The Last-Mile Retention Gap
In 2026, delivery quality is no longer a logistics checkbox—it is a brand-defining touchpoint. For e-commerce leaders, the "Last Mile" represents the greatest risk of Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) destruction. While legacy carriers maintain stable scores, tech-forward platforms have unlocked a "Reliability Dividend," proving that precise delivery is the ultimate engine for repeat purchases and margin protection.
At a Glance: The Delivery Performance Benchmark
| Metric | The Cost of Delivery Friction | The Gain of Tech-Forward Logistics |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Revenue | $17.20 loss per failed first-time delivery | 19.2%+ lift in repurchase rates |
| Customer Lifetime Value | 23% churn rate after one poor experience | 41%+ increase in total CLV |
| Support Overhead | 18% of tickets are ""Where Is My Order"" (WISMO) | 71% fewer delivery-related refunds |
| Conversion Rate | 18% abandonment from poor delivery options | 8.9%+ lift via optimized last-mile tech |
| Brand Accountability | 41% of consumers blame the brand, not the carrier | 4.9 / 5.0 average customer satisfaction score |
The Bottom Line
To protect margins in a high-competition landscape, retailers must pivot from "carrier-centric" to "customer-centric" logistics. By shifting to a tech-forward model that achieves 99% On-Time Delivery (OTD), brands can mitigate the cascading costs of failed deliveries—which trigger an average of 2.3 support interactions—while capturing a 10.6% increase in Average Order Value (AOV).
What Makes a Delivery Service Truly Customer-Centric?
The delivery experience is now functionally inseparable from brand equity. Because 41% of consumers hold retailers accountable for carrier errors5, the "Last Mile" has transitioned from a back-office logistics cost to a primary Customer Experience (CX) strategy.
True customer-centricity is measured by four technical dimensions:
- Proactive Communication: Eliminating information gaps.
- Logistical Transparency: Real-time visibility into the package journey.
- Channel Accessibility: Multi-modal support (SMS, Chat, Phone).
- Performance Consistency: High-integrity delivery windows.
The Customer Service Metrics That Actually Matter
1. On-Time Delivery Performance: The Foundation of Trust
On-time delivery is the leading indicator for brand loyalty. Missing a promised date range by just 48 hours results in a 69% drop in customer retention5.
| Delivery Entity | Metric | Performance Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Average | First-Attempt Failure | 8% – 10% of domestic orders |
| Traditional (UPS) | ACSI Score | 78 / 100 |
| Traditional (FedEx) | ACSI Score | 80 / 100 |
| Tech-Forward (Veho) | OTD Rate | 99% (4.9/5 CSAT) |
The Business Impact: Transitioning to high-OTD partners like Veho drives a 19.2% lift in repurchase rates and a 40% increase in Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)33.
2. Proactive Communication: Reducing "Where Is My Order" Anxiety
"Where Is My Order" (WISMO) inquiries are a primary margin-killer, accounting for 18% of all e-commerce support tickets10. Every delivery failure generates an average of 2.3 customer service interactions2.
- High-Effort (Legacy) Models: Rely on static tracking numbers and rigid delivery windows.
- Low-Effort (Tech-Forward) Models: Utilize Proactive Communication—text notifications with delivery slots, real-time photo-proof of delivery (POD), and GPS-enabled driver communication.
The Business Impact: Reducing WISMO friction increases average order values (AOV) by 10.6%12 and conversion rates by 8.9%.12
3. First Response Time and Resolution Speed
Post-purchase anxiety peaks during high-volume windows (e.g., BFCM), where support ticket volume surges by 210%1.
- Legacy Constraint: Traditional models often lack direct-to-driver communication, creating long resolution loops.
- The Modern Solution: Multi-channel accessibility (text, chat, phone) ensures high Resolution Speed, preserving customer trust before the issue escalates.
4. Optimizing the Customer Effort Score (CES)
Customer Effort Score (CES) measures the friction of an interaction34. The goal of a tech-enabled carrier is to shift the customer from high-effort to low-effort workflows.
| High-Effort Experience (Avoid) | Low-Effort Experience (Target) |
|---|---|
| Navigating complex IVR phone trees | Intuitive, mobile-first tracking interfaces |
| Repeating info to multiple agents | Self-service delivery modifications |
| Inability to provide driver instructions | Proactive problem resolution (Auto-alerts) |
| Opaque tracking/No photo proof | Direct text access to human support |
The Unit Economics of Delivery Failure
While CSAT provides a sentiment benchmark, the true stakes of last-mile performance are found in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A failed delivery is not a singular event; it is a "margin-killer" that compounds across support, labor, and inventory.
1. Direct Cost Impact
Failed first-attempt deliveries represent a leaking bucket for e-commerce margins.
| Cost Driver | Data Point | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Failed First-Attempt | $17.20 per order9 | Immediate margin erosion (replacement + labor) |
| Support Multiplier | 2.3 Interactions2 | Each failure triggers multiple high-cost contacts |
| Ticket Resolution | $12–$25 per ticket10 | WISMO inquiries dominate 18% of total support volume10 |
| Attempt Frequency | 20% failure rate6 | 1 in 5 packages require expensive second-trip logistics |
2. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) Destruction
The long-term erosion of a customer base often outweighs the immediate shipping cost.
- Accelerated Churn: 23% of consumers permanently abandon a retailer after just one poor delivery experience3. This rises to 85% for repeat offenders11.
- Trust Deficit: 21% of customers report a fundamental loss of trust in the brand (not the carrier) following delivery issues.
- Brand Virality (Negative): Dissatisfied customers are 16%3 more likely to engage in negative word-of-mouth, amplifying the cost of acquisition for new customers.
The math is stark: increasing customer retention by just 5% can increase profits by more than 25%¹⁶, while it costs six to seven times more to gain a new customer than to retain a current one¹⁷.
How Veho Delivers Superior Customer Experience
Veho's customer-centric approach demonstrates what's possible when delivery services prioritize experience alongside logistics efficiency. The company's results speak for themselves: 99% on-time delivery, 4.9/5 customer satisfaction score, 71% fewer delivery-related refunds, and 41% increase in customer lifetime value³⁰,³¹.
1. Technology-Enabled Flexibility
Traditional carriers operate on rigid, driver-centric routes. Veho utilizes a customer-first communication layer to solve common friction points:
- Dynamic Delivery Windows: Real-time SMS notifications allow customers to anticipate arrivals.
- In-Flight Modifications: Customers can adjust destinations or timing via text, preventing failed first-attempts.
- Visual Proof of Delivery (POD): Automated photographic verification ensures transparency and reduces "lost package" disputes.
2. Driver Quality and Accountability
At Veho, transparency and communication are very important, which is why they share how customer ratings are calculated with drivers³². The driver rating system creates accountability:
| Accountability Factor | Best Practice Standard | Impact on Trust |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction Adherence | Following specific "Doorbell" or "Gate Code" notes | Minimizes package theft & friction |
| Verification Quality | High-clarity photos showing package placement | Eliminates "false delivery" claims |
| Performance Window | Consistent delivery during promised time-slots | Increases predictability for the user |
| Rolling Evaluation | Ratings based on the most recent 100 deliveries | Ensures sustained service excellence |
3. Real-Time Support and Communication
The gap between "issue" and "resolution" is the primary driver of negative brand sentiment. Veho closes this gap through:
- GPS Visibility: Live tracking provides accurate data, reducing customer anxiety.
- Direct-Channel Support: Access to live human assistance via text and phone.
- Driver Synchronization: Real-time communication channels between support teams and drivers for immediate problem-solving.
4. Measurable Business Impact (The ROI Dividend)
Optimized last-mile performance functions as a Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) tool. The data demonstrates a direct correlation between delivery quality and the balance sheet:
- Conversion Lift: Improved delivery transparency increases e-commerce conversion rates by 8.9%12.
- AOV Growth: Reliability leads to a 10.6% increase in Average Order Value (AOV)12.
- Retention Advantage: Retailers see a 25% higher repeat purchase rate when offering high-integrity shipping13.
- Unit Economics: This approach simultaneously improves Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) by 41% while reducing delivery-related costs by 35%30.
Peak Season: When Customer Service Matters Most
Peak season amplifies every customer service strength and weakness. Brands generated approximately $24.1 billion in US sales during Black Friday Cyber Monday 2024, creating unprecedented delivery challenges.
The Support Surge
The post-Cyber Week period triggers a massive shift in customer service requirements:
- Ticket Volume: Support inquiries spike by 210% immediately following Black Friday.
- Response Latency: First Response Time (FRT) typically increases by 210%, yet 85% of high-volume brands (>5k orders/month) lack the 24/7 support infrastructure to manage the load.
- Operational Delta: Top-tier fulfillment providers maintain a click-to-ship average of 1.14 days, significantly outperforming the industry average of 3–4 days.
AI and Automation Scaling Support
Generative AI and automation have become the "First Responders" of modern logistics.
- Automation Surge: Chatbot-driven traffic increased by 1,950% during Cyber Monday 2024.
- Revenue Influence: AI and agent-led interactions influenced $60 billion in global sales during Cyber Week.
- The Conversion Dividend: Retailers deploying AI-powered service saw a 9% higher conversion rate on Black Friday by resolving friction in real-time.
Return on Investment in Superior Delivery Service
Businesses must evaluate delivery services not just as cost centers but as revenue drivers. The ROI framework for delivery service quality includes:
Cost Savings:
- Reduced support tickets and resolution costs
- Lower return and refund rates
- Fewer reshipments and delivery failures
Revenue Gains:
- Improved conversion rates from faster, more reliable delivery promises
- Higher average order values when customers trust delivery
- Increased repeat purchase rates from positive experiences
- Protected customer lifetime value through reduced churn
Retailers offering two-day shipping see 25% higher repeat purchase rates, while 93% of shoppers buy more when free shipping is available, representing a powerful incentive to optimize delivery.
Veho's comprehensive results demonstrate this ROI in practice: 41% improvement in customer lifetime value, 35% reduction in delivery-related costs, 71% fewer delivery-related refunds, and doubling of volume in the first half of 2025.
How to Evaluate Delivery Service Customer Care
When selecting a delivery partner, retailers should evaluate these key dimensions:
Core Performance Metrics
- On-time delivery rate (target: >95%)
- First-attempt delivery success (target: >92%)
- Customer satisfaction scores (target: >4.5/5)
- Delivery-related refund rates
Customer Communication
- Proactive delivery notifications
- Ability to modify delivery preferences
- Real-time package tracking visibility
- Photographic proof of delivery
Support Accessibility
- Response time for customer inquiries
- Availability of live human support
- Multi-channel support options (phone, text, chat)
- Weekend and evening support hours
Flexibility and Control
- Delivery window customization
- Instruction adherence and driver accountability
- Returns and pickup capabilities
- Seasonal capacity and surge handling
Business Impact
- Effect on conversion rates and cart abandonment
- Influence on repeat purchase rates
- Impact on average order value
- Total cost of ownership including support and refunds
The Bottom Line
Customer service quality in delivery services directly impacts brand reputation, customer retention, and profitability. While traditional carriers maintain solid performance with ACSI scores of 78-80, tech-forward platforms like Veho are setting even higher, new standards for customer-centric delivery.
Veho's industy-leading on-time delivery rate and 4.9/5 customer satisfaction score demonstrate what's possible when delivery services prioritize customer experience through purpose-built technology. The business results validate this approach: 41% higher customer lifetime value, 71% fewer delivery-related refunds, 35% lower delivery costs, and a 19.2% lift in repurchase rates.
For retailers serious about competitive advantage in e-commerce, delivery service selection deserves the same strategic attention as product development, marketing, and customer service. Businesses that use customer journey maps decrease their customer service costs by 15% to 20%, and choosing the right delivery partner represents a critical touchpoint in that journey.
The question isn't whether delivery service quality matters—it clearly does. The question is whether your delivery partner is helping build customer loyalty or inadvertently driving customers to competitors. With 23-85% of customers willing to abandon retailers after poor delivery experiences, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which delivery service has the highest customer satisfaction rating?
Veho leads the industry with a 4.9/5 customer satisfaction score (equivalent to 98 out of 100), significantly outperforming traditional carriers. Among traditional carriers, FedEx scored 80 out of 100 on the ACSI in 2024, while UPS achieved 78. The gap reflects different approaches to customer experience, with tech-forward platforms emphasizing proactive communication, delivery flexibility, and accessible support.
What is the average on-time delivery rate for major carriers?
Veho achieves a 99% on-time delivery rate, setting the benchmark for the industry. FedEx Express achieves a 98% on-time delivery rate for overnight shipments. Traditional ground shipping services typically achieve lower on-time rates, though specific published rates vary. Industry-wide, up to 20% of e-commerce packages aren't delivered on the first attempt, highlighting the gap between leading performers and average service.
How much do failed deliveries cost retailers?
Failed first-time deliveries cost retailers an average of $17.20 per order in direct costs, but the total impact extends much further. Each failed delivery triggers approximately 2.3 customer service interactions, with support tickets costing $12-25 each to resolve. Beyond immediate costs, 23-85% of consumers won't return to a retailer after a poor delivery experience, destroying customer lifetime value that can exceed hundreds or thousands of dollars per lost customer.
Does faster delivery improve customer retention?
Yes, substantially. Retailers offering two-day shipping report 25% higher repeat purchase rates compared to those with standard 5-7 day delivery windows. 69% of customers are less likely to shop with a retailer again if their package didn't arrive within two days of the promised date. The relationship between delivery speed and retention is clear: faster, more reliable delivery builds customer loyalty and drives repeat purchases.
How does delivery service impact conversion rates?
Optimized last-mile delivery can improve e-commerce conversion rates by 8.9%. Cart abandonment rates drop by an average of 18% when two-day delivery options are prominently displayed during checkout. The delivery promise shown at checkout directly influences purchase decisions, with faster, more reliable delivery options reducing friction and encouraging conversion.
What percentage of customer service tickets are delivery-related?
WISMO (Where Is My Order) inquiries account for 18% of support tickets for the average e-commerce store. This represents a massive support burden that proactive delivery communication can significantly reduce. Delivery-related inquiries spike during peak season, with support ticket volume increasing by 210% after Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
Can delivery service quality really improve customer lifetime value?
Absolutely. Veho's delivery service approach improves customer lifetime value by 41%, demonstrating the direct connection between delivery experience and long-term customer value. Increasing customer retention by just 5% can increase profits by more than 25%, and delivery experience plays a critical role in retention. Partners using Veho saw a +19.2% lift in repurchase rate, further validating the LTV impact.
How do traditional carriers compare to tech-forward delivery services?
Traditional carriers excel at global reach, complex logistics, and handling specialized shipments. UPS operates in over 220 countries and territories with strong customer service scores of 78, while FedEx achieves an ACSI score of 80 and rates highly for express services. However, tech-forward platforms like Veho deliver superior customer satisfaction through flexibility, communication, and user experience. Veho's 4.9/5 satisfaction rating and 99% on-time delivery rate significantly exceed traditional carrier performance.
What delivery metrics should e-commerce companies track?
Focus on metrics that impact both costs and revenue. Key metrics include: on-time delivery rate (target >95%), first-attempt delivery success (target >92%), customer satisfaction scores (target >4.5/5), WISMO ticket volume, delivery-related refund rates, conversion rate impact from delivery promises, repeat purchase rate differences by delivery speed, and customer lifetime value by delivery service used. Businesses that use customer journey maps decrease customer service costs by 15% to 20%, and delivery represents a critical journey touchpoint.
How important is proactive delivery communication?
Extremely important for reducing support burden and improving satisfaction. WISMO inquiries represent 18% of support tickets, a volume that proactive communication can dramatically reduce. Only 45% of digital retailers consistently meet consumer expectations for delivery speed, but those that communicate proactively see higher satisfaction even when delays occur. Real-time tracking, delivery window notifications, and ability to modify preferences all contribute to reduced anxiety and improved experience.
What return on investment can businesses expect from superior delivery service?
Companies using Veho see 41% improvement in customer lifetime value, 35% reduction in delivery-related costs, and 71% fewer delivery-related refunds. Beyond these direct impacts, optimized delivery drives 8.9% higher conversion rates, 10.6% higher average order values, and 25% higher repeat purchase rates. The ROI equation balances cost savings (reduced support, fewer refunds, less reshipment) against revenue gains (better conversion, higher AOV, improved retention).
References
- Ecommerce Fastlane. (2022). "The State Of The Ecommerce Customer Service Industry Report." https://ecommercefastlane.com/the-state-of-the-ecommerce-customer-service-industry-report/
- Pegasus Couriers. (2025). Cost of Failed Deliveries Explained | Billions Wasted Annually. https://pegasuscouriers.co.uk/2025/08/cost-of-failed-deliveries/
- Radaro. (2024). "What do Failed Deliveries Cost Your Business?" https://radaro.com/en-us/efficiency-insights/cost-of-failed-deliveries/
- Veho. (2025). The Hidden Costs of Delivery Failures (and How to Avoid Them This Peak Season). Veho Blog. https://www.shipveho.com/blog/the-hidden-costs-of-delivery-failures-and-how-to-avoid-them-this-peak-season
- Chain Store Age. (2021, March 9). Survey: As e-commerce grows, so do delivery problems. Chain Store Age. https://chainstoreage.com/survey-e-commerce-grows-so-do-delivery-problems
- Harvard Business Review. (2023, November 28). Research: Why So Many Packages Don't Get Delivered. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/11/research-why-so-many-packages-dont-get-delivered
- Cascadia. (2024, January 31). Share of last-mile delivery costs out of total shipping costs in 2018 and 2023. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1434298/last-mile-share-of-total-shipping-costs/
- Capital One Shopping. (2025). "eCommerce Delivery Statistics (2025): Trends & Latest Data." Retrieved from https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/ecommerce-delivery-statistics/
- Loqate. (2021, March 9). Fixing Failed Deliveries 2021: Stamping Out Faulty Fulfillment. Research conducted by Censuswide, December 2020. Survey of 304 retail executives and 3,040 consumers. https://chainstoreage.com/survey-e-commerce-grows-so-do-delivery-problems
- Gorgias. (2023, November 13). What's The Secret to Reducing WISMO Requests? https://www.gorgias.com/blog/automate-wismo-requests
- FarEye. (2022, July 18). FarEye Study Says Retailers Risk Losing 85% of Online Shoppers Due to Poor Delivery Experience. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220715005443/en/FarEye-Study-Says-Retailers-Risk-Losing-85-of-Online-Shoppers-Due-to-Poor-Delivery-Experience
- Supply Chain Dive. (2024, April 22). The last mile: Your first critical step to delivering cost savings and profit. Sponsored by Veho. https://www.supplychaindive.com/spons/the-last-mile-your-first-critical-step-to-delivering-cost-savings-and-prof/713555/
- RedStag Fulfillment. (2025). "Ecommerce Delivery 2025: What Percentage Arrive in 2 Days?" https://redstagfulfillment.com/what-percentage-of-ecommerce-parcels-are-delivered-within-two-days/
- Invesp. (2017, January 5). How Free Shipping Influence Online Buying Decisions. https://www.invespcro.com/blog/free-shipping/
- Gorgias. (2023, November 21). Repeat Customer Rate: Your Guide to Track & Improve the Metric. Gorgias Blog. https://www.gorgias.com/blog/repeat-customer-rate
- Gallo, A. (2014, October 29). The Value of Keeping the Right Customers. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2014/10/the-value-of-keeping-the-right-customers
- SignalMind. (n.d.). Cost of Acquiring New Customers vs. Retaining. https://www.signalmind.com/infographics/cost-acquiring-new-customers-vs-retaining
- Stord. (2024). "Black Friday Cyber Monday Performance Report - 2024." Retrieved from https://www.stord.com/blog/peak-performance-report-2024
- Tidio. (2024). "Black Friday Facts & Cyber Monday Stats [Report 2024]." Retrieved from https://www.tidio.com/blog/black-friday-trends/
- Adobe. (2024, December 3). Cyber Monday Hits Record $13.3 Billion in Online Spending. https://news.adobe.com/news/2024/12/120324-adi-cyber-monday-recap
- Queue-it. (2025). "149 Black Friday Statistics Every Retailer Should Know 2025." https://queue-it.com/blog/black-friday-statistics/
- Baymard Institute. (2025). Cart Abandonment Rate Statistics. https://baymard.com/lists/cart-abandonment-rate
- Salesforce. (2024, December 3). Salesforce Data Reveals New Cyber Week All-Time High. https://www.salesforce.com/news/press-releases/2024/12/04/cyber-week-ai-sales/
- National Retail Federation. (2024, October 15). Steady Sales Growth Expected for 2024 Holiday Season, According to NRF. NRF Media Center. https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/steady-sales-growth-expected-2024-holiday-season-according-nrf
- Opensend. (2025). "7 On-time Delivery Rate Statistics For eCommerce Stores." https://www.opensend.com/post/on-time-delivery-rate-statistics-ecommerce
- Retail Dive. (2024, November 30). Winners and losers of Black Friday 2024. https://www.retaildive.com/news/winners-losers-black-friday-2024-online-store-sales/734236/
- Toptal. (2024). "Ecommerce Conversion Rates for 2024." Retrieved from https://www.toptal.com/external-blogs/growth-collective/ecommerce-conversion-rates
- The Pedowitz Group (2025, July 18). Customer Journey Mapping: Build (Or Update) Yours The Right Way. https://www.pedowitzgroup.com/blog/customer-journey-mapping
- ACSI®. (January 30, 2024). American Customer Satisfaction Index scores for consumer shipping companies in the United States from 2017 to 2024. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/827414/us-customer-satisfaction-index-consumer-shipping/
- PRNewswire. (September 30, 2025). ShipStation® Customers Can Now Leverage Veho's Customer-Centric Delivery Service Across 56 US Markets. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shipstation-customers-can-now-leverage-vehos-customer-centric-delivery-service-across-56-us-markets-302571228.html
- G2. (2025). Veho Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features. https://www.g2.com/products/veho/reviews
- Veho. (2025). Customer Rating Tips. https://www.shipveho.com/drive/quality-rating-tips
- Veho. (2025). B2B Solutions. https://www.get.shipveho.com
- Intercom. (2024). Decoding Customer Service Metrics: A Straightforward Guide. https://www.intercom.com/learning-center/customer-service-metrics
- Gainsight. (September 29, 2025). Customer Experience Metrics: The Essential Guide for 2025. https://www.gainsight.com/blog/customer-experience-metrics-the-essential-guide-for-2025/
- Marketing Scoop. (2025). What Is UPS? Analyzing the Shipping Giant's Business in 2025. https://www.marketingscoop.com/consumer/what-is-the-ups/
- EcomCrew. (November 22, 2024). FedEx vs. UPS: Which Is Better? [2025 Shipping Comparison]. https://www.ecomcrew.com/fedex-vs-ups/
- HulkApps. (July 16, 2024). Which Is More Reliable, FedEx or UPS? https://www.hulkapps.com/blogs/ecommerce-hub/which-is-more-reliable-fedex-or-ups

About the Author
Fred Cook
Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer
Fred Cook is the Co-founder and President of Veho. A serial entrepreneur with a career dedicated to logistics innovation, he previously served as the Founder and CEO of three technology companies in the transportation space, including OneMove (long-distance household goods) and Gondola (rideshare logistics).
A graduate of Virginia Tech with both a BS in Engineering Science and Mechanics and an MS in Engineering Mechanics, Fred bridges the gap between complex engineering systems and customer-centric parcel delivery. He specializes in building high-integrity technology platforms that optimize last-mile logistics for modern e-commerce companies.
Read next
.png)
10 Predictions for E-Commerce, Logistics and Delivery in 2026
Veho co-founder and CEO Itamar Zur's predictions for e-commerce and logistics in 2026.
.png)
What is the True Cost of Failed Deliveries in E-commerce?
Failed deliveries cost retailers not only transportation spend but also support, replacement, return handling, and lost lifetime value, typically adding $15–40 per failed order when you include reship, support, and churn. Improving first-attempt delivery and communication often yields a positive ROS (Return on Shipping) within one peak season.
.png)