THE LAST-MILE CHECK: WHY MOST DELAYS HAPPEN AFTER ARRIVAL

In air freight, teams often put most of their attention on export clearance and flight performance. Once the aircraft lands on time, it feels like the job is done.

At Hugix, we see a different reality. Because in practice, the last mile is where shipments most often get stuck and where delays become highly visible to customers. This is exactly why the Last-Mile Check exists.

What Is the Last-Mile Check?

The Last-Mile Check is a final operational verification before arrival.

It asks one simple but critical question: Is everything ready for cargo release before the aircraft lands?

Because once the plane is on the ground, delays are no longer internal problems, they are customer-facing, time-consuming, and expensive.

Common Last-Mile Failures

Even when flights arrive perfectly on schedule, shipments can still stall due to issues such as:

• Customs documents not pre-lodged

• Delivery appointments not scheduled

• Trucking not confirmed

• Destination teams not properly informed

The result is familiar: The flight arrives on time. The cargo doesn’t move.

How to Apply the Last-Mile Check

1. Pre-alert destination teams early

Share documents, ETAs, and shipment details well before arrival.

2. Confirm customs readiness

Ensure all required documents are lodged, accepted, and ready for clearance.

3. Verify trucking and warehouse availability

Especially critical for time-sensitive, bonded, or temperature-controlled cargo.

Why the Last-Mile Check Matters

A perfect flight means nothing if:

• the cargo can’t be released

• the truck isn’t ready

• the warehouse isn’t expecting it

Customers don’t judge logistics performance at departure, they judge it at delivery.

Key Takeaway

Speed gets cargo to the airport. Preparation gets it out.

At Hugix, the Last-Mile Check is part of how we support forwarders beyond flight execution, ensuring destination teams are aligned, documents are ready, and deliveries move without unnecessary friction.

Because in air freight, arrival is not the finish line, delivery is.