New analysis from Angel Reyes and Associates reveals a sharp increase in workplace injuries for delivery drivers over the past decade, with the local and last-mile sector seeing the most dramatic rise. That’s because the e-commerce boom, paired with tighter deadlines and heavier workloads, is placing unprecedented pressure on drivers.
From 2013-2023, couriers and messengers saw an increase in non-fatal workplace injuries from 6.5 to 9.2 cases per 100 full-time workers: a 42% jump. National courier services rose 37%, while local messengers and last-mile drivers (including gig workers delivering for online marketplace contractors) experienced a staggering 134% increase.
"We’re seeing a worrying trend: the speed and convenience customers demand is coming at a cost to driver safety. Last-mile delivery workers face unique challenges: navigating urban traffic, handling heavy packages, and working under strict time constraints. When companies push for faster deliveries without balancing safety protocols, injury risks naturally rise,” says legal expert, Elliot Johnson from Angel Reyes and Associates. “The 134% increase in local delivery injuries shows that the gig economy model often lacks the same protections and training standards found in traditional courier roles. These drivers may not have adequate rest breaks, ergonomic training, or defensive driving courses. Reducing these risks requires a multi-pronged approach: better safety training, realistic delivery quotas, improved vehicle maintenance, and clearer channels for reporting hazards. Customers can also play a role by understanding that ultra-fast delivery can come with hidden human costs.”
Key takeaways:
· According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, couriers and messengers‘ injury rates increased from 6.5-9.2 cases per 100 full-time workers, a 42% rise.
- National/expedited delivery networks from 7.1-9.7 cases, up 37%.
- Local and last-mile delivery, from 2.9 to 6.8 cases, a 134% increase. This category includes gig-economy drivers.
- 55 deaths among couriers, with nearly 70% caused by transportation-related accidents.
- The most alarming surge is in local last-mile delivery, which more than doubled in injury rate over the past decade. Experts link this spike to tighter schedules, higher parcel volumes, and increased road exposure.
