Remember when two-day shipping felt like magic? Now, even same-day feels slow. The new delivery innovation is delivery in under two hours or less. Now companies are in a race for delivering as fast as they can. Ecommerce Fastlane
What the Experts Are Saying
Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon
In his 2025 shareholder letter, Andy Jassy made it clear: speed sells. Amazon’s regionalized fulfillment network now delivers over 7 billion items same or next day, with a 65% year-over-year increase in same-day and overnight deliveries. The company is also investing in drone delivery through Prime Air, aiming to get packages to customers within an hour. Business InsiderAP News+1Business Insider+1
Gretchen McCarthy, Chief Supply Chain & Logistics Officer at TargetTarget is transforming its stores into mini-fulfillment centers. By leveraging its retail locations for online order fulfillment, Target has trimmed $2 billion in inventory over two years. This strategy, supported by machine learning and AI for demand forecasting, allows Target to meet customer demand efficiently and compete with Amazon and Walmart on fulfillment speed. Global Trade Magazine+3MSL COPACK + ECOMM+3The Sunday Guardian Live+3WSJ
Our Take
The future of fulfillment isn’t just about speed—it’s about proximity, automation, and intelligence. Micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) are becoming essential, bringing inventory closer to customers and enabling faster deliveries. Automation and AI are streamlining operations, while technologies like drones and autonomous vehicles are poised to revolutionize last-mile delivery. Companies that adapt to these trends will not only meet customer expectations but set new standards in the industry.Wise Systems+3Global Trade Magazine+3The Sunday Guardian Live+3Global Trade Magazine+2The Sunday Guardian Live+2proship3pl.com+2
3 Action Steps
- Implement Micro-Fulfillment Centers (MFCs)
- Establish small, automated warehouses in urban areas to reduce delivery times.
- Use data analytics to determine optimal locations based on customer density and demand.
- Integrate MFCs with existing retail spaces to maximize efficiency.The Sunday Guardian Live+1proship3pl.com+1
- Establish small, automated warehouses in urban areas to reduce delivery times.
- AI Implementation for Demand Forecasting
- Adopt AI-driven tools to predict customer demand and optimize inventory levels.
- Use machine learning algorithms to analyze purchasing trends and seasonal fluctuations.
- Implement real-time inventory tracking to respond swiftly to changes in demand.Vents Magazine
- Adopt AI-driven tools to predict customer demand and optimize inventory levels.
- Explore Independent Delivery Solutions
- Collaborate with technology partners to test new solutions, such as drones and autonomous vehicles.
- Collaborate with technology partners to test new solutions, such as drones and autonomous vehicles.
Stay informed about regulatory developments to ensure compliance and readiness for broader implementation.arXiv+1The Sunday Guardian Live+1Avasant
In the race for faster fulfillment, standing still is falling behind. Embrace innovation, adapt swiftly, and deliver not just products, but exceptional customer experiences. The future waits for no one.
Written by Vanessa Manvelyan
