Today's Pickup: DHL, REEF Technology Launch Eco-Friendly Cargo Bike Pilot

Good day,

DHL Express is partnering with parking and logistics magnate REEF Technology to pilot the use of four new low-power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles for deliveries across Miami. The three-wheeled cycles are equipped with accompanying cargo containers and are capable of pulling up to 400 pounds or holding 60 cubic feet in volume.

The companies are bringing the e-Cargo Cycles to Miami as part of the DHL GoGreen strategy to reduce its carbon footprint. DHL's short-term goal is to implement clean pickup and delivery solutions for 70% of its operations by 2025. Each e-Cargo Cycle deployed enables DHL to take one conventional delivery van off the road, reducing road traffic, noise and pollution while still providing fast and efficient deliveries for customers. 

Did you know?

The Port of Long Beach said continuing economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a 17.3% year-over-year volume drop as well as an expectation of more canceled arrivals. The port moved 519,730 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April.

From FreightWaves

Quotable

"The only way to push Amazon to action is through confrontation. We're working in conditions that pose a risk to our safety. Workers' voices must be heard."

– Jean-François Bérot, a worker employed at an Amazon warehouse in France, from the New York Times

In other news

U.S. EPA awards $4.1 million for air quality projects in Southern California

EPA's funds will be combined with support from other sources for a total of nearly $12.5 million, to deploy 15 medium-duty and 20 heavy-duty zero emission battery-electric trucks. (OCBreeze)

Trucking brokerage giants: the biggest job cuts so far in 2020

A list of the biggest trucking brokerage layoffs.(BusinessInsider)

Pandemic has rattled – not broken – Canada's meat supply chain, but store prices could still climb

Reduced production, plant closures and livestock backlogs are testing the limits of farmers and the system. (CBC.CA)

Uber and Grubhub merger – what it could mean for restaurants

What makes sense for food delivery companies already fails to add up for many restaurants. (FastCompany)

Final thoughts,

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is postponing the deadline for official bids to make its next-generation mail truck because of "the current COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Postal Service and supplier operations," Trucks.com reported. The deadline for bids was originally slated for March 27th, but is now July 14th, 

Hammer down, everyone!

photo: DHL