Topic
Last Mile Delivery
Logistics Amazon speeds last-mile delivery, expands robotics fleet past 1 million
Amazon expanded same-day and overnight delivery to more than 40% of items in H1 2026 and grew Amazon Now to over 250 cities. The company also passed 1 million deployed robots and plans to double its robotic arm fleet in 2026, according to FreightWaves.
Logistics UPS Unveils Digital Tools to Attract Small Businesses Amid Strategic Shift from Low-Margin E-Commerce
UPS announced new digital tools to enhance the shipping experience for small businesses, including a centralized pickup dashboard and Smart Pickups that can save up to 50% over daily pickup costs. The move supports UPS's strategy to focus on higher-margin verticals as it reduces low-margin e-commerce deliveries, with SMB package volumes growing 4.3% year-over-year in Q2 and reaching 34.5% of U.S. domestic volume in Q1.
Logistics Housing Market Crash Slams Last-Mile Delivery: Growth Halved, Consolidation Looms
The big-and-bulky last-mile delivery segment is seeing growth halved to roughly 5% annually through 2027, driven by a stalled housing market with 6-7% mortgage rates. A joint report from Armstrong & Associates and the National Home Delivery Association highlights intensifying competition, the need for AI-driven execution, and looming consolidation. Labor availability is also tightening due to CDL enforcement.
Logistics Last-Mile Delivery: Why Reliability Now Trumps Speed for Consumer Satisfaction
According to FreightWaves, last-mile delivery reliability has overtaken speed as the second-most important consumer factor after price. Jake Stein of Burq explains how hybrid, API-connected carrier networks can improve reliability and reduce hidden costs.
Logistics Carrier diversification unravels the last-mile delivery duopoly as shippers seek alternatives
A new AlixPartners survey reveals that 55% of retailers now use carriers outside FedEx, UPS, and USPS, with alternative carriers growing 13% in volume. Amazon became the largest domestic parcel carrier in 2025, while FedEx and UPS are pivoting to B2B logistics. The trend is driven by rising consumer expectations (2.6 days max for free shipping) and escalating costs.
Logistics UPS shift away from Amazon shows bigger payoff
UPS completed its phase-out of low-margin Amazon business in Q2, leading to higher revenue per piece and profit despite lower volume. The company closed 45 facilities and automated 68.5% of U.S. volume, driving cost savings. Management raised full-year guidance.
Logistics Veo Launches Electric Trike for Shared Micromobility in Denver, Eyes US Expansion
Veo has announced the Rover, a sit-down electric trike for shared micromobility, in Denver. The vehicle features a 100-pound cargo basket, 45-mile range, and self-balancing design. Veo plans to expand the trike to cities across the US, potentially impacting last-mile delivery and urban mobility.
Logistics Swiggy Instamart CEO Amitesh Kumar Jha Resigns; Myntra's Nandita Sinha to Take Charge
Swiggy-owned quick commerce platform Instamart has a new CEO. Nandita Sinha will take over from August 3, succeeding Amitesh Kumar Jha who resigned to pursue external opportunities. Jha highlighted operational improvements in supply chain and unit economics during his tenure.
Logistics DHL eCommerce to Acquire Baltic Parcel Carrier Venipak, Strengthening European Last-Mile Network
DHL eCommerce has agreed to acquire Lithuania-based Venipak Group, expanding its last-mile delivery network in the Baltic states. The deal adds Venipak's 800 parcel lockers, 25 logistics terminals, and capabilities in B2B and B2C delivery to DHL's global express network. It reflects ongoing consolidation in European last-mile delivery.
Logistics Flipkart to Enter Food Delivery Space Within a Month, CEO Confirms
Walmart-owned Flipkart plans to launch food delivery services within 30 days, starting with a pilot in Bangalore. The company is considering a separate app and ONDC integration. CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy said the move is part of expanding the e-commerce platform's customer use cases, and noted that Gen Z customers are a key focus.
Logistics Eight Roads, Flipkart, IMM India Fund to Sell Up to 9% Stake in Shadowfax via Block Deals
Eight Roads Investments, Flipkart, and IMM India Fund are collectively selling up to a 9% stake in Shadowfax through block deals worth approximately $108 million (Rs 1,048 crore). The floor price is set at Rs 197 per share, a 9.8% discount to the closing price. The sale coincides with the expiry of the six-month lock-in period for pre-IPO investors.
Logistics Weak housing market halves growth in big and bulky last-mile delivery sector
Growth in last-mile delivery for big and bulky items has slowed to 5.1% CAGR from 10.6% due to a stagnant housing market, according to Armstrong & Associates and the National Home Delivery Association. Housing turnover hit a 30-year low last year, dampening demand for furniture and appliances. Carriers face profit compression with revenue per shipment often below $90, while high-touch services command up to $250.
Logistics Pin Code Wars: Quick Commerce Cos Add 900 Dark Stores in 3 Months, Intensifying Metro Battles
India's largest quick commerce operators added nearly 900 dark stores between April and July 2026, according to Bernstein. Blinkit, Flipkart Minutes, and Amazon Now led the expansion, but most new stores opened in already-served pin codes, intensifying competition in metro areas. The total dark store network grew to about 6,650-6,750, while metro pin code saturation rose from 26% to 44%.
Logistics Postal Operators Struggle to Break Even as Parcel Growth Fails to Offset Rising Costs
Preliminary results from the International Post Corp (IPC) show postal operators achieved only 1.4% average revenue growth in 2025, with parcels driving gains while letter mail continued its global decline. Profitability remains under pressure from high labor and fuel costs, with margins narrow or negative despite rising parcel volumes. Norway's Posten Bring reported a 19.1% drop in adjusted operating profit for the first half of 2026 even as parcel volumes grew, highlighting the sector's financial squeeze.
Logistics DoorDash integrates with Shopify for last-mile delivery to small retailers
DoorDash announced an integration with Shopify that allows independent merchants with physical stores to easily add their product catalog to the DoorDash marketplace. This move targets small-to-medium local businesses and further expands DoorDash's last-mile delivery capabilities beyond restaurants into retail, grocery, auto parts, and apparel.
Missing Ebike Delivery Sparks 'Chatbot Hell': How AI Is Failing Last-Mile Customer Service
When an ebike went missing in transit from FedEx, the author spent months trapped in automated customer service loops with chatbots. The incident highlights a growing industry trend: corporations using AI to reduce human agent headcount, often creating 'sludge' that frustrates customers. For logistics operators, the story underscores the risk of alienating shippers and consignees when last-mile resolution fails.
Logistics India Post crosses Rs 4,000 crore quarterly revenue for first time; Q1 turnover jumps 22%
India Post's Q1 FY27 revenue crossed Rs 4,000 crore for the first time, reaching Rs 4,008 crore, a 22.2% increase year-on-year. The parcel vertical grew 50%, highlighting strong last-mile delivery demand. The milestone was announced by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Logistics Fuel Surcharges Push Parcel Shipping Rates Near Record High in Q3 2026
The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index projects express parcel rates to reach a record 15.8% above baseline in Q3 2026, driven by a 65.4% year-over-year surge in fuel surcharges. Ground parcel rates are on track for the highest cost per package on record. Carriers like FedEx and UPS are tightening discounts, and shippers are increasingly turning to alternative last-mile carriers such as OnTrac and Veho, which doubled volumes and now hold 7.2% market share.
Logistics Indian Post Revenue Surges 22.2% in Q1 FY2026-27, Driven by Parcel Modernization and E-Commerce Partnerships
India Post reported a 22.2% year-over-year revenue increase to ₹4,008 crore in Q1 FY2026-27, marking the first double-digit growth in its history. The growth is attributed to parcel modernization and partnerships with major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Shiprocket, signaling enhanced last-mile delivery capacity for logistics operators.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces How quick commerce is silently eliminating India’s middlemen and benefitting horticulture farmers
Quick commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto are partnering with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to bypass middlemen, enabling farmers to receive ₹2-2.50/kg more than local mandi rates. The model relies on direct procurement, a 'no profit no loss' approach, and return-to-vendor clauses to maintain quality.
Logistics New York City's Delivery Protection Act on Amazon DSPs Pauses for Summer Amid Signs of Potential Changes
The New York City Council's Delivery Protection Act, which would require licensing of delivery companies and prohibit subcontracting core services like those performed by Amazon DSPs, has no action scheduled since an April hearing. Co-sponsors have dropped from 41 to 32, but 'amendment season' may produce modifications, including possible joint employer options. The bill threatens Amazon's last-mile delivery model in NYC.
Logistics Texas $13M Walmart Settlement Over Spark Driver Pay Alters Last-Mile Contractor Transparency
Walmart agreed to pay over $13.3 million and overhaul compensation communications for its Spark Driver last-mile delivery platform in Texas, resolving allegations of misleading drivers about tips, base pay, and incentives. The settlement, announced by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, includes $6.69 million in restitution and a 10-year earnings verification program. Shippers using last-mile platforms should note increased regulatory scrutiny on independent contractor pay.
Logistics Descartes Acquires Last-Mile Tech Provider Drivin for $30 Million
Descartes Systems Group has acquired Latin American last-mile logistics technology provider Drivin for $30 million. Drivin's platform uses machine learning and agentic AI for routing, dispatching, and real-time visibility, and has been widely adopted in high-density urban areas. The deal expands Descartes' fleet performance management offering and its presence in Latin America.
Logistics Ceva Logistics to Acquire European Final-Mile Courier Paack, Boosting Last-Mile Network
Ceva Logistics has agreed to acquire Paack's operating units in France, Spain and Portugal, integrating them into its European last-mile subsidiary Colis Privé. The move expands Colis Privé's domestic network in France and into the Iberian Peninsula, adding Paack's technology platform and cold chain capabilities. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, would boost Colis Privé's revenue over $626.5 million.
Logistics Quick-Commerce Platforms See Summer Sales Surge, Driving Last-Mile Demand for Cold Chain and Tier-2/3 Expansion
A heatwave across India has driven a 140% year-on-year increase in ice cream sales on quick-commerce platforms, with beverages up 114% and face-care products up 96%. Platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Amazon Now, and Flipkart Minutes are expanding into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, pressuring last-mile logistics to handle temperature-sensitive goods and higher delivery density.
Logistics BetterFleet's Software Saves Electric Fleet Operators from Peak Pricing Penalties
BetterFleet CEO Dan Hilson explains how the company's enterprise software helps electric truck fleets avoid peak electricity pricing, manage demand charges, and extend battery life. The platform challenges the focus on megawatt charging, advocating for dense networks of slower chargers for depot-based operations.
Logistics Amazon and Flipkart Escalate Quick Commerce War in India with Major Expansion Plans
Amazon and Flipkart are aggressively scaling their quick commerce operations in India, with Amazon Now targeting 300+ cities and Flipkart Minutes already in 130+ cities. This intensifies competition for incumbents Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto, driving market share battles and discounting. Last-mile delivery networks and dark store expansion are at the core of the race.
Logistics Australia Post named delivery partner for Vinted’s Australia launch on July 1
Vinted, Europe's top second-hand fashion marketplace, launches in Australia on July 1 with Australia Post as its exclusive delivery partner. The three-year contract covers all shipping services, including post office drop-off, parcel lockers, and last-mile home delivery. The partnership taps into Australia's growing re-commerce market, estimated to reach $6.75 billion by 2029.
Quick Commerce Founders Shift from Speed to Survival, Reshaping Last-Mile Logistics Priorities
Speaking at ETRetail's E-commerce & Digital Natives Summit 2026, founders of quick commerce companies including FirstClub, Swish, and Slikk argued that the industry has entered a tougher phase focused on execution and profitability rather than just delivery speed. This strategic shift has direct implications for last-mile logistics operators, as the emphasis moves from volume to sustainable unit economics.
Logistics US Postal Service Averts Immediate Shutdown but Faces Liquidity Crisis by 2031, Warns Postmaster General
The U.S. Postal Service has avoided a 2027 shutdown through deferrals, but Postmaster General David Steiner told a Senate panel that the agency is nearly $31 billion in debt with only $8.9 billion cash on hand. Mail volume has halved since 2000, while addresses grow by 1 million annually. Steiner presented a stark choice: allow USPS to operate independently or subsidize universal service to support a $2 trillion mailing industry.
Logistics Flipkart and Amazon Expand Fulfilment Centres to Compete in Quick Commerce
Flipkart and Amazon are rapidly expanding micro fulfilment centres to catch up in quick commerce. Flipkart now operates 1,000 centres with orders growing fivefold, while Amazon invests millions in urban fulfilment centres. Both leverage large customer bases to drive adoption.
Logistics Delivery Robot Backlash Grows: Bans and Protests Threaten Last-Mile Automation Plans
Delivery robots are facing increasing opposition from residents and local authorities in multiple US and Canadian cities. Chicago resident John Robertson launched a campaign with a 4,400-signature petition, while San Francisco, Toronto, and Glendale have imposed or considered bans. The backlash threatens the growth of autonomous last-mile delivery services.
Logistics UPS Explores Outsourcing UK Parcel Delivery to Third-Party Couriers, Cutting 3,000+ Jobs
United Parcel Service plans to switch from employee delivery drivers in the United Kingdom to using independent contractors by June 2027, resulting in the elimination of more than 3,000 jobs at 51 sites, according to Unite, the country's largest trade union. The move comes amid a parallel dispute in the US with the Teamsters union over UPS's subsidiary Roadie using gig workers. Unite is considering a strike over the proposed changes.
Logistics Backlash over delivery robots: Chicago residents demand ban as councils weigh regulation
Delivery robots are facing backlash from residents and local authorities in multiple US cities, with calls for bans and stricter regulation due to safety, accessibility, and sidewalk obstruction concerns. John Roberts in Chicago launched a petition gathering 4,400 signatures, while Glendale, California is considering a temporary ban as councilors seek a regulatory framework.
Logistics UPS Meets Deadline for Retrofitting 2,000 Delivery Vans with AC, Teamsters Say
UPS met its obligation to retrofit 2,000 parcel delivery vans with air conditioning in the hottest parts of the U.S. by June 1, Teamsters union President Sean O'Brien announced. The company also launched a pilot to cool cargo compartments. The progress resulted from enforcement of the 2023 national contract, which includes a standing arbitrator for grievances.
Logistics Box Truck Drivers: The Real Safety Risk in US Freight
An analysis of FMCSA roadside inspection data reveals that box truck drivers are nearly twice as likely to be placed out of service as tractor-trailer drivers, with driver fitness and substance abuse violations far higher. The root cause is a regulatory loophole: trucks under 26,001 lbs require no CDL and no drug testing, leading to a less-qualified driver pool even as equipment itself is as safe as big rigs.
Logistics Canada Post to End Door-to-Door Delivery for 620K Addresses by 2027
Canada Post announced it will convert 485,000 additional addresses in 37 communities to community mailboxes in 2027, plus 136,000 previously planned, ending door-to-door delivery for a total of 620,000 addresses. The move is part of a restructuring after a record $1.15 billion loss in 2025 and eight consecutive years of losses. Shippers will need to adapt to centralized delivery for a growing share of Canadian addresses.
Logistics He Walked Away From Barber Chair for Box Truck: Lessons for Logistics Operators
Victor Newton left a 28-year barber career to become a box truck owner-operator after a YouTube headline claimed $20,000 in a month. Five years in, he discusses the 90% failure rate, the difference between truck ownership and business ownership, and niche strategies like partial loads that can change the math for small carriers.
Logistics Amazon Wins NLRB Case on Joint Employer Status with DSPs
Amazon has secured a victory in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) case regarding its status as a joint employer with Direct Service Providers (DSPs). This decision, approved by an NLRB administrative law judge, prevents a precedent-setting ruling that could have affected Amazon's logistics operations.
Logistics Industrial Real Estate Tightens, Favoring Last-Mile Operators
The industrial real estate market is tightening, benefiting last-mile owner-operators as demand surges and construction slows. Link Logistics reports high leasing volumes, indicating a favorable market shift.
Logistics Amazon Expands E-Cargo Bike Trials in Washington, D.C.
Amazon is piloting e-cargo bikes in Washington, D.C. to reduce emissions and congestion. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance urban delivery efficiency using micromobility solutions.
Logistics DHL Partners with USPS for $10B Last-Mile Delivery
DHL eCommerce has secured a $10 billion contract with the U.S. Postal Service for last-mile parcel delivery. This strategic move aims to leverage USPS's extensive delivery network, enhancing efficiency and reach for DHL's e-commerce services.