20-Point Last-Mile Delivery Checklist

Before Orders Arrive

• Define delivery zones and the addresses each zone accepts.
• Set order minimums, delivery fees, and available windows.
• Publish realistic cutoff and same-day availability rules.
• Define which payment methods work with local delivery.
• Document failed-delivery and customer-contact procedures.

Before Dispatch

• Confirm payment, inventory, and packing are complete.
• Verify the address, phone number, and delivery instructions.
• Group orders by zone, window, driver capacity, and priority.
• Optimize the stop order and check the proposed route.
• Assign a driver with task, status, contact, and proof requirements.

During the Route

• Track task progress and exceptions.
• Update predictive ETAs as route conditions change.
• Send event-based customer notifications.
• Give drivers a clear way to call or message customers.
• Record canceled, skipped, delayed, or failed stops.

After the Route

• Confirm every task has a final status.
• Review proof-of-delivery uploads and failure reasons.
• Reconcile delivered orders with payment and inventory records.
• Review late stops, customer contacts, and avoidable route changes.
• Use recurring issues to improve zones, windows, and future planning.

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