Last-mile is where deliveries win or lose. These simple, local tactics will help you move orders faster, reduce failed drops, and keep customers calm across Nigeria.
1) Use local insights and on-ground expertise (local riders and drivers).
- City knowledge saves minutes per stop.
- Map hot zones and bottlenecks (markets, school closing hours, park corridors).
- Work with riders who actually know the routes and backstreets.
Quick actions
- Group areas into 4–6 delivery zones per city.
- Assign riders to their home zones.
- Set time windows that avoid peak traffic for each zone.
2) Package properly (speed starts at the seller’s table)
- Bad packaging slows everyone down: leaks, tears, repacks, and reattempts.
- Use the right container (box or courier bag), add padding, and seal tight.
- Label clearly: name, phone, address, landmark/Plus Code.
- For food or liquids, double-bag and tape seams.
Quick actions
- Keep a small packing station: bubble wrap, cartons, courier bags, tape, and labels.
- Standardise a quick seal-and-label routine check before handoff.
3) Use real-time tracking and simple comms
- Beyond speed, people want certainty.
- Share live location or ETA updates.
- Send three short messages or updates: picked up → en-route → delivered.
- If delayed, say it early with a new ETA.
Quick actions
- Save WhatsApp templates for the three updates.
- Add a “drop pin” step to every booking so addresses are precise.
More field-tested best practices;
4) Batch by zone, not by order time
- Run clustered routes (A–A–A) instead of zig-zag.
- Slot single far drops at off-peak windows.
5) Get the address right the first time
- Always request a Google Maps link or check the addresses on the map yourself.
- Ask for a nearby landmark in plain language.
6) Use delivery windows (2–3 hours)
- Promise windows you can actually hit.
- Auto-escalate if a window is missed.
7) Confirm availability before heading out
- A 10-second pre-call saves 30-minute wasted trips.
- For estates/offices, confirm gate or floor access codes.
8) Set a clear failed-delivery & returns SOP
- Attempts (e.g., 2), wait time (e.g., 10 mins), and what happens next.
- Send an auto message: “Missed you — here are your options.”
9) Keep riders and bikes ready
- Shift planning around traffic and weather.
- Weekly maintenance checklist.
- Spare phone and power bank per rider.
10) Prioritize by item type
- Hot food and perishables first, fragile next, non-urgent later.
- Don’t mix ice-cold and hot items in the same box.
11) Proof of delivery (POD) ends arguments
- Photo + receiver’s first name + timestamp.
- Store in a simple shared folder by date.
12) Track the only numbers that matter
- On-time rate, first-attempt success, average cost per drop, and tickets per 100 deliveries.
- Review weekly; fix one bottleneck at a time.
10-Minute Pre-Dispatch Checklist
- Address + landmark/Plus Code confirmed
- Package sealed and labeled
- Recipient availability confirmed
- Route batched by zone
- Weather check done
- Rider has fuel, phone, power bank, small cash float
- POD method ready (photo/timestamp)
- ETA message template ready
- Returns/failed-delivery options clear
- Helmet, raincoat, gloves (seasonal)
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