The verdict in three sentences
The last mile carries 40 to 55 % of total logistics cost and decides your online store's profitability. In 2026, an intra-urban bike courier costs 1,000 to 2,500 FCFA per parcel but exposes you to failures and tied-up stock, while a pickup point drops to 500-1,200 FCFA with an 85-92 % collection rate. Beyond roughly 40 parcels a day, an in-house fleet becomes the strongest margin lever.
The three last-mile models
Each mode has its own cost logic. The bike courier delivers to the door but pays for every failure; the pickup point moves the customer but halves the cost; the in-house fleet absorbs a fixed cost that becomes profitable at volume.
| Mode | Cost per parcel 2026 | Average delay | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-urban bike courier | 1,000-2,500 FCFA | 2-24 h | 80-88 % |
| Pickup point | 500-1,200 FCFA | 24-72 h | 85-92 % (collection) |
| In-house fleet (< 40 parcels/day) | 2,000-3,000 FCFA | 4-24 h | 88-93 % |
| In-house fleet (> 40 parcels/day) | 900-1,500 FCFA | 4-24 h | 88-93 % |
| External courier partner | 1,200-2,200 FCFA | 6-48 h | 82-90 % |
The pickup point offers the best unit cost but requires the customer to travel, which does not suit every basket. The in-house fleet only becomes competitive beyond a clear volume threshold.
The break-even point of an in-house fleet
An in-house fleet combines a fixed cost (courier salary, bike, fuel, maintenance) and a low variable cost per parcel. The threshold calculation is direct.
| Fleet line item | Monthly cost 2026 |
|---|---|
| Courier salary | 120,000 FCFA |
| Bike depreciation | 35,000 FCFA |
| Fuel + maintenance | 60,000 FCFA |
| Total fixed | 215,000 FCFA |
| Variable cost per parcel | 300 FCFA |
With 215,000 FCFA fixed and 300 FCFA variable, a courier handling 40 parcels/day (~1,000/month) works out to 515 FCFA per parcel. At 20 parcels/day the cost climbs to 730 FCFA. The fleet beats the external bike courier as soon as volume exceeds ~35-40 parcels a day per courier.
The impact of a relay network on the failure rate
Setting up a pickup-point network cuts the failure rate by 30 to 50 %: the customer collects the parcel when available, so there is no door absence. On a store at 18 % failure with door bike delivery, moving 40 % of volume to relays can bring the overall rate below 11 % while lowering the average cost per parcel.
The right design combines all three: relay by default for standard baskets, door bike delivery as a paid option, in-house fleet on high-volume zones. Kolonell codes this multi-mode logic straight into checkout and the logistics back office.
Mini case study
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Ibrahim runs a fashion store in Nairobi: 900 parcels a month, currently 100 % bike courier at an average 1,800 FCFA, i.e. 1,620,000 FCFA in monthly delivery and 17 % failure.
He deploys pickup points for 45 % of his parcels (405 at 900 FCFA) and keeps the bike courier for the rest (495 at 1,800 FCFA). New cost: 364,500 + 891,000 = 1,255,500 FCFA, i.e. 364,500 FCFA saved per month. Bonus: overall failure drops to ~10 %, avoiding another dozen lost round-trips.
FAQ
Why is the last mile so expensive?
Because it concentrates inefficiency: individual trips, imprecise addresses, customer absences, returns. It carries 40 to 55 % of total logistics cost though it is only a fraction of the parcel's total distance.
Does the pickup point suit every store?
No. It is ideal for standard baskets and mobile customers, but less so for bulky products or customers who demand door delivery. Its 85-92 % collection rate means you must manage the 8-15 % of uncollected parcels.
At what volume should I build an in-house fleet?
As a 2026 order of magnitude, the fleet becomes profitable beyond 35-40 parcels a day per courier. Below that, the fixed cost (~215,000 FCFA/month) is not absorbed and the external bike courier stays cheaper.
How much does a second delivery attempt cost?
Between 1,000 and 2,500 FCFA depending on the zone, i.e. almost the price of a first trip. That is why cutting the failure rate via relays or time slots directly improves margin.
Can I mix several modes?
Yes, and it is recommended. The best average cost comes from a mix: relay by default, bike courier as an option, fleet on dense zones. Checkout must offer the right mode by zone and basket.
Let's talk about your project. We model your cost per parcel and configure a multi-mode relay/bike/fleet checkout matched to your volume. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
