CarParts.com Moves to In-House Last-Mile Delivery

CarParts.com announced it will scale an in‑house last‑mile delivery network to handle 300,000 packages a year, a move it says will deliver substantial cost savings and faster service.

What happened

According to Supply Chain Dive, CEO David Meniane told investors that the company’s internal delivery network is expected to process 300,000 packages annually, creating a “substantial” cost‑savings opportunity. Meniane added, “Every package we route through our own network rather than a national carrier is a package where we control the cost, the timing and the customer experience.”

Interim CFO Mark DiSiena reported that CarParts.com’s Q3 gross margin rose about 30 basis points year over year, driven primarily by lower freight rates linked to the last‑mile initiative and carrier diversification. The strategy focuses on large, bulky items, which traditionally incur surcharges from carriers such as FedEx and UPS. Three of the company’s four distribution centers—Dallas, Jacksonville, Florida, and Las Vegas—already run next‑day delivery, with the Chicago center slated to join in Q4. The retailer continues to offer overnight and two‑day shipping for most small‑ and medium‑sized packages, while bulkier orders can take several days.

Why it matters for small logistics teams

For small e‑commerce operators and parts distributors, CarParts.com’s shift illustrates how owning the final leg of delivery can directly impact margins and customer experience. By controlling routing, timing, and carrier fees, a midsize firm can offset rising national carrier rates—something reflected in CarParts.com’s 30‑basis‑point margin lift. The emphasis on large‑item deliveries is especially relevant for businesses that ship heavy or oversized goods, where carrier surcharges can erode profitability. Replicating a modest internal network around existing warehouses can also accelerate delivery windows, turning next‑day service from a differentiator into a baseline expectation.

What to do this week

1. Map the total cost per package for your top three carrier options versus an in‑house delivery estimate for orders over a defined weight threshold.
2. Identify one high‑volume, bulky SKU and run a pilot in‑house delivery for that product from your nearest fulfillment center.
3. Review your current warehouse locations and flag any that could support next‑day shipping with minimal additional staffing or equipment.

Sources

• CarParts.com revs up in-house last-mile delivery for cost, speed benefits — Supply Chain Dive