What complexity arose when the recipient was an individual home?
Requiring delivery directly to the consumer's doorstep, often during specific time windows
The challenge of the last mile is fundamentally different when the destination is a commercial entity versus a private residence. Previously, when temperature-sensitive items arrived refrigerated in bulk, receiving points like grocery stores or restaurants were typically equipped with large, controlled environments, such as walk-in freezers or coolers. This infrastructure allowed for the immediate transfer of the product into a stabilized environment, mitigating the risk associated with the delivery process itself. However, the complexity of the last mile emerged specifically when the intended receiver was an individual consumer at a private residence. This scenario necessitates direct delivery to the consumer’s doorstep, which adds the complication of needing to meet specific delivery time windows, thereby increasing the potential for temperature exposure if the recipient is unavailable.
