Last-mile delivery logistics company Better Trucks has unveiled Checkpoint, a sophisticated address validation tool aimed at reducing package misdeliveries and enhancing delivery efficiency. The technology addresses a significant challenge in e-commerce shipping, where an estimated 3 million packages are misdelivered daily in the United States.
Checkpoint employs a multi-layered approach to address validation, utilizing artificial intelligence, multiple data sources, and direct customer engagement. The system first applies AI verification through sources like Google Address Validation, automatically correcting address discrepancies when possible. When automated correction fails, the system involves human researchers and, if necessary, sends SMS notifications to recipients requesting address confirmation.
The technology offers substantial potential cost savings for shipping companies and retailers. Bad addresses currently account for approximately 0.5-1.5% of packages shipped through Better Trucks, with returned packages costing roughly 30% more than successfully delivered parcels. By improving delivery accuracy, Checkpoint could significantly reduce these financial losses.
Mike Koleno, Better Trucks' Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the tool's proactive approach, describing it as a comprehensive strategy to ensure delivery success through technological innovation and customer interaction. The system's advanced features include geofencing delivery confirmation and the ability to recognize and streamline future deliveries of previously corrected addresses.
Checkpoint represents a critical advancement in addressing the persistent challenge of package misdelivery, potentially transforming last-mile delivery logistics by reducing errors, cutting costs, and improving customer experience across the e-commerce ecosystem.
