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As technological advancements continue to transform logistics and last-mile delivery, the retail industry is primed for a game-changing year in 2025. AI is revolutionizing last-mile delivery, offering faster, more cost-effective solutions for ecommerce leaders — and you can witness firsthand the latest tech innovations in shipping and logistics at the NRF Innovators Showcase during NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, set to kick off on Jan. 12, 2025.
To stay competitive, retailers must prioritize fast, adaptable and diverse delivery solutions that not only fuel growth but also drive customer loyalty and profitability. With the rise of artificial intelligence, retailers are increasingly turning to innovative startups that use cutting-edge technology to enhance delivery speed, reduce costs and offer greater flexibility.
One standout in this space is UniUni, a Vancouver-based disruptor that exemplifies how retailers are seeking to redefine last-mile delivery. By harnessing AI, a network of gig drivers and strategic partnerships, UniUni is addressing challenges in modern logistics with a radically different approach.
Addressing last-mile delivery challenges with AI
The last mile remains one of the toughest challenges in logistics, often the most costly and complex part of getting products to customers’ doorsteps. Traditional courier services rely on vast networks and full-time drivers, resulting in higher expenses and slower delivery times.
UniUni, however, offers a flexible, AI-powered model that uses a network of gig-economy drivers and intelligent route optimization. This enables UniUni to connect with drivers on demand, maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness for ecommerce deliveries. By combining crowdsourcing with AI, UniUni delivers packages faster and at a significantly lower cost than traditional methods.
UniUni uses machine learning algorithms to streamline its last-mile delivery services. These AI systems analyze vast amounts of data in real time — from traffic patterns to delivery volumes — enabling the company to map the most efficient routes for drivers. This not only shortens delivery times but also cuts down on fuel consumption and labor costs.
Partners and impact
UniUni is delivering impressive results. UniUni’s platform groups orders from different clients, including major players like Shein and Temu, to optimize the delivery process. As AI continues to evolve, UniUni will be able to fine-tune this process even further, adapting to fluctuating demand and improving its delivery accuracy.
For instance, it has managed to reduce delivery times for ecommerce giant Shein from 10-14 days to just four-five days across North America. By using AI to enhance operational efficiency, UniUni is not only improving delivery speeds but also helping to reduce shipping costs, which can be passed on as savings to customers. As of 2025, UniUni’s network includes over 6,000 drivers in Canada and a growing presence in the United States, enabling the company to handle more than 200,000 packages per day.
UniUni’s AI-powered logistics model has drawn significant attention from investors, and its recent CAD$20 million Series B funding round will fuel its expansion into major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas and Miami. This expansion will allow the company to handle even more ecommerce deliveries, further streamlining its operations and increasing its presence in the highly competitive logistics market. As UniUni scales its operations, it will continue to work closely with cross-border logistics providers in China and North America, using AI to improve the speed and efficiency of its services.
Alongside UniUni, the best and most advanced logistics technologies will be showcased at this year's NRF Innovators Showcase during NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, Jan. 12-14, 2025. Highlights include Bops, which helps consumer brands avoid stockouts, excess, and phantom inventory by synchronizing retail store-SKU data with supply chain data; Portless, which is a next-generation third-party logistics platform that speeds up fulfillment by shipping orders directly from China to customers in just six days; and Orderful, which streamlines electronic data interchange trading partner connections, offering fast, seamless integrations for retailers to manage transactions efficiently.
Don’t miss the chance to see these cutting-edge technologies in action — register for NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show here!
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