Roadie (app)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Delivery service, Logistics |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Marc Gorlin |
| Headquarters | United States , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Marc Gorlin (Founder) |
| Products | Same-day, urgent, and scheduled shipments; first mile and last mile delivery services; cross-country same-day delivery |
| Parent | United Parcel Service (UPS) (since 2021) |
| Website | www |
Roadie Inc. is a U.S.-based delivery service company that focuses on same-day, urgent, and scheduled shipments throughout the country. Established in 2014, the company introduced its web and mobile applications in January 2015. By 2021, Roadie reported having a network exceeding 200,000 drivers operating across more than 20,000 ZIP codes.
The platform pairs gig economy drivers with delivery requests that fit their existing travel routes, enhancing operational efficiency. Key clients include The Home Depot, Walmart, Tractor Supply Company, Best Buy, and Delta Air Lines.
In September 2021, United Parcel Service (UPS) revealed plans to acquire Roadie for an undisclosed amount, with the acquisition anticipated to finalize in the fourth quarter of the year.
History
Founded in 2014 by Marc Gorlin—known for co-founding Kabbage and founding VerticalOne and Pretty Good Privacy—Roadie began as a service specializing in same-day and urgent deliveries.
The company launched its initial consumer-to-consumer (C2C) application in January 2015 following a $10 million Series A funding round. The following month, Roadie collaborated with Waffle House to establish "Roadie Roadhouses," neutral meet-up locations for drivers and senders where drivers received complimentary food and beverages. This initiative significantly expanded Roadie's driver base. In June 2016, Roadie secured $15 million through a Series B funding round and released its first business-to-business (B2B) app variant in November of the same year.
In 2015, Delta Air Lines became Roadie's inaugural enterprise client, utilizing the platform to manage mishandled luggage deliveries starting with a pilot program at Daytona Beach International Airport. This collaboration eventually extended to over 70 airports nationwide and incorporated a first mile/last mile logistics arrangement with Delta Cargo.
By 2017, Roadie had entered into an agreement with Atlanta-based The Home Depot. In February 2019, the company completed a $37 million Series C funding round. Later that year, in October 2019, Roadie partnered with Delta Cargo to introduce DASH Door-to-Door—a same-day cross-country delivery service marking the first such offering by a U.S. passenger airline. In April 2020, Tractor Supply Company became the first general merchandise retailer to provide same-day delivery from every store via Roadie's platform.
In September 2021, UPS announced its intention to acquire Roadie for an undisclosed price, with the transaction expected to close during Q4 2021. At this time, Roadie's network comprised approximately 200,000 operators servicing over 20,000 ZIP codes. The company planned to continue operating under its own brand while maintaining independent package delivery networks. UPS had previously invested early in Roadie and piloted same-day delivery services through the platform earlier that year.
On-the-way model
Roadie's application connects senders—both businesses and individual consumers—with drivers available for deliveries. These shipments are referred to as "Gigs," a term inspired by live music road crews. Senders create Gigs through Roadie's web interface or API, while drivers browse and select available deliveries nearby via the mobile app. The platform’s algorithm assigns Gigs by encouraging drivers to choose those that align closely with their existing routes and schedules. This "on-the-way" delivery approach maximizes efficiency by capitalizing on drivers' pre-planned travel paths.
Rather than rolling out service city-by-city like many competitors, Roadie launched its operations nationwide from inception. It leveraged partnerships with retailers and airlines to generate delivery volume across various markets. This strategy allows the company to build driver networks even in smaller towns and rural regions, enabling coverage in areas traditionally underserved by delivery services.
Service lines
Roadie focuses on providing same-day, on-demand, or pre-scheduled first mile and last mile delivery services, mainly originating from retail outlets and distribution centers. Retailers rely on Roadie for managing returns, reverse logistics, moving inventory, and expedited shipments. The company offers one-hour grocery delivery for Walmart and handles perishable goods transportation for multiple retailers. Its model, which operates en route, aligns with the grocery sector’s just-in-time delivery strategy while ensuring the cold chain remains intact.
Cross-country same-day delivery
In October 2019, Roadie collaborated with Delta Cargo to introduce DASH Door-to-Door, a round-the-clock pick-up and delivery service connecting customers directly at their doorsteps. Roadie oversees the initial and final segments of the delivery route, while Delta manages the mid-route transport using passenger flights. This initiative launched from Atlanta to 55 destinations, representing a pioneering effort by a US commercial airline in this space.
Promotion, awards and corporate citizenship
In September 2015, Roadie teamed up with Atlanta-based artist Ludacris to help promote its mobile application.
Following the Baton Rouge floods in 2016, Roadie offered complimentary pick-up and delivery services for shipments to and from the affected region.
In December 2020, Walmart recognized Roadie as its leading delivery partner by awarding it for "Highest Driver Customer Satisfaction" and "Highest Net Promoter Score," acknowledging Roadie's growth into general merchandise and grocery delivery services.