Amazon.com is launching a UPS brand new fleet of larger, boxier vans like these favoured by rival package deal carriers United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx, because it fights to repair widespread pandemic-fuelled supply delays that despatched clients into the arms of opponents like Walmart.
The world’s largest on-line retailer ordered greater than 2,200 heavy-duty Utilimaster “walk-in” supply vans from Shyft Group, a Michigan-based specialty car firm, an Amazon spokeswoman informed Reuters. The corporate declined to say how lots of the autos have been despatched to Amazon supply contractors, or the place they’d be deployed.
Amazon is underneath strain to make good on one- and two-day deliveries promised to clients who subscribe to its $119 annual Prime service. Orders for meals, computer systems, toys and train gear surged after states issued stay-at-home orders to battle the pandemic, overwhelming Amazon’s community and including days and even weeks to supply occasions.
Drivers assigned to the brand new vans confirmed Reuters coaching supplies from Wisconsin-based security and compliance consultancy J.J. Keller & Associates, which confirmed that Amazon is a consumer. The Shyft Group didn’t reply to requests for remark.
One of many new Amazon vans was seen just lately working in Chicago, based on a Reuters reporter. Coaching is underneath means within the Los Angeles space, drivers mentioned.
Whereas Amazon bought the autos final yr, the branded vans have been parked for months in areas round america, together with in Amazon tons in New Jersey and California dairy nation. The corporate declined to state why it waited so lengthy to roll out the brand new fleet.
Drivers conversant in the brand new autos mentioned they’ll carry extra and greater packages than the Mercedes-Benz, Fiat Chrysler, and Ford Motor vans Amazon contractors dispatch across the nation.
Two drivers, who declined to be named for concern of retaliation, opted to not swap to the brand new autos as a result of they’re heavier and harder to manoeuver than Amazon vans.
Amazon got here underneath hearth final yr after ProPublica, BuzzFeed, and different information retailers reported on Amazon’s coaching practices and van accidents that resulted in accidents and deaths. Amazon mentioned in an e mail Friday that van drivers should bear coaching that features two days of classroom instruction and two days of ride-alongs with skilled drivers.
Amazon suspended its upstart Amazon Transport programme for non-Amazon packages in June to prioritise deliveries to its personal clients.
Amazon declined to say whether or not the brand new fleet could be used to restart that service, which competes instantly with UPS and FedEx.
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