Optimising Last-Mile Delivery in the UK 

The work inside the warehouse may end at dispatch, but for customers the real test of fulfilment begins on the road. Last-mile delivery is the most expensive stage of logistics, often accounting for more than 50% of total costs. In the UK’s dense urban environments, congestion, emission zones, and unpredictable traffic make this phase even more challenging. 

This article explores how retailers, 3PLs, and subscription businesses can optimise delivery speed and cost after dispatch — and how delivery management software like Voila connects carriers, data, and automation to make last-mile delivery more efficient. 

Why Last-Mile Delivery Optimisation Matters

Customer expectations for rapid and reliable delivery are higher than ever. A late parcel or failed first-time delivery doesn’t just add cost — it damages customer trust. At the same time, margins are being squeezed by rising courier charges and new regulatory requirements such as ultra-low emission zones. Optimising last-mile operations is now critical for both profitability and brand reputation. 

Data-Driven Strategies for UK Urban Delivery 

1. Use Urban Density Data for Route Optimisation 

London’s West End and Manchester city centre are among the UK’s most congested areas, where couriers lose hours daily to traffic. By using postcode-level data and predictive routing, businesses can avoid bottlenecks, reduce idle time, and improve delivery accuracy. Some hyperlocal couriers, like Relay, report on-time rates above 99% through real-time routing — proof of how data can turn density into an advantage. Platforms like Voila automate carrier selection and routing, supporting these strategies as part of its delivery management solution. 

2. Position Micro-Fulfilment Centres in High-Demand Zones 

In Birmingham, Leeds, and other high-density cities, micro-fulfilment hubs shorten delivery windows by placing stock closer to customers. Data on order volumes and delivery density can guide hub placement, enabling retailers to offer same-day or evening delivery without straining central warehouses. This aligns with the wider automation themes covered in Voila’s blog on the future of shipping. 

3. Apply Predictive Scheduling for Cost Efficiency 

Traffic peaks are highly predictable, from commuter congestion on Manchester’s M60 to school-run hotspots in London boroughs. By analysing historical journey data, retailers can schedule deliveries in low-traffic periods, improving first-time delivery success rates and avoiding costly redeliveries. As outlined in our blog on what delivery management software is and how it works, predictive analytics can transform delivery success rates. 

4. Adopt Sustainable Delivery Solutions 

Cities like Bristol and Oxford are expanding clean air and low-emission zones, making electric vans and cargo bikes more cost-effective than traditional fleets. Data-led routing ensures these vehicles cover dense routes efficiently, cutting emissions and helping businesses meet sustainability targets while avoiding access charges. Sustainability is a key theme in Voila’s future of shipping insights, highlighting how greener fleets are reshaping last-mile logistics. 

How Delivery Management Software Enhances Last-Mile Efficiency 

Optimisation doesn’t stop at the courier network. Delivery management software like Voila gives businesses a central platform to: 

• Automate courier management and carrier selection based on cost, speed, or sustainability rules 

• Optimise delivery routes and schedules using real-time data and predictive analytics 

• Provide live delivery tracking and customer notifications to reduce WISMO queries 

• Monitor multi-carrier delivery performance from a single dashboard 

By connecting urban data with courier integrations, Voila ensures the efficiency achieved inside the warehouse continues after dispatch — reducing costs, accelerating deliveries, and improving customer satisfaction. 

Conclusion 

Last-mile delivery in the UK is about more than speed. It’s about making data-driven decisions that balance cost, reliability, and sustainability in complex urban environments. By combining predictive scheduling, density-based routing, and greener courier options, businesses can transform the most expensive stage of fulfilment into a competitive advantage. 

With Voila’s delivery management software, UK retailers and 3PLs can integrate multiple carriers, automate decisions, and optimise every parcel from dispatch to doorstep.