Courier and Messenger Services NAICS 4921, 4922

Mar 23, 2026 - High Gas Pricing Hitting Gig Workers Hard

• Rising gas prices are hitting gig economy workers especially hard, with the average price of unleaded gas surging roughly 22% over the month of March to about $3.59 per gallon (the highest since May 2024) following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, forcing rideshare drivers, food couriers, and delivery workers to rapidly adjust by avoiding short trips, scouting cheaper gas stations, and exploring additional income streams. Relief may not come soon as crude oil remains volatile and seasonal factors typically push prices higher in spring. Some gig workers have called on platforms like Uber and DoorDash to introduce gas surcharges similar to those rolled out during the 2022 price spike, while the situation is further compounded by rising insurance and repair costs. Freight dispatchers warn the pain will extend beyond gig workers, as higher diesel prices will likely raise trucking costs and ultimately push up consumer prices at stores nationwide.
• UPS is set to cut 30,000 more operational jobs in 2026, continuing a restructuring trend that included 48,000 cuts last year. The company is targeting cost savings through voluntary separations, attrition, facility closures, and expanded automation, following a strategic reduction in Amazon package volumes. Despite these cuts, UPS posted higher quarterly profits and anticipates slightly higher revenue this year, signaling that efficiency measures are offsetting lower parcel volumes. For UPS itself, the moves streamline operations, modernize its network, and reduce labor costs. In the wider industry, these cuts reinforce ongoing pressure on parcel carriers to focus on capacity amid declining e-commerce growth from major clients, while highlighting the growing role of automation in shaping the future logistics landscape.

• The United States Postal Service (USPS) is positioning itself as a major player in last-mile delivery by expanding its network to handle more e-commerce shipments and returns. With delivery to every US address six days a week, the Postal Service offers unmatched reach for the final leg of package journeys. It is exploring partnerships with carriers like UPS and other shippers to provide last-mile solutions, including options like Ground Saver. USPS is also moving into faster delivery services, such as same-day and next-day options, making its network more attractive to both large and small retailers. Its about 33,000 facilities provide a national infrastructure for package drop-offs and returns, helping e-commerce businesses streamline logistics while reducing delivery times. By leveraging existing capacity, USPS could become a central hub in US last-mile logistics.
• US online grocery sales hit a record $11.2 billion in August 2025, driven largely by the booming delivery segment, according to a recent survey from Bricks Meets Click Grocery Survey and Mercatus. It’s a 14% year-over-year jump, showing that more and more shoppers are skipping the store and having their groceries delivered. Delivery orders alone surged 30% year-over-year, now accounting for 45% of all e-grocery sales (with younger shoppers leading the way). Ship-to-home orders also grew, up 19%, but doorstep delivery is the clear preference for consumers. The growth comes not just from more people trying online grocery shopping, but also from bigger and more frequent orders. Even casual or infrequent shoppers are jumping on the trend, drawn by convenience, flexible scheduling, and contact-free delivery. Overall, the numbers show that grocery delivery has moved from a pandemic-era perk to a core part of how Americans shop.