Bradley (Brad) Stoney, the architect of Amazon’s next-gen last mile systems, leads global workflows tackling one of e-commerce’s toughest challenges: planning delivery of millions of packages to customers worldwide.
Last mile delivery, the critical final step of moving packages from delivery stations to customers’ doors, is projected to nearly double in value by 2033, reaching $201.54 billion.
The surge is being driven by booming e-commerce volumes, growing consumer demand for faster shipping, wider digital adoption, and the rise of omnichannel retail. Urbanization is another key factor, with swelling populations in dense cities fueling expectations for same-day service.
Scaling with a startup mindset
For global retail giants, dominating the last mile has become a top priority. Technology and innovation are the biggest levers, from optimizing driver routes to streamlining how packages move from fulfillment centers to doorsteps.
At the forefront of Amazon’s effort is Bradley Stoney, the innovator behind the company’s last mile systems. A software engineering veteran, Stoney leads global teams building the software that powers delivery operations across Americas, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
“We’re working to reduce latency, introduce new features, and optimize performance across different regions and conditions,” Stoney said. “Each country has unique requirements, and our systems need to adapt accordingly.”
After decades in fintech, Amazon brought in Stoney for his ability to design scalable systems with a startup mindset.
One of his first major contributions was modernizing how the company rolls out logistics software updates. His teams cut deployment times from a week to multiple releases per day, leveraging automation and DevOps practices tailored to Amazon’s scale.
The next frontier in delivery
Today, much of Stoney’s focus is on AI. Since late 2024, retail giants have significantly expanded use of Gen AI to improve logistics efficiency and decision-making. Stoney’s teams work at the intersection of planning software and the systems used by drivers in the field.
“One of the key challenges we’re tackling is how to harness Gen AI for optimization and efficiency without putting the business at risk,” Stoney said.
“While Gen AI can drive significant gains, ensuring it doesn’t make harmful decisions is critical.
We’ve already begun running experiments to strike the right balance between innovation and protection.”
Stoney is also leading innovation in urban delivery models. In high-density areas, Stoney is piloting “micro-mobility” strategies.
“In Manhattan, where vans aren’t practical, we use a micro-mobility model with walkers who pick up packages from trucks parked in the city,” Stoney said. “Similar hybrid models are used in Japan, where trucks, store drop-offs and deliveries on foot are combined. By diversifying methods and maximizing space, Amazon can deliver more packages at lower cost.”
According to Stoney, most regions now require a mix of delivery methods. “We’re adapting based on what works best in each location,” Stoney said.
Optimizing the last mile
Another major initiative is Amazon’s proprietary AI model for last mile logistics. The model analyzes delivery data, route performance, and driving patterns to continuously optimize routes and reduce delays.
“The more data we have, the better our optimization,” he said. “But it’s not just about scaling the model, it’s about adapting it to specific local needs.”
Global parcel volume is expected to exceed 256 billion packages annually by 2027, according to Pitney Bowes. With growing customer demand and rising costs, Stoney sees AI and automation as key to maintaining speed and reliability.
“There’s always something more to optimize,” he said. “With the right data and tools, we can continue improving how packages get to customers, faster, smarter, and more reliably.”
