GoFor Wins Top Award for Mastering Big & Bulky Last-Mile Delivery

TORONTO, ON – January 14, 2026 – In a significant nod to the growing complexity of retail logistics, GoFor Delivers, a North American last-mile delivery network, has been named the 2025 Supply Chain Partner of the Year by The Home Depot Canada. The award recognizes the Ottawa-based company's exceptional performance in the challenging niche of big and bulky item delivery, a segment critical to the success of retailers in the home improvement, furniture, and appliance sectors.

This accolade is more than just a corporate honor; it signals a broader industry shift where the final, and often most difficult, stage of delivery is becoming a key battleground for customer loyalty. For retailers like The Home Depot, ensuring that a new patio set or a stack of drywall arrives on time and in perfect condition is just as important as the in-store or online purchase experience itself.

The 'Big & Bulky' Challenge

The last-mile delivery market for oversized goods is not for the faint of heart. Unlike standard parcels that fit neatly into automated sorting systems and conventional delivery vans, items larger than a ceiling fan present a unique set of logistical hurdles. This segment, valued globally at over $17 billion in 2022 and projected to exceed $28 billion by 2028, is fraught with high operational costs, complexity, and the risk of customer dissatisfaction.

Industry data reveals that last-mile logistics can account for over 40% of total shipping costs, a figure that is often amplified for bulky goods. The financial sting of failed deliveries and returns is particularly sharp in this category, representing a substantial portion of expenses. Research indicates that nearly half of all big and bulky deliveries are rescheduled at least once, creating significant friction for consumers. For retailers, the consequences of a poor delivery experience—a damaged appliance, a missed delivery window, or unprofessional service—extend far beyond a single transaction, often leading to long-term customer attrition.

It is within this high-stakes environment that specialized providers are carving out an essential role. Success requires more than just larger trucks; it demands a sophisticated blend of technology, specialized training, and a deep understanding of customer expectations for what is often a significant home purchase.

A Partnership Built on Performance

The Home Depot Canada's decision to honor GoFor underscores the strategic value of a reliable logistics partner. The home improvement giant, which operates over 2,300 stores across North America, relies on its supply chain to fulfill the promise it makes to millions of customers. The award specifically highlights GoFor's ability to provide a smooth, dependable experience for oversized purchases, from furniture and appliances to cumbersome building materials.

"We applaud GoFor's commitment to customer experience, their exemplary on-time performance, and their ability to stand up new service offerings in a very short period of time with a high degree of quality," said Peter Muench, Vice President of Finance, Strategy, and Procurement for The Home Depot Canada. His comments point to the key metrics that matter most to major retailers: reliability, agility, and a relentless focus on the end customer.

This partnership's success is rooted in addressing the specific pain points associated with unqualified delivery partners. By entrusting its complex deliveries to a specialist, The Home Depot Canada mitigates risks and reinforces its brand reputation. For GoFor, the award serves as a powerful validation of its model in a competitive landscape that includes traditional logistics firms like XPO and Ryder, as well as gig-economy platforms such as Roadie and Dolly.

The Technology and Model Behind the Award

GoFor distinguishes itself with what it calls an "asset-light, tech-powered" network. Rather than owning a massive fleet of vehicles, the company orchestrates a flexible network of trained drivers and local market managers, all coordinated through a central technology platform. This model provides the agility Muench praised, allowing the company to scale operations and launch new services quickly in response to partner needs.

At the core of its operations are several key differentiators. The company boasts an impressive 98% on-time delivery rate, a figure it claims is significantly higher than the industry average. This reliability is achieved through intelligent routing algorithms, real-time tracking capabilities, and a focus on proactive communication. Furthermore, GoFor's emphasis on a "national network of trained drivers" is crucial. Handling a refrigerator or a fragile vanity requires more skill and care than dropping off a small package, and this training is central to providing the 'white-glove' service that high-value deliveries demand.

The company also employs local market managers who provide on-the-ground support and regional expertise, a feature that helps resolve issues quickly and personalizes service. This combination of centralized technology and localized management allows GoFor to offer a range of flexible options, including same-day, scheduled, and even 3-hour delivery windows, catering to the modern consumer's demand for speed and convenience.

Redefining Last-Mile Delivery Standards

This award positions GoFor not just as a top vendor for a single retailer, but as a standard-bearer in the evolution of last-mile logistics. The principles behind its success—specialization, technological integration, and a customer-obsessed culture—offer a blueprint for the future of the delivery industry as a whole.

"This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and our partners, who trust us every day with their most important and most challenging deliveries," said Paul McLean, EVP of Sales and Operations at GoFor. "At GoFor, big and bulky delivery isn't just about moving large items--it's about ensuring the experience is as smooth and reliable as possible and that our customer's customers receive the care that they deserve. We're proud to be leading the way."

As consumer expectations continue to rise, the demand for transparent, fast, and high-quality delivery services will only intensify. GoFor is also leaning into future trends with initiatives like its "Renewable Delivery" program, which provides carbon offsets for shipments, and pilots involving solar-powered charging for electric vehicles. This focus on sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor for large corporations looking to green their supply chains.

The partnership between The Home Depot Canada and GoFor illustrates a pivotal truth in modern commerce: the delivery experience is an inseparable part of the product. As retailers continue to compete on customer satisfaction, the value of specialized, high-performance logistics partners who can master the final mile will only continue to grow.