1.5M Packages a Day Bring Chaos to NYC Streets

Post by notatoad » Sun, Oct 27, 2019, 9:36 PM UTC

partisan wrote: post #74

crazygringo wrote: post #40

The problem isn't trucks -- obviously, it's hugely more efficient for a single truck+driver to deliver 100's of packages in a single day than for 100's of individual people to spend an hour each going to/from a store, and even worse for congestion if even more than a few are taking individual vehicles. The problem is parking. And the solution is obvious: multiple truck-length parking spaces along each and every block…

Your solution is effectively corporate welfare. The free market should determine whether customers will order packages or not. Also, you are suggesting that the government should provide an easier means for businesses to serve their customers in a way that gives them an advantage over the local businesses that pay local taxes on purchases. The real solution is to make delivery companies pay for the congestion they ca…

Post by kevin_thibedeau » Sun, Oct 27, 2019, 10:00 PM UTC

crazygringo wrote: post #40

The problem isn't trucks -- obviously, it's hugely more efficient for a single truck+driver to deliver 100's of packages in a single day than for 100's of individual people to spend an hour each going to/from a store, and even worse for congestion if even more than a few are taking individual vehicles. The problem is parking. And the solution is obvious: multiple truck-length parking spaces along each and every block…

Post by smallnamespace » Sun, Oct 27, 2019, 10:27 PM UTC

acdha wrote: post #129

crazygringo wrote: post #125

Earlier quoted context omitted.

From what I read and observe, trucks are already basically maximally loaded to what can be delivered in a shift -- they adjust the number of trucks and their routes to fit whatever the load of packages is. The software is really good at this. In other words, they don't send out a truck out half-full when they could wait until tomorrow to send a full truck, which seems to be what you're suggesting. They just have a tr…

That means more vehicle-miles where it’s taking up space and likely drivers who are less familiar as well. My point was just that aggressive deadlines preclude options: if you live on 3rd St and I live on 4th, one truck can deliver both of our packages with only minimal increased distance but that depends on enough people ordering within the same delivery window. Otherwise you get what I see a lot, which is the same…

Post by ClumsyPilot » Sun, Oct 27, 2019, 10:33 PM UTC

Rapzid wrote: post #136

crazygringo wrote: post #40

The problem isn't trucks -- obviously, it's hugely more efficient for a single truck+driver to deliver 100's of packages in a single day than for 100's of individual people to spend an hour each going to/from a store, and even worse for congestion if even more than a few are taking individual vehicles. The problem is parking. And the solution is obvious: multiple truck-length parking spaces along each and every block…

I thought we were supposed to be designing cities for people and not vehicles. Isn't the answer for everyone to bike with their bike trailer to a central warehouse and collect their own packages?

Post by icebraining » Sun, Oct 27, 2019, 10:35 PM UTC

MiroF wrote: post #86

jacques_chester wrote: post #82

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Your solution is effectively corporate welfare. The current state of affairs is corporate welfare too. With an added side helping of externalities imposed on other traffic. I think you're touching on the fact that all road surfaces in NYC are a massive net wealth transfer to those who drive on them or (especially) park on them. I agree. Either charge the full economic rate for use of the road, or turn it over to pu…

We should be phasing out roads for non-delivery traffic in urban areas anyways.