Last Mile: Differences Between Brazil and the U.S. Reveal Distinct Stages of Logistics Maturity

While the U.S. market advances in automation and efficiency, Brazil still faces infrastructure challenges and a limited supply of suitable assets, says PepsiCo executive

Leandro Rovai, Global Head of Real Estate Portfolio and Strategy at PepsiCo

By: SiiLA News

10/16/2025

Last mile is a concept that originally emerged in the telecommunications sector, back in the days of wired telephones. Over time, the term began to be used in logistics, especially to refer to the final delivery to the customer.

Conceptually, last mile applies in all markets, but depending on the region, it takes on distinct characteristics — as is the case in Brazil and the United States.

Leandro Rovai, Global Head of Real Estate Portfolio and Strategy at PepsiCo, explains that operations in both countries reflect very different realities, which he summarizes in three aspects: market maturity, infrastructure, and stakeholder profiles.

“In the U.S., the high availability of suitable properties located in well-structured urban zones, combined with a professional real estate ecosystem, allows for data-driven strategic decisions, cost predictability, and solutions tailored to business needs,” he explains.

In Brazil, however, despite improvements in infrastructure — as shown by SiiLA’s Market Analytics platform — the supply of logistics condominiums is still small relative to the country’s size. Over the past ten years, the market for Class A+ and A assets has grown by more than 3,154%, from 7.2 million m² in 2015 to 23.5 million m² in the third quarter of 2025.

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“The availability of suitable assets is still limited, especially in primary zones. The less structured urban design, combined with challenges such as bureaucracy, lower property standardization, and a less institutionalized ownership base, increases the complexity of operations and negotiations. This scenario becomes even more challenging in secondary areas,” Rovai points out.

E-commerce

One of the companies that benefits most from the last mile model is Amazon. In both countries, the same-day delivery concept is present, in which purchases are delivered on the same day they’re made. However, the Brazilian operation remains more limited, while the U.S. operation makes deliveries even during the night.

Moreover, technology plays a key role in the last mile in the United States. While the Brazilian market is still expanding, more mature regions are already focusing on further improvements to the logistics chain, as Rovai highlights:

“In the U.S., the last mile discussion revolves around efficiency and automation, while in Brazil we’re still focused on logistical feasibility and adapting to local conditions.”

Returning to the example of Amazon, the U.S. company is already implementing drone deliveries as part of daily operations, capable of delivering up to 60,000 items — such as Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Apple AirTags, Apple AirPods, electronic doorbells, and Alpha Grillers Instant Read Food Thermometers — according to the company. Deliveries, however, are limited to products weighing up to 2.2 kg.

In Brazil, drone deliveries are still in their infancy. Currently, they occur only in Aracaju, in the state of Sergipe, and are restricted to food deliveries via iFood.

According to PepsiCo’s Global Head of Real Estate Portfolio and Strategy, each market requires a specific approach.

“For global companies, this demands differentiated strategies for each market, with a strong local presence and close collaboration with industry players,” Rovai concludes.

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