Earth911 Podcast: URB-E’s Charles Jolley Wants to Electrify Local Delivery

Charles Jolley, CEO of URB-E, wants to disrupt the local delivery infrastructure. URB-E is building a local container delivery network that uses e-bikes pulling collapsible containers to deliver goods throughout cities and neighborhoods. The company says a single delivery person can pull up to 800 pounds of stuff, which is sufficient to replace an internal combustion delivery van. URB-E has launched in New York and Los Angeles, where riders can earn between $18 and $24 an hour, with paid time off. The company’s mission is “to be the global leader in foldable, emission-free transportation solutions.”

The last mile in the supply chain, between a distribution center and a retail location or your home, has been the focus of innovation over the past century, starting when United Parcel Service was founded in Seattle using bikes. The evolution of on-demand delivery, however, became enmeshed with fossil fuel-powered cars and vans, and we’re still paying the price. What could last mile deliveries look like in a post-carbon society? It may resemble the founding of UPS, but with logistics and electric bike technology taking the place of pedal power. You can learn more about URB-E at urb-e.com