By
Adam Polk
A first mile sorting center is the first place that a package is transported from the manufacturer, where it is categorized before being shipped out to its next destination, usually a distribution center or an online retailer warehouse before heading to the consumer.
By organizing and routing packages based on their destinations, first mile sorting centers act as the launching pad for parcels on their journey to consumers. In this guide, we’ll go over exactly how first mile sorting centers work and how they can be a shipping solution for your business.
How Do First Mile Sorting Centers Work?
First mile sorting centers operate through a series of sophisticated processes designed to efficiently handle incoming packages.
Upon arrival, parcels are scanned and categorized based on their size, weight, destination, and shipping priority. Advanced conveyor systems and automated sorting machines then route the packages to appropriate areas within the facility for further processing.
Skilled workers and robotic systems work in tandem to group similar packages, prepare them for transport, and load them onto outbound vehicles or containers. This streamlined process ensures that packages are quickly and accurately sorted, setting the stage for efficient transportation to the next point in the delivery network.
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How Long Does First Mile Shipping Take?
Depending on the product and the availability in the supply chain, first-mile shipping can take anywhere from one to several days to complete. Factors such as distance, availability, and additional steps in the supply chain process can impact the time it takes.
Optimizing Your Supply Chain With First Mile Delivery
First mile delivery is a critical first step in the supply chain process. It’s important to optimize your supply chain with first mile delivery, by utilizing third-party logistics, developing solid warehouse receiving and supply chain processes, and implementing technologies to track shipments and data.
Partner With a 3PL
Partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider can significantly enhance your first-mile sorting operations. A reputable 3PL , like Print Bind Ship, can offer access to state-of-the-art sorting facilities, advanced technology, and experienced staff, allowing you to scale your operations without significant capital investment.
3PLs can provide flexibility in handling fluctuating volumes, especially during peak seasons, and often come with the added benefit of established relationships with carriers and transportation networks. By leveraging a 3PL’s expertise and resources, businesses can improve their first-mile efficiency, reduce costs, and focus on their core competencies while leaving the complexities of sorting and distribution to the experts.
Digitalization
First-mile delivery is a highly manual process, so shippers don’t have options for different times of the day. This process can be improved by digitizing the first-mile delivery flow. Partnering with companies that have the technology for optimizing first mile logistics to manage the shipping experience can help with resources and save time, as well.
Tracking
In most cases, once a provider takes a truckload from its warehouse, shippers have zero visibility, which can be problematic. Tracking and visibility is one example of how the last mile delivery experience starts with the first mile of delivery planning and execution. Technology is available to digitally track shipments in “real-time”.
Supply Chain Process
By mapping out first mile delivery and going through each step of your existing supply chain closely to identify where inefficiencies are, you can optimize the supply chain process. Each step of the supply chain is built from the previous step, so starting out as efficiently as possible is extremely beneficial for your entire process.
Warehouse Receiving Process
Mapping out your warehouse receiving process for accurate inventory tracking and outlining how you or your warehouse team receives inventory shipments sent by your supplier are critical steps in the warehouse receiving process. Completing pre-receiving tasks prepares your warehouse for receiving inventory. Organizing and storing new inventory as it arrives also helps to keep your supply chain running optimally.
Collecting the Right Data
Collecting the right data such as time to ship, time to stock, and transit damage rates are extremely important because it helps to organize your shipments in a way to maximize efficiencies and help to mitigate or lessen the probability of potential issues.
Selecting the Proper Packaging
Proper packaging while shipping is also very important, because if you don’t have the right packaging it won’t matter how quickly it takes to get to its destination. Having your product packaged properly will avoid the extra step of repackaging for compliance reasons and/or re-labeling for inventory purposes.
Labeling Systems
Consistently labeling your shipments is the best way to track your entire inventory. By creating an organized labeling system, you can limit the number of SKUs needed. You can also both simplify and expedite the scanning processes of your inventory.
Importance of First Mile Delivery
It is important to have convenient and flexible delivery arms and locations in order to maximize the efficiency of your deliveries.
- Lays the groundwork for remaining logistics
- Flexibility of carriers is important
- Utilize same routes and map out supply chain
- Visibility into shipment location and timelines using technology
First-Mile vs Last-Mile Delivery
First-mile delivery is the shipment of finished goods to a distribution facility where it is then shipped to its final destination. Last-mile delivery refers to the shipping carrier transport of the delivery to the end customer. First-mile delivery typically involves pallets and bulk shipments, whereas last-mile delivery involves smaller and more customized packaging.
First-Mile Delivery Is A Critical First Step in Your Supply Chain Process
As a leading 3PL provider, we understand that the first mile is crucial in setting the pace for efficient, cost-effective shipping. Our state-of-the-art first mile sorting centers are designed to streamline your logistics process from the very beginning, ensuring your packages start their journey on the right foot.
By partnering with Print Bind Ship, you gain access to advanced technology, experienced staff, and optimized processes that can significantly improve your supply chain performance. Whether you’re a small eCommerce business or a large retailer, our scalable solutions can adapt to your unique needs and volume fluctuations.
Don’t let inefficiencies in the first mile hold your business back! Contact Print Bind Ship today to learn how our first mile sorting centers can revolutionize your logistics operations, reduce costs, and help you meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s fast-paced market.
FAQs
First mile delivery refers to the transportation of goods across the first leg or “mile” of the supply chain. This can have different me
First mile pickup means the very first step in the supply chain process. This also depends on the industry. For example, first mile pickup for a residential moving company would be the pickup from the customer’s home and taking it to a storage unit or a new home.
It means that your package is at a holding site used to sort and categorize shipments so they are then sent to their correct locations. Your package could be at a sorting center for up to se