As the holiday shopping season intensifies, with U.S. consumers projected to spend over $13 billion by Cyber Monday, Amazon is poised to deliver millions of packages, primarily through a network of third-party carriers. However, this expansive delivery system is facing heightened criticism over safety concerns and alleged discriminatory practices.
A recent CBS News investigation reveals that contracted truckers transporting packages between Amazon facilities exhibit higher rates of unsafe driving behaviors compared to other carriers. Federal data indicates these drivers are more frequently cited for violations such as speeding and distracted driving, raising alarms about the safety protocols within Amazon’s delivery operations.
In a related development, the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the company of secretly discontinuing its expedited Prime delivery services in two predominantly Black ZIP codes—20019 and 20020. The suit alleges that, since 2022, Amazon rerouted deliveries in these areas to slower third-party services like UPS and USPS, citing driver safety concerns due to increased crime rates. This policy reportedly led to a significant decline in timely deliveries, with on-time rates plummeting from 72% in 2021 to 24% in 2023. Attorney General Brian Schwalb contends that Amazon’s actions are deceptive and discriminatory, adversely affecting residents who depend on Prime for essential goods.
Amazon defends its delivery strategies, asserting that adjustments were made to ensure driver safety following targeted violent incidents. The company maintains that it did not intend to deceive or discriminate against customers and is committed to providing reliable service across all neighborhoods.
These issues emerge as Amazon experiences a record-breaking holiday season, with customers worldwide purchasing over a billion items during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday period. Despite the surge in demand, the company faces mounting pressure to address safety and equity concerns within its delivery network.
