How Portland is contending with delivery boom
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Portland is seeing a rise in deliveries that's reshaping urban life, with neighborhoods like St. Johns, Kenton and Nob Hill experiencing some of the highest activity, traffic experts say.
Why it matters: The rise in deliveries brings with it more vehicles, increasing traffic congestion and curb availability challenges, INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue told Axios.
The big picture: This isn't just a Portland issue — increased deliveries (from food to packages) in cities across the globe are straining the balance between consumer needs, business logistics and traffic flow, and many are experimenting with how to adjust, according to the World Economic Forum.
- Some cities, including New York and Boston, are trying app-based systems that help delivery trucks find available spots and let drivers know how long they can stay.
What they did: In an analysis compiled for Axios, INRIX, which provides transportation data and insights, factored in population density and deliveries to find Portland's hot spots.
What they found: The analysis identified a significant volume of deliveries along the city's waterways — both the Willamette and Columbia rivers — and the Northwest Industrial areas.
- Other busy delivery neighborhoods include the southern section of downtown, the Pearl District, Kerns and Buckman.
- In these areas, traffic congestion tends to be worse.
What they're saying: "There's been an explosion in deliveries over the last couple years and the demand for freight will continue to go up," Pishue said. "That's one driving prediction most experts agree on."
Zoom in: Portland has taken an innovative approach to reducing freight vehicle traffic and pollutants in congested areas by piloting regulated zero-emission cargo bike and electric vehicle zones for deliveries downtown.
- The six-month, $2 million trial program — paid for via a U.S. Department of Transportation grant — started in August and will conclude in February.
- Several delivery parking and truck loading zones within a 16-block zone between SW Naito Parkway and SW 6th Avenue will be prioritized for zero-emissions vehicles and regulated via parking sensor monitors. Those in violation could receive a citation.
- The project will act as a test for future regulation of delivery-heavy areas and partnerships between freight companies and local electric fleets.