Burq bets on the last-mile decision layer as giants retreat

Burq, a last-mile delivery technology company, believes that the solution to fragmented last-mile delivery networks lies in orchestrating the decision layer that sits above a diverse group of carriers, 3PL cross-dock networks, gig courier platforms and private fleets. The company's CEO, Jake Stein, joined Burq four months ago to focus on growth for the retail sector, after working at Uber on ship-from-store, same-day and on-demand programs.

He explains that large retailers have started to diversify their carriers, with 55% now using carriers outside of FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service, and over a third actively moving volume away from the two national giants.

The shift towards last-mile orchestration is evident, as retailers recognize the need for capturing value and knowing which provider performs in which ZIP code on which day. However, most retailers lack this knowledge due to outdated systems that stop monitoring once an order leaves. Burq aims to address this gap by providing real-time decision-making capabilities, which can help retailers optimize their last-mile delivery strategy.

Stein highlights that while providers can offer same-day delivery, their availability varies by ZIP code and location. In some areas, the supply of delivery providers is thin, and even though they may be close to the store, they may not offer same-day delivery due to cost considerations. Burq's solution would enable retailers to make informed decisions based on real-time information, ensuring that orders are assigned to the most suitable provider while considering factors such as cost, performance, and service level agreements.