With the fast growth of e-commerce worldwide, a report from real estate services firm Colliers International Group has claimed that there is a critical need for better global logistics and warehousing networks to support the growth of the industry. The report, called From First Mile to Last Mile, can be downloaded here.

E-commerce is the prime focus of the logistics sector at present, according to the report. E-retailing is set to increase significantly both in established and emerging markets as the change takes place away from traditional shopping methods.


Mega distribution centres will be required at the ‘First Mile’ section of the distribution chain, and better systems need to be put in place for the ‘Last Mile’ section from distributor to customer.

First Mile distribution centres are becoming bigger and more automated while last mile centres are becoming smaller and more localised to be nearer to the consumer. This is to shorten delivery routes and reduce costs – the focus of logistics of course, being to reduce the mileage of the goods in transit from manufacturer to consumer.