Companies could make their packaging more efficient and remap routes. Or expand cargo bike delivery programs, or schedule deliveries during the late night and early morning hours when congestion pricing is less expensive.
Hospitals still use the tubes for moving medicines and samples. But sales are now higher thanks to cannabis dispensaries.
Retailers, shipping companies and cities are working together to solve the problem.
But so far they’ve only added GPS tracking to less than 1% of the nation’s railcars.
Analysts say the world’s largest retailer is growing its footprint in services as it seeks new sources of revenue.
Rather than waiting a day or two for an online order, ultra-fast delivery apps are promising orders can be delivered in as little as 10 minutes.
Even the giant online retailer is feeling the high cost and slim margin of the grocery business.
The ease of online shopping combined with the immediacy of pickup could save retailers on logistics and draw customers back from delivery.
The retail giant already has a well developed “last-mile” delivery network in parts of the country.
Some cyclists aren’t happy about the new arrangement, but others say it may put a new focus on bicycle infrastructure.