XPO Logistics Launches Last Mile Voice-Enabled Tracking - Supply Chain 24

'Hey Alexa, where's my XPO Logistics delivery?' XPO believes it is the first large delivery and warehousing company in the world to offer consumers the ability to get delivery tracking updates, or schedule and reschedule deliveries, using smart speakers. XPO Logistics Resources. XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a top ten global provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. The company provides services for truckload brokerage and transportation, last mile logistics, engineered supply chain solutions, high-value-add warehousing… XPO Logistics News. Industry-First Google Home and Amazon Echo Capabilities Advance XPO’s Supply Chain Consumerization. XPO Logistics, one of the largest provider of last-mile logistics for heavy goods in North America, has announced the May launch of Google Home and Amazon Echo capabilities integrated with the company’s last mile network. From the point of sale through fulfillment and home delivery, consumers will be able to manage their experience by using smart speakers to connect with two leading intelligent personal assistant technologies: Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. Troy Cooper, chief operating officer of XPO Logistics, said, “Today’s consumers expect access to, and control over, their personal experience within the supply chain. We’re adding simple yet powerful tools that use connectivity to strengthen these relationships.” The industry-first innovation was announced yesterday by Mario Harik, XPO’s chief information officer, during a live demonstration at the Home Delivery World 2018 conference in Atlanta, Ga. Speaking on supply chain consumerization, Harik said, “Tech-enabled consumer services are critically important in an increasingly competitive marketplace. We’re helping our customers build loyalty and protect their brands, many of which are household names in e-commerce and retail.” In September 2017, XPO announced the start of a major expansion of its last mile network in the U.S., with 85 last mile hubs expected to be positioned within approximately 90% of the population this year. In February 2018, the company announced new last mile operations in five European countries. As reported by Reuters , the voice-enabled technology, available next month, is part of a digital renaissance underway in the old-school trucking industry. For example, last week, XPO unveiled software that allows merchants to track truck and rail cargo in real-time nationwide. “We are responding to where consumers want to go (to manage their deliveries),” Harik told Reuters , describing the proliferation of smartphones and speakers, and the desire for greater visibility and control over deliveries. XPO makes or manages roughly 35,000 deliveries to homes daily, delivering heavy or unwieldy goods like Home Depot Inc barbecue grills, Crate and Barrel furniture, and Best Buy Co Inc televisions from warehouses direct to homes. It is also the second-largest less-than-truckload operator - truckers that consolidate multiple loads on a single truck. When accessing Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, a person’s voice command to reschedule his or her delivery would trigger changes in XPO’s internal logistics tracking and dispatching software, Harik said. The new delivery time would be reflected in the truck driver’s mobile app, he said. Related 'Last Mile Delivery' White Papers. Winning the Battle for eCommerce Last-Mile Excellence This paper explains why last-mile delivery is the most important – and the most expensive – part of the logistics process, accounting for an estimated 28 percent of overall transportation spend. Download Now! Making the Last Mile Pay This white paper examines the latest innovation in last-mile services and explores how companies can harness the opportunities, and keep customers happy, without undermining their businesses - or promising more than they can deliver. Download Now! Redefining Final Mile Delivery in the Age of the Customer In this whitepaper, you will find key insights on how to manage delivery costs while ensuring a heightened delivery experience for your customer. Download Now! Best Practices for Optimizing Last Mile Pick up & Delivery Operations This white paper provides an overview of the Top 10 best practices for establishing, managing and measuring effective last mile P&D delivery programs. Download Now! Mobile-Enabling Logistics: Turning the “Last Mile” Into a Competitive Advantage This whitepaper describes real-world examples of how companies are using mobility to optimize the last mile for increased profitability, customer satisfaction, and compliance. Download Now!