The Last Mile Catch: What It Really Takes to Deliver for Millions

Sri Thirumalai, Director of Last Mile Delivery at Walmart, joins us to share how the world's largest retailer is transforming e-commerce logistics. With 15 years of experience at companies like Apple and Meta, Sri breaks down the real challenges of getting packages to millions of customers daily. We discuss why last mile costs eat up 50% of supply chain budgets, how Walmart uses AI to optimize routes, and why faster delivery isn't always better.

The No.1 eCom Operations hack
“Last-mile delivery is so local. It comes down to understanding strengths, understanding what best practices are being done in areas where it is successful.”

You Will Learn:

Why is the last mile the most complex and critical link in the logistics chain
How AI helps plan efficient, real-time delivery routes
What to automate, and what to leave to humans
How Walmart balances speed with sustainability
Why faster isn’t always better (and what customers actually want)

Show Notes

(00:02:08) Sri's Journey: Tech Giants to Retail Revolution
(00:03:37) Why Logistics Matters Most
(00:04:35) Lessons from Apple & Meta
(00:06:06) Speed, Convenience, Cost: The Last Mile Trinity
(00:08:58) Regional Delivery Challenges
(00:13:09) AI-Powered Route Optimization
(00:14:45) Automation vs. Human Touch
(00:21:02) Sustainability & Electric Vehicles
(00:23:06) "Faster Isn't Always Better"
(00:26:07) Next Guest Challenge: AI & Sustainability

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Walmart or any of its affiliates.