Delivering change: How So.De is making courier work safer and greener in Milan

Couriers play an essential role in today’s delivery services, but many face challenges due to the nature of their employment. Often working without formal contracts and paid on a per-delivery basis, couriers may feel pressured to rush from one delivery to the next. This pace can lead to increased road safety risks and physical strain. Additionally, many couriers lack insurance coverage for accidents or illness, which can leave them vulnerable in case of injury.

In Milan, deliveries operate under a different model thanks to So.De – Social Delivery. The company was launched as part of a civic crowdfunding initiative for community services by the Municipality of Milan in 2021. It attracted funders by offering an alternative model that provides couriers with formal employment contracts as community workers, paid on an hourly basis rather than per delivery. So.De also recruits at least 30 % of its workforce from programmes for the unemployed and individuals with histories of vulnerability.

Today, So.De’s cargo bike deliveries cover all Milan postcodes and operate from two hubs. The company collaborates with IKEA Italy, delivering all orders under 20 kg by cargo bike. IKEA Italy promotes this sustainable delivery model to its customers, who have responded positively.

Cargo bike delivery, as So.De demonstrates, can be socially fair and environmentally friendly. It is also economically competitive with research conducted by TRT suggesting bike couriers in Amsterdam are 25 % more productive than those using vans. In London, the introduction of cargo bikes reduced logistics-related emissions by 55 % and shortened delivery journeys by 20 %.

Author: Claus Koellinger

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.