Here are five ways Amazon uses last-mile delivery that could improve delivery in the area:
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1. Eliminates third parties
A last-mile delivery center means Amazon won’t have to use third parties like UPS, FedEx and the United States Parcel Service. Instead, they’ll have their own drivers and vans driving around area with delivering packages.
This could mean quicker delivery, with large semi-trucks entering the last-mile facilities over night for packages to be loaded onto smaller Amazon vans for shipment the next day. The company recently put in an order for 20,000 of its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans.
2. Sunday delivery
With their own drivers, Amazon could start delivering on Sundays in the community.
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3. Aren’t home but want your package left in your trunk or home? No problem
Amazon has Key by Amazon, technology that can give the retail giant access to your home or vehicle. Third party drivers won’t do this, but Amazon drivers can.
The method can help prevent porch pirates from stealing deliveries when shoppers aren’t home to receive them.
4. Could the Dayton area be one of the first to test technology?
Amazon has been testing new ways to make the last mile more efficient for years. In one of its newest tests, the giant online retailer has introduced Scout, a six-wheeled roving device the size of a small cooler. The company has also been working on drone technology to be used for delivery.
The Kettering facility makes it possible to test similar technology in the area and become early adapters.
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5. The more last-mile centers, the cheaper your order could be.
Amazon has said it would cut delivery fees for retailers selling on its website to be more competitive with major delivery companies like UPS and FedEx. This could be especially helpful for local small- and medium-sized businesses looking to increase sales through the online giant. Those businesses saving some cash could pass the savings onto shoppers by lowering item cost or delivery fees for non-Prime eligible purchases in areas where Amazon delivers the packages.
It is unclear at this point what features the potential facility could bring, but local Amazon shoppers can expect upgrades to their delivery service if the deal goes through.
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