The Rise of Gig Carriers: Why Alternative Delivery Networks Are Reshaping Ecommerce Logistics

As ecommerce brands push to meet growing customer demands, one trend is quietly transforming last-mile logistics: the rise of gig carriers—also known as alternative delivery providers, non-traditional carriers, or gig network carriers.

These flexible, tech-enabled networks are delivering more packages than ever before, challenging long-held assumptions about how packages should arrive. And as we move deeper into a customer-first shipping era, their role is only expanding.

In this post, we’ll explore what gig carriers are, how they differ from traditional couriers, why brands are turning to them, and how FirstMile has built a smarter, more scalable way to tap into these networks.

What Are Gig Carriers?

Gig carriers (also called gig network carriers) refer to delivery services that operate with flexible, decentralized driver networks—often using independent contractors driving personal vehicles. Think: the logistics version of Uber Eats or DoorDash.

They focus on last-mile or final-mile delivery, meaning they handle the final leg of a package’s journey—typically from a regional hub to the customer’s doorstep.

Other common names:

• Alternative carriers: Refers to any non-traditional delivery option outside the “big national carriers”
• Non-traditional carriers: Emphasizes their operational difference from legacy networks like USPS, UPS, or FedEx
• Final-mile carriers: Focuses on their role in completing the delivery route
• Gig network carriers: Highlights their use of on-demand driver networks

Are gig carriers the same as couriers?

Not exactly. While both handle local or regional deliveries, couriers often specialize in point-to-point services (e.g., document delivery or time-sensitive packages). Gig carriers operate at scale, with optimized routes, app-based driver systems, and ecommerce logistics infrastructure.

Gig Carriers Are Gaining Market Share—Fast

The growth of gig carriers in ecommerce isn’t speculation—it’s backed by data.

• Over 35% of ecommerce deliveries in urban and suburban areas are now fulfilled by alternative or regional carriers, many of which rely on gig networks
• (Source: McKinsey, 2024 market study)
• Industry analysts expect gig-based final-mile delivery to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% through 2028, outpacing traditional carriers in both speed and cost flexibility
• (Source: Grand View Research)
• Amazon’s own gig network, Amazon Flex, already delivers millions of packages daily, inspiring similar models from Veho, Ontrac, UniUni, and others

This surge isn’t just about cost—it’s about coverage, control, and customer experience.

The Benefits of Using Gig or Non-Traditional Delivery Providers

Here’s why modern ecommerce brands are embracing these networks:

1. Speed and Flexibility

Gig carriers can often deliver faster than traditional carriers in metro regions. Their flexible, local-first models help bypass sorting centers and execute tighter delivery windows.

2. Better Coverage in Underserved Areas

Some regional carriers specialize in harder-to-serve or rural zones, where national carriers struggle or charge high surcharges.

3. Cost Efficiency

With less overhead and smarter routing, many gig networks offer competitive pricing—especially for lightweight parcels under 5 lbs.

4. Scalability During Peak Seasons

Gig networks allow for flexible driver onboarding, helping ecommerce brands absorb volume spikes without long lead times.

The Concerns—and Why They’re Manageable

While gig carriers offer compelling advantages, some brands worry about:

Unbranded Delivery Vehicles

Customers may expect a branded van at their door—but it’s increasingly common (and widely accepted) for packages to arrive via a professional in a personal vehicle.

How to smooth this concern:

Educate customers through FAQs and order confirmation emails. Reference how rideshare and food delivery apps have normalized this. Use real-time tracking and professional support to reinforce legitimacy.

Fragmentation Across Regions

Many gig networks only serve select cities or zones—making it hard to use them consistently at scale.

How FirstMile solves this:

We connect these once-siloed providers into one cohesive network through our smart shipping method, Xparcel.

FirstMile Makes Gig Carrier Delivery Easy (and Smart)

Here’s the part where we bring it all home.

While gig carriers offer value, they’re notoriously hard to manage individually. Each one operates differently, has unique tech, and often requires minimum volume commitments or manual routing.

FirstMile has solved that.

Through our patented Xparcel shipping method, we:

• Automatically route each package through the best available delivery option—including regional and gig network carriers
• Integrate dozens of fragmented final-mile providers into one cohesive, trackable network
• Handle pickups, billing, and support—so you don’t have to
• Help brands reach 99% of U.S. ZIP codes without being locked into any single provider

The result? You get the cost savings, speed, and reach of gig carriers—without the complexity. Just plug in, label, and ship.

And Xparcel’s network is now bigger and more optimized than ever, with new regional partners, expanded coverage, and even more intelligent routing logic by ZIP code and delivery performance.

Final Thoughts: Alternative Delivery Is the Future

As the logistics landscape evolves, it’s clear that the future of delivery is not just national—it’s networked.

Gig carriers and alternative final-mile delivery options are becoming essential to every brand’s toolkit. The key isn’t whether to use them—it’s how to use them well.

With FirstMile and Xparcel, you don’t have to choose between innovation and reliability. We make modern delivery models work for your business—seamlessly.

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Let’s turn your delivery network into a growth engine.