Using social media to understand challenges faced by US urban parcel delivery drivers: Reports from the curb

Abstract

While several studies have begun to quantify the problems presented by curb conflicts surrounding delivery vehicles, especially unauthorized parking behavior, fewer have specifically examined these issues through the lens of driver behavior. To gain on-the-ground insight into competition for curb space, what issues drivers face, and the circumstances that inform their parking choices and related behaviors, we use data from Reddit to examine US driver perceptions and behavior, posing the following questions: What are some key challenges parcel delivery drivers encounter when delivering in urban areas? What strategies do drivers employ when parking their vehicles to make deliveries? What reasons do drivers cite for engaging in unauthorized or questionable parking practices?We find that parking is among the largest challenges drivers face while delivering in urban areas, largely because parking difficulties extend the time required to complete many routes. Drivers in our sample preferred to park in authorized spaces, but generally accepted the practice of unauthorized parking to complete their routes. Often, they did so due to lack of available parking, but also for safety and/or expedience. Moreover, drivers reported that parking enforcement personnel rarely issued tickets or other reprimands, acknowledging that for delivery vehicles, unauthorized parking is often necessary. Finally, drivers also described concerns surrounding interactions with other road users while making deliveries, especially in terms of conflict and safety. Curb management policies and freight providers’ practices alike will need to adapt in the face of the changing landscape of the curb.