logistics process.
Digitalisation as a driver of change
The last mile sector accounts for 50% of total supply chain costs. This is due to the complexity of delivery from the distribution centre to the final destination. To meet these challenges, approximately 60% of the companies specialised in this logistics process are already in the process of digitalisation. The adoption of digital platforms reduces the costs of this activity and improves operational efficiency to optimise shipping routes.
Examples such as SAM Algeciras, a multimodal logistics platform that forms part of Alonso Group, stand out for their implementation of advanced technologies for fleet management and route planning, which boosts efficiency and precision in the delivery of all types of goods.
A commitment to sustainability: decarbonisation of transport
On another front, decarbonisation of last mile operations is emerging as an urgent necessity in today’s logistics landscape. This stage of the delivery process is responsible for a significant share of carbon emissions due to the fragmentation and high frequency of deliveries in urban environments.
In this respect, the use of rail plays a very important role. This type of transport not only contributes to mitigating environmental impact, but also offers a viable alternative in terms of cost for longer distances. Areas such as southern Spain are playing a key role in the development of new railway lines and transport intermodality. An example of this is the progress made in the new Antequera Logistics Area (Malaga), which seeks to provide this area with the best infrastructures and a direct connection to the rail corridors of the trans-European network. Likewise, the Port Authority of Algeciras is boosting its railway capacity, extending the T-1 terminal, building a Technical Installation (TI) in the Botafuegos area and creating a direct connection branch between the port and this TI.
SAM Algeciras also joins this commitment to multimodality. Strategically located in Algeciras, the enclave is part of the Alonso Group’s Global Logistics Project, whose objective is to connect by rail transport the main hubs of maritime freight traffic in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Sagunto, Murcia, Alicante, Algeciras, Marín and Aveiro.
Technological innovations and greener transport strategies not only promise a more efficient and responsible logistics future, but also seek to ensure a superior delivery experience for modern consumers, meeting today’s market expectations.