With the rapid development of e-commerce platforms, urban life has entered an era of speed and efficiency. The logistics industry, especially last-mile delivery, is under increasing pressure to keep up. This final step of the logistics chain—the journey from a distribution center to the customer’s doorstep—has become a critical determinant of user experience. However, traditional last-mile logistics often suffers from issues such as misdeliveries, delayed updates, and lost parcels. To address these pain points, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is emerging as a powerful tool, driving a new wave of intelligent transformation in the logistics sector.

I. Challenges in Last-Mile Logistics

Last-mile logistics refers to the final leg of the delivery process, where packages are delivered from a local distribution hub to the end customer. Although this stage represents a small portion of the overall delivery distance, it is often the most complex and costly. Key challenges include:

1. High Volume and Manual Sorting Pressure
   During peak periods like Singles’ Day or Double 12 shopping festivals, daily parcel volumes can easily exceed hundreds of millions. Understaffed last-mile stations face enormous pressure, and manual sorting is both inefficient and error-prone.

2. Complex Address Structures
   Deliveries to residential complexes, office buildings, or university campuses are time-consuming due to unclear signage or frequent address changes, resulting in missed or failed deliveries.

3. Limited Package Tracking Transparency
   Traditional barcode or manual sign-off methods only provide basic status updates such as “out for delivery” or “delivered,” lacking real-time visibility for users.

4. Lack of Smart Delivery Infrastructure
   Many neighborhoods still rely on manual delivery or third-party collection points, with limited adoption of smart lockers or autonomous delivery vehicles, reducing service efficiency.

II. How RFID Enhances Last-Mile Logistics

RFID is a non-contact automatic identification technology that uses radio waves to read information stored on tags attached to objects—without requiring physical scanning. In the context of last-mile logistics, RFID offers several distinct advantages:

1. High-Speed, Accurate Identification
   Unlike barcodes, RFID tags can be read from a distance and do not require line-of-sight scanning. RFID readers installed at sorting centers can identify multiple packages simultaneously, significantly improving sorting speed and automation.

2. Real-Time Tracking and Visibility
   RFID enables continuous tracking of packages through each stage—transportation, arrival at the hub, dispatch, and delivery. Both users and logistics platforms can access real-time status updates.

3. Error Reduction Through Intelligent Delivery
   Smart lockers and in-building delivery systems integrated with RFID can automatically verify identities and open compartments, ensuring accurate and secure deliveries.

4. Reduced Manual Labor and Increased Precision
   Combined with AI algorithms and mapping systems, RFID-equipped handheld devices help couriers optimize routes and simplify delivery confirmation with quick scans, enhancing delivery accuracy.

III. Practical Applications of RFID in Last-Mile Logistics

1. Smart Parcel Lockers

With RFID-enabled smart lockers, there is no need for passwords or QR codes. Users can retrieve packages using RFID-enabled ID cards or NFC-enabled mobile devices, improving both security and convenience.

2. Autonomous Community Delivery Vehicles

In densely populated communities, autonomous delivery vehicles equipped with RFID readers can identify packages and notify users when the vehicle arrives at their building, or automatically deposit packages in building mailboxes.

3. Automated Sorting at Delivery Stations

RFID antennas installed along conveyor belts enable bulk reading of package tags. The system can then automatically direct each package to the correct community, building, or courier bin—reducing labor costs and errors.

4. Courier Mobile Terminals

RFID-enabled mobile terminals allow couriers to scan packages, verify delivery details, and confirm deliveries with one click. Users also receive real-time delivery notifications and electronic proof of delivery.

IV. Challenges to RFID Adoption and Solutions

While RFID holds great promise, several challenges remain before it can be adopted at scale:

1. Cost Concerns
   RFID tags are still more expensive than traditional barcodes, making them less attractive for low-value items. Reusable RFID tags and phased deployment—starting with high-value or high-frequency items—can help improve cost-efficiency.

2. Lack of Standardization
   The market is fragmented with various RFID frequencies and protocols, leading to compatibility issues. Industry-wide standardization is needed to ensure seamless integration between systems.

3. Data Privacy and Security
   Frequent reading and writing of parcel and user data raises concerns about data security. Stronger encryption protocols and robust data protection policies are essential.

4. Infrastructure Readiness
   The effectiveness of RFID depends on integration with smart infrastructure such as building access systems and parcel lockers. Broader upgrades in community logistics infrastructure are needed.

V. Future Outlook: Toward a Smarter, Greener Last-Mile Ecosystem

As technologies like 5G, IoT, and AI mature, RFID will become more deeply embedded in the logistics landscape:

• AI-Driven Route Optimization
  Integration with AI can help optimize delivery routes based on real-time traffic and user availability, improving operational efficiency.

• Blockchain-Based Transparency
  RFID data can be recorded on blockchain systems for traceability, enhancing user trust and improving logistics accountability.

• Green Logistics and Sustainability
  By reducing delivery errors and failed attempts, RFID helps reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, supporting sustainable logistics practices.

Conclusion

RFID is transforming last-mile delivery from a manual, error-prone process to a streamlined, data-driven service. By enabling fast, accurate identification and real-time tracking, RFID enhances operational efficiency and user satisfaction. As the technology matures and becomes more cost-effective, it will become an integral part of intelligent, automated delivery ecosystems. The revolution in last-mile logistics has begun—one RFID tag at a time.