Efficient last-mile delivery integrations

By: Art Panthavee, Senior Manager, Enterprise Launch Operations

February 27, 2024  |  3 Min. Read  |  Insights

There’s no denying that last mile delivery is an integral part of today’s e-commerce transformation – one that comes with a hefty price tag. According to Forbes, last-mile delivery accounts for 53% of the total cost of shipping. While many retailers find the right delivery provider that fits their product and customer promise, identifying a provider is only half the journey. Next, they must navigate the technical complexity that is common in most last-mile delivery integrations.

Fortunately, Walmart GoLocal offers two types of last-mile delivery onboarding: Book Delivery Portal or full API integration, each of which presents its own advantages.

API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that allows different software applications or components to communicate with each other. This usually involves developers working in the backend to access the software’s functions or services. While the API option offers more control over the integration, it requires technical knowledge, and the development, testing, platform, and maintenance can be time-consuming and costly.

Book Delivery Portal, on the other hand, offers a simplified way to integrate with our platform without the need to spend several weeks going through steps typically undertaken in the API option (e.g. establishing credentials, configurating webhooks, User Acceptance Testing). Once a client completes the onboarding discovery phase, they only need to provide a list of locations and users to access the portal. In addition, they can simulate deliveries in test environments before going live with last-mile delivery.

Book Delivery Portal is fast becoming a popular last-mile delivery onboarding alternative with Enterprise clients. In as little as 10 days, clients can begin scheduling deliveries. There is a growing trend in adopting the Book Delivery Portal during a testing phase before switching to API integration later, if at all. The Book Delivery Portal allows clients to get started quickly and to experience the power of Walmart GoLocal’s last-mile delivery solution for their businesses.

How does the Book Delivery portal work?

• Log On: Client will receive an email to set up their account. Once completed, they can visit https://delivery.walmart.com/login to get started.
• Book a Delivery: When an order is ready for pickup, the client can enter order details and select a delivery window by clicking Book Delivery under the Dispatcher tab. Optional drop-off notes for the driver can be entered to ensure smooth delivery.
• Track in Real-Time: Client can see real-time and past order details by simply clicking on an order number. In addition to status updates with timestamps, they can also view driver contact information and proof of delivery (signature/photo).

Advantages of Book Delivery portal

• Quick access to core Walmart GoLocal features: Client can leverage capabilities such as Location Eligibility, which helps determine whether a drop-off location is within catchment, and real-time order tracking with optional SMS updates -- all while having full access to our dedicated Client Support Center.
• Faster and smoother last-mile delivery integration: By simplifying the standard processes needed, the client can significantly reduce onboarding time with our intuitive and user-friendly portal. This also allows them to test our service for product-fit before diving deeper into API integration.
• Financial control: Without investing heavily in technical resources, the client can better adhere to an established budget while starting to capture revenue in a short amount of time.

Who benefits from last-mile delivery integration via Book Delivery portal?

• Retailers looking to remove friction in last-mile fulfillment by partnering with a delivery service provider (DSP) who can cater to different product offerings and customer expectations.
• Retailers who need easy and ready-to-use integration where little technical knowledge is needed to get things off the ground, speeding up last-mile delivery launch-readiness time.
• Retailers who do not require additional features for the delivery, such as adding a tip or updating delivery details after booking.
• Businesses that prioritize cost efficiency and are not currently looking to invest in technical development efforts.

To learn more or get started, contact our delivery solutions team.