With more consumers than ever making purchases online, last-mile delivery has become an increasingly complex link in the supply chain. Now, as consumer expectations, technology, and supply chain risk continue to change, many companies are finding that their last-mile strategies must also evolve. 

Everyone wants a delivery partner that delivers goods on time, in undamaged condition, to the right location. Too often, though, wanting is not getting. Shipments are delayed leaving the warehouse, merchandise is damaged somewhere in transit, and consumers end up checking their neighbors to track down wayward cartons.

The awards, announced January 25, will make considerable investments in intermodal freight infrastructure.

Farmers have been choking roadways across the country to protest higher production costs, stringent regulations imposed from Brussels and what they call unfair competition from abroad.

When it comes to meeting customer expectations for last-mile delivery, it's not just about speed. Service quality and visibility are equally important, says Jim Waters, vice president of marketing with Frayt.