Delivery driver handing package to customer at door

Delivery driver hands over a package to a customer at the doorstep, a common scene in Brazilian cities.

About this subject

E-commerce in Brazil moved R$ 268 billion in 2023, according to the Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce (ABComm). This exponential growth has turned the delivery driver into a central character in urban life. Home package delivery, once limited to traditional parcel services, now covers everything from prepared meals to high-value electronics. Last-mile logistics, the route from distribution center to the consumer's home, is the most expensive and complex link in the chain, accounting for up to 53% of total shipping costs. The image of a uniformed delivery driver holding a box while waiting for the customer at the doorstep symbolizes Brazil's new consumption dynamics, where digital convenience meets brief human contact. Fast deliveries, promised within two hours by apps like Rappi and iFood, put pressure on professionals to meet tight goals, often on motorcycles or bicycles, under sun and rain. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this habit: a McKinsey survey indicated that 75% of Brazilians tried new delivery services during isolation and maintained the behavior afterwards. The scene also highlights labor issues, as most delivery drivers work as independent contractors without formal employment ties. In 2023, Brazil had about 1.6 million app-based delivery drivers, according to IPEA. The doorstep delivery, though seemingly trivial, is the moment of truth: eye contact, signature, or confirmation code seal the transaction. The photo captures this quick interaction, which can happen in any neighborhood, early morning or night, connecting the digital world to the physical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many app-based delivery drivers are there in Brazil?

According to IPEA, Brazil had about 1.6 million delivery drivers working for apps like iFood, Rappi, and Uber Eats in 2023.

What is the cost of last-mile delivery?

Last-mile logistics can account for up to 53% of total shipping costs, making it the most expensive and complex leg of the delivery.

Did the pandemic change delivery habits in Brazil?

Yes, a McKinsey survey showed that 75% of Brazilians tried new delivery services during the pandemic and maintained the habit afterward.