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Short abstract:

This paper addresses the status of mid-size vehicles in urban delivery systems. Based on a study of cargo tricycles in France and mini-trucks in Morrocco, it focuses on the construction of the legitimacy of each delivery vehicle and of the associated delivery work.

Long abstract:

Urban freight transportation is essential to most urban activities, but it is criticised for its important contribution to air pollution, traffic congestion and noise. Because of this, some voices are calling for a transformation of urban delivery fleets towards lighter and less polluting vehicles (Bigo et al. 2022).

In this paper, I focus on two of these mid-size vehicles through a case study in the cities of Lyon (France) and Casablanca (Morrocco): cargo tricycles and mini-trucks. Both of these vehicles are significantly smaller, lighter, and can carry a lesser charge than standard light utility vehicles. I show that urban delivery work and its inscription in urban logistics systems is mediated by the use of these unconventional vehicles.

The two vehicles considered are perceived very differently: one the one hand, cargo tricycles are pretty recent in Lyon, where their use is considered innovative and trendy, and even subsidised by local authorities. On the other hand, mini-trucks, that have been operating in Casablanca for over ten years with dedicated vehicle markets and an established professional culture, are disregarded as informal transportation and not valued.

The delivery drivers using these vehicles operate under very different positions: in Lyon, most cargo tricycle riders are under regular employment and use company vehicles whereas in Casablanca, mini-truck drivers are paid on the task and are either using their own vehicle or renting it from someone else. Despite these differences, delivery work is a low-status work with difficult working conditions in both cities.