Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

January 11, 2019
Ford Testing Last-Mile Delivery with Postmates

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

2 min to read


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 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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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

photo of a military truck with "Great American Trucks" wording on top of red-white-and-blue background.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsJune 16, 2026

Great American Trucks: The International MaxxPro MRAP

Built from an International WorkStar chassis and powered by a MaxxForce diesel, the MaxxPro MRAP became one of the most important military trucks of the Iraq War era.

Read More →
2026 Mack Granite interior.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 11, 2026

New Mack Granite Cab Puts Driver Comfort Front and Center

Mack’s next-generation vocational truck features a roomier cab, premium seating, advanced steering technology, and a driver-focused interior designed with direct input from professional operators.

Read More →
Mack Trucks Pioneer Nascar Salutes truck.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 11, 2026

Mack Unveils Fan-Selected Patriotic NASCAR Pioneer Wraps

Racing fans picked the patriotic design now featured on three Mack Pioneer trucks hauling NASCAR equipment across the country during the 2026 season.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Michelin X Line Grip D tires.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 9, 2026

Michelin Expands X Line Grip D Tire Line

Michelin is expanding its X Line Grip D drive tire lineup with a new pre-mold retread and additional sizes, building on what the company says is strong fleet adoption of the tire's traction, mileage, and fuel-efficiency benefits.

Read More →
Illustration of SCR/DEF system on heavy-duty truck
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 4, 2026

Engine Technology Forum Launches SCR, DEF Resource Center Amid Emissions Debate

The Engine Technology Forum’s new online hub aims to provide fleets, policymakers, and equipment owners with fact-based information about selective catalytic reduction technology, diesel exhaust fluid and emissions compliance.

Read More →
Artist rendering of dealership with trucks and trailers parked outside
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 2, 2026

Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership

A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Red Kenworth truck pulling Paper Transport trailer
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJune 2, 2026

Lessons Learned About Alternative Fuels: Start Small, Stay Flexible

Practical advice on adopting alternative fuels and ZEVs from HDT's 2026 Top Green Fleets, from renewable diesel and natural gas to electric trucks.

Read More →
Kenworth T680.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 27, 2026

Kenworth Names Peter Ahrens General Manager

Leadership changes at Kenworth take effect July 1 as the OEM promotes two longtime Paccar executives to key management roles.

Read More →
White Hino Le electric tractor on show floor
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 26, 2026

Hino Adds Electric Class 6/7 Truck

Hino says the Le Series is an important step in the company's efforts to reduce environmental impact and support its customers’ sustainability goals.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Big standing "ACTExpo" sign in convention center lobby
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMay 26, 2026

ACT Expo 2026: Highlights in Photos

The 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo featured a broad range of commercial vehicle technologies, from EVs to autonomous trucks to the latest diesel and alternative-fuel engines.

Read More →