At the CES electronics show in Las Vegas, Ford showcased a new autonomous delivery version of its Transit Connect van it is developing with Postmates, an on-demand delivery platform, to operate a self-driving delivery service.
Ford Testing Last-Mile Delivery with Postmates
Ford announced it is working with Postmates, an on-demand delivery platform, to evaluate how customers interact with autonomous delivery vehicles and other last-mile issues.

Ford says Transit Connect vehicles in a pilot program in Miami are equipped to look like they are operating autonomously in order to research how customers interact with self-driving delivery vehicles.
Photo: Ford
Ford said a Postmates pilot program is currently underway in Miami and Miami Beach with more than 70 businesses participating, including local favorites such as Coyo Taco. Residents in the area, when they order tacos — or almost anything, really — through Postmates, may be given the option to have the items delivered by a self-driving research vehicle.
For the pilot program, Ford designed a Transit Connect with a locker system to secure the food and allow it to serve multiple customers on one delivery route, which was on display at the company’s booth at CES. When the Postmates Transit Connect arrives at a restaurant to pick up a delivery, a restaurant employee types an access code into the screen. One of the lockers will automatically open so the food can be placed inside. Each locker has two cup holders so customers don’t have to worry about losing half their beverage in transit.

The Ford-Postmate research vehicle on display at CES.
Photo by Jim Park
Additionally, Ford said, since services like Postmates must deliver an assortment of products, from sushi restaurants to hardware stores, the rear and passenger-side lockers on the specially developed Transit Connect are different sizes to allow testing of the best vehicle configuration. Ultimately, Ford says, it is using the pilot program to test how businesses and consumers interact with a self-driving vehicle.
In keeping with that mission, Ford said the research vehicles for its business pilots are designed to appear as self-driving – however, they are manually driven by an experienced driver.
When the vehicle arrives at its destination, the customer receives a text notification indicating the delivery is ready for pickup.
Upon meeting the vehicle at the curb, consumers enter an access code into the touch screen and the appropriate locker will open. Audio prompts direct the interaction and lights will illuminate the designated locker.
Ford says the research vehicle is modified specifically to test a variety of interfaces — the touch screen, the locker system, the external audio system— to inform the design of purpose-built self-driving vehicles that are scheduled to arrive in 2021.
More Equipment

SAF-Holland Redesigns Suspension Slider to Save Weight in On-Highway Trailers
SAF-Holland reengineered the UltraLite40 Slider for the ULX40 Mechanical Sliding Suspension and Axle System to reduce weight, improve durability, extend trailer life, and increase payload efficiency.
Read More →
Volvo Teases Next-Gen VNX as Platform Expansion Continues at TMC
Volvo Trucks North America highlighted new connectivity, safety tech and production investments at TMC. The OEM also signaled that a new heavy-haul flagship tractor is coming soon.
Read More →
SAF-Holland Introduces SmartSto System for Safer Tractor-Trailer Uncoupling
The system combines a fifth-wheel air release with stowage for air and electrical connections, helping prevent damage and reducing driver injury risk.
Read More →
SAF-Holland’s BrakeSight Aims to Take the Guesswork Out of Air Disc Brake Maintenance
New Haldex sensor technology from SAF-Holland integrates with telematics systems to give fleets continuous insight into air disc brake condition.
Read More →
Vanair Introduces Solar, Battery Power Ecosystem for Class 8 Trucks
The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.
Read More →
Phillips Connect Expands Smart Trailer Platform with New Safety, Cargo and Equipment Intelligence
Phillips Connect Smart Trailer enhancements give fleets deeper operational insights from trailers -- even when another provider supplies basic GPS tracking.
Read More →
Accuride Unveils ProShield XGT Aluminum Wheel Coating at TMC
Accuride’s patent-pending surface-coating technology targets filiform corrosion and promises easier cleaning, longer-lasting gloss, and greater durability for aluminum truck wheels.
Read More →
Valvoline, Cummins Extend X15 Oil Drain Intervals to 100,000 Miles
New approval for Valvoline Premium Blue One Solution Gen2 allows fleets running Cummins X15 engines to extend oil drain intervals by up to 25,000 miles -- reaching intervals as high as 100,000 miles.
Read More →
A New Approach to Lighting Reliability
Peterson’s Genesis lighting system and repairable J560 connector target two persistent fleet problems: LED light failures and costly electrical connector downtime.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Delaying Truck Replacement
Many fleets extended truck replacement cycles during recent market disruptions. But holding equipment too long can lead to higher repair costs, longer downtime, and new operational risks.
Read More →
