# How Real-Time Delivery Updates Support Small Businesses

Integrate real-time delivery updates into your last-mile supply chain to increase operational efficiency and improve customer experience for your business.

## Kelsie McMahon

Published on: July 13, 2022  
Updated on: August 23, 2024

## Table of Contents

- [How Small Businesses Can Suffer by Deprioritizing Last-Mile Delivery](/content/blog/how-real-time-delivery-updates-support-small-businesses#toc-how-small-businesses-can-suffer-by-deprioritizing-last-mile-delivery/index.html)
- [Building Visibility Block by Block](/content/blog/how-real-time-delivery-updates-support-small-businesses#toc-building-visibility-block-by-block/index.html)

## Optimize your Delivery Options With DispatchOne

[Learn more](https://info.dispatchit.com/dispatch-connect)

Too often, small businesses are facing the unknown. From HVAC to printing, a small business and its customers require on-time, in-full material deliveries. Traditional courier services provide little to no true visibility into the order status and location of deliveries, lacking clear communication channels in the event of a disruption - leaving small businesses powerless and blind in their last-mile supply chain. This, paired with the fast-paced environment and intense expectations, inhibits growth.

See how real-time delivery updates can alleviate your last-mile challenges with Dispatch, so you can focus on what matters most - getting the job done well.

## **How Small Businesses Can Suffer by Deprioritizing Last-Mile Delivery**

Last-mile delivery is a critical yet often overlooked leg in supply chains. Being a fundamental step, last-mile is often the most cost-heavy shipping operation for small businesses. According to SupplyChainDive, _each_ large package delivered, such as electrical appliances, HVAC units, and auto parts, can cost up to [$50 per package](https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/last-mile-spotlight-retail-costs-fulfillment/443094/).

Lacking visibility into the status, location, and condition of these important deliveries not only prevents hyper-skilled tradespeople from getting the job done, but also creates operational inefficiencies, miscommunications, and negative customer experiences.

## **Building Visibility Block by Block**

Creating a transparent supply chain, specifically the last-mile, is a long-term goal for small businesses, yielding significant wins. Building visibility into your operations, block-by-block, is imperative for growth enablement, increased profits, and increasing efficiency.

Using Dispatch’s on-demand delivery you can:

- Simplify your orders and schedule deliveries on an easy-to-use platform
- Customize service levels and vehicle types to your needs
- Gain valuable transparency with real-time order tracking and dynamic ETAs
- Stay connected using delivery notifications that you can share with those who need it most

Remove visibility barriers and get real-time delivery updates on your important shipments to solve last-mile delivery challenges today with [Dispatch](/content/site-root.html).