Source: Trucking Info Image source: NYC DOT

Just over a year into New York’s three-year microhub pilot project, the city reports that the local delivery hubs have eliminated over 3,000 truck trips, and there has been a positive response from the trucking industry, last-mile delivery operators and environmental advocates alike.

The pilot project initially installed three microhubs at locations in the city’s Upper West Side in April 2025, and two new locations have now been added in the financial district, and Upper East Side. The hubs enable truck operators to transfer deliveries to sustainable transport options such as cargo bikes for the last leg of the delivery journey.

The New York project sees each microhub assigned exclusively to a single delivery partner, with locations selected on the basis of compatible land use, and proximity to high-density areas, truck routes, bike lanes and transit.

The project sits alongside the city’s efforts to substantially boost the sustainable transport mode share, last year reported at 57%.

First-year results

Figures from the pilot’s first year show that 110 packages a day were delivered via cargo bike, replacing around three truck miles (4.8 km) of travel. Handcarts were also used to deliver around 860 packages a day, which replaced 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of truck travel. City officials state that the pilot has reduced an estimated nine grams of air pollution.

NYC Department of Transport (DOT) Commissioner, Mike Flynn, spoke of the positive impact. “When big delivery trucks deliver individual packages on local streets, we can see pedestrian crosswalks and travel lanes getting blocked, and a variety of other unsafe challenges. Shifting these deliveries onto handcarts, e-bikes, and other smaller delivery options is a win for our environment, street safety, and our neighborhoods.”

Reactions from the delivery sector

The Trucking Association of New York views the microhub pilot positively, with Vice President, Government Affairs, Zach Miller stating, “We’ve supported microhub distribution for years because it offers strong operational alignment for certain segments of last-mile freight and the small businesses that provide these delivery services. We’re pleased to see NYC DOT continue expanding microhubs as part of a broader, holistic freight strategy that includes Blue Highways, off-hour deliveries, package lockers, and a modernized truck route network.”

The first phase of the project was launched with delivery collaborators in Net Zero Logistics and Amazon.

Net Zero Logistics CEO, Mark Chiusano, highlighted the various benefits of the project. “By providing dedicated curb space for last-mile transfers to cargo bikes and zero-emission modes of transport (including walking), we can cut truck trips, eliminate double parking, and reduce emissions – all while keeping New York City moving.”

Beryl Tomay, Vice President, Transportation at Amazon, emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach. “Programs like this show what’s possible when the city and the private sector work together to make urban delivery safer and more sustainable. We look forward to continuing to innovate – including efforts like the growth of our e-cargo bike program – so we’re best able to deliver for New Yorkers.”

Growth of the scheme

NYC DOT aims to further expand the pilot project’s geographic and partner reach, and is inviting a broader range of business participation through an application process.

In the period up to 2055, freight volumes in the city are projected to grow by 46%, and the proliferation of trucks already poses significant challenges. The city states that 44,000 trucks cross critical chokepoints on a daily basis, leading to congestion and delays that cost the city an estimated $20 billion (€17.45 billion) annually in lost productivity, rising maintenance requirements, and environmental impact.

Other delivery solutions

The pilot project commenced just over a year after NYC DOT authorised the use of e-cargo bikes on city streets; in the intervening period, commercial cargo bike use for delivery has grown at least seven-fold.

Additional measures include the Blue Highways program, which aims to utilise marine infrastructure to shift delivery from road to waterways, and an Off-hour Delivery program, which incentivises the delivery of goods during off-peak hours between 7pm and 6am.