Let’s face it: we all love getting our online shopping orders quickly. Whether its clothes, makeup, electric devices, food, or something else, it feels great to see those boxes on our front doorstep. However, that has a serious impact on delivery people and the environment. So, let’s take a look at United Parcel Service – better known as UPS – and their new program to help drivers, and the environment, out.
A Long Time Ago
There’s a reason that UPS continues to gain customers worldwide, and that’s because it’s basically perfected delivery at this point. The company opened in 1907, after all! Back when it started in Washington, UPS made all their delivers on foot and bicycle. Today, of course, you’re likely very familiar with the UPS vans that drive through all neighborhoods. Still, now the company wants to find ways to not only become more eco-friendly, but also help out their drivers! And to do that, looking backward might work best…
Making Our World A Better Place
Recently, UPS launched what it’s calling “the bicycle project” in both London and Rome. Instead of driving trucks, the delivery people use bikes, just like the old days! Now, however, the project will launch in its first U.S. city, Seattle! “Seattle city officials wanted innovative solutions to help reduce carbon emissions and address traffic congestion, noise, and air quality challenges. We worked closely with officials to design a cargo e-bike that helps the city and UPS address these issues,” the spokesperson of UPS explained.
Obviously, this project is not only about traffic but also about our environment. In collaboration with the Cycle Logistics Solutions, Urban Freight Lab, and the University of Washington, the company hopes to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, UPS mostly uses gas and diesel trucks, with a few electric vehicles. However, in the future, the company wants to start using more renewable forms of energy, beginning with the bikes. UPS admits it might cost the company more, but it says the profit to the planet outweighs the cost.
Working Process
So how will the process work? Will delivery people ride with giant stacks of packages tied to their bikes? Not exactly. The bikes actually look a lot like the brown UPS trucks you’ve grown accustomed to. The company designed the electric bicycles, which come with a small trailer that can hold packages, with the help of Silver Eagle Manufacturing and Truck Trikes. The electric bike itself works on a battery-powered electric motor, which makes hauling big boxes much, much easier.
Those pedaling the carts for UPS – cutely called “industrial athletes” – will join the rest of the bikers in the bike line. Under the law, they can go up to 20 miles an hour, and all hourly position laws apply.
Why Seattle?
“Seattle is a great example of public/private collaboration. We’re finding an interest for projects like this in cities across the country and look forward to working with other cities to help them solve their logistics needs,” UPS stated. Seattle has a challenging hilly topography that’s perfect for testing the limits of these new delivery bikes. Plus, a significant percentage of the local population already drive electric vehicles just like the ones UPS plans to use.
The first ride in Seattle will happen on November 5th, 2019. Who knows, this might give UPS a boost heading into an already burgeoning holiday season!
Sources: Bicycling, InvestmentGuru