You’ve heard it said: the pandemic accelerated final mile growth by 5 years or more. The demand was as unprecedented as the pandemic itself. Companies were forced to take strides to protect their businesses and supply chains, shifting to make sure they could complete their deliveries. It became survival of the fittest.

As we hit the one year mark, how did the pandemic separate out the “fittest” supply chains?

Diversity

Since the inception of the internet, consumers’ willingness to shop for certain items online has grown. It began small — shopping for clothing items, then grew to higher priced items like jewelry.

Many items, though, were still reserved for in-store purchases. Most people wanted to interact with items like appliances and electronics before purchasing.

When in-store shopping becomes impossible, though, all items must be able to be ordered and delivered. Successful companies had access to a diverse network of carriers to tap into when their delivery needs changed. Companies who’d never utilized national white glove services, for example, were judged on how quickly they could add that service and make those deliveries.

Supply chains that continue to succeed have access to a more diverse network of carriers at the ready — ready to move when consumer demands change on a dime.

Technology

When there are huge delays, your ability to communicate and ultimately serve your customers hinges on the technology you’re utilizing.

As the pandemic weighed heavily on supply chains, smart supply chain managers dove into technology, expanding their capabilities where needed to gain access to the insights around improving customer service and finding additional capacity.

Pandemic-proof technology includes the ability to see all of your data — complete tracking, exception alerts, delay alerts, and compliance reporting. Knowing everything about your final mile is power.

Taking the strides to invest in capable technology — systems that add value to your supply chain and improve customer experience was the difference in survival during the pandemic and continues to affect a company’s daily ability to thrive.

Agility

A year later, successful supply chains have learned the importance of agility and continue to practice it.

Any disruption — pandemic, political or otherwise — can send supply chains into a tailspin. The fittest of supply chains have enacted practices and tools to ensure their ability to pivot in the future. To grow in markets where needed, to add new kinds of deliveries, and expand insights to provide consistent service to their customers.

Setup to Thrive

Whether it’s a pandemic or business as usual, partnering with eTrac will help your company succeed in the last mile.

Utilizing your existing TMS system, eTrac enables you to reach any carrier on their current operational system. With unlimited potential for capacity, you can pivot your final mile as needed without losing visibility or service interruptions.

Your TMS can do so much more with eTrac. See a demo to learn more.