"Last Mile Delivery Revolution: Vancouver Co-Op Breaks Convention with Trucks or Trikes"
In the bustling city of Vancouver, Canada, a unique logistics company named Shift Delivery stands out from the crowd. Unlike traditional delivery companies, Shift Delivery is a worker-owned cooperative, where its members collectively own and democratically operate the business.
At Shift Delivery, the community comes first. As one of the company's co-owners, Marc Baumann, emphasizes, "Truck or trike? You can choose," encouraging a choice between more sustainable and potentially less sustainable delivery options. This approach reflects Shift Delivery's commitment to putting the community first.
The co-op's official vision is to be "collaborative trailblazers for a healthy, resilient world." This vision is reflected in the company's operations, which prioritize the wellbeing of each member, shared vision, and a common mindset. In contrast to typical app-based delivery platforms that can restrict workers' earning potential and autonomy, Shift Delivery involves its worker-owners directly in shaping the operations.
Sustainability initiatives are integral to Shift Delivery’s identity. The company specializes in last mile delivery using cargo tricycles, reducing carbon emissions compared to motor vehicle-based fleets common in many logistics companies. This commitment to sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but also supports workers’ confidence and reduces operational costs related to vehicle maintenance.
Discussions are inevitable in the cooperative model due to unique personalities, opinions, and ideas, but decisions ultimately stick and are beneficial for everyone. Shift Delivery's decisions are driven by a belief that green services are ethical and the right thing to do. This belief is shared by the company's customer base, which consists of socially oriented and greener companies.
In the competitive and insecure gig industry, Shift Delivery prioritizes employees over profit, making it an exception. This approach is reflected in the hourly starting wage for a triker at Shift Delivery, which is $16, higher than the average delivery company wage of $14.
Shift Delivery has implemented temporary micro depots to support its existing warehouse and shorten the last mile. These micro depots are used as hubs to facilitate the delivery process, particularly during times of increased demand. This adaptable business model allows Shift Delivery to adjust to changes in the customer landscape.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Shift Delivery continues to prioritize community and ethical values. The co-op model emphasizes shared responsibility and burden during times of crisis, ensuring that no one person has to cope with pressure and responsibility alone.
Shift Delivery's services are more expensive compared to other logistics companies, but the company is committed to providing competitive pricing for its services. By choosing Shift Delivery, customers not only receive efficient and sustainable delivery services but also contribute to a healthier and more resilient world.
- Shift Delivery, a worker-owned cooperative in Vancouver, prioritizes sustainable living, using cargo tricycles for last mile delivery to reduce carbon emissions.
- The decision to use sustainable delivery options at Shift Delivery aligns with their belief in green services as ethical and the right thing to do, a belief shared by their socially oriented customer base.
- In the competitive gig industry, Shift Delivery sets itself apart by prioritizing employees over profit, offering an hourly starting wage for a triker that is $2 higher than the industry average.
- To adapt to changes in the customer landscape, Shift Delivery has implemented temporary micro depots to facilitate the delivery process, acting as hubs during increased demand.
- In addition to efficient and sustainable delivery services, customers who choose Shift Delivery contribute to a healthier and more resilient world.
- Despite the pandemic's challenges and added pressures, Shift Delivery continues to uphold community and ethical values, emphasizing shared responsibility among its members to ensure no one person bears the burden alone.
