Global shipper DHL announced plans for Parcel Metro, a new service to help speed local deliveries, in part through the use of crowdsourced shipping options.

Why it matters: It comes as e-commerce shipments continue to grow, but online retailers face increased pressure from Amazon and others to offer same-day delivery.

Parcel Metro will also work with contract couriers, individual couriers, regional couriers, in addition to crowdsource options, with package recipients being able to choose two-hour, same-day or next-day delivery options.

The service is available now in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, coming to Dallas and Atlanta before mid-year and to San Francisco some time in the third quarter, DHL said.