Main Differences Between Hyperlocal Delivery And Last-Mile Delivery

Introduction to Hyperlocal Delivery
Hyperlocal delivery is the term used to describe a delivery made within a fixed geographical limit under a stipulated time frame. It is the process of getting products to the doorsteps of customers who reside close to the base of operations of an enterprise.

Hyperlocal deliveries are time-bound, restricted to an area and used to deliver only certain kinds of goods. Its essence is to connect businesses with customers in the same area.

Introduction to Last-Mile Delivery
Last-mile delivery is used to define any delivery that is made to the doorstep or in the hands of the end consumer. The facility is used to deliver a wide range of products without limitations. The process connects multiple geographical locations and facilitates cross-border commerce.

Last-mile deliveries can be used to deliver products with limiting businesses through time or distance. Since the process involves a multitude of steps and is actually the culmination of the shipping process, a number of checks and balances are ensured throughout the system which allows businesses to deliver all sorts of products to the customers.

Key differences between Hyperlocal Delivery and Last-Mile Delivery
Since both hyperlocal and last-mile deliveries are used to send products to the end consumer, it is easy to confuse the two. However, even though the end result of both processes is similar, their characteristics are visibly different.

Here are some key differences between hyperlocal and last-mile deliveries.
1. Time taken
Hyperlocal and last-mile deliveries operate on very different time frames. Hyperlocal deliveries are generally used to deliver products within a short span of time. Products delivered through this method are usually sent to the doorsteps of a customer within the same business day. Businesses also make hyperlocal deliveries within a matter of hours to serve their customers.

Last-mile deliveries are generally not bound by timelines. The process can take days, weeks and even months depending on the type of the commodity to reach the end consumer.

2. Distance Covered
Hyperlocal delivery, as the name suggests, is restricted to a certain geographical limit. The process is used to reach customers within close proximity to an enterprise. This allows businesses to cater to customers from within a defined boundary beyond which deliveries are not made.

Last-mile delivery, on the other hand, is not limited by distance. Businesses use the process to reach customers in all corners of the world. The process can be used to connect customers from different cities, countries and even continents.

3. Size handled
Since hyperlocal deliveries are time-bound, delivering large items is usually not possible. The process is generally restricted to making deliveries for products of a smaller size and volume.

Last-mile deliveries are a flexible alternative for businesses. The process involves the delivery of a variety of items which are not restricted to a certain size limit.

4. Types of products delivered
Hyperlocal deliveries are usually preferred to deliver products that can be consumed quickly or may perish in a short period of time. The general norm is to use hyperlocal deliveries for grocery and food delivery.

Last-mile deliveries are often made across large distances, which gives them the disadvantage of not being able to get perishables transported in time. However, for virtually all other items, last-mile deliveries can be used.

Final thoughts
Hyperlocal deliveries and last-mile deliveries, both are used to serve different businesses and different requirements. While hyperlocal delivery is used to reach customers in close vicinity, last-mile delivery is used to connect businesses with distant customers making both methods suitable to different situations. The logistics sector is a dynamic domain and both the processes are an important part of any business ecosystem.