Established in 2014 by Ariella Azogui and Marcus Hoed, New York-based DutchX has swiftly ascended to a leadership position in US last-mile logistics.
DutchX’s inception stemmed from the collaboration of Azogui and Hoed, who are partners in business and in life, drawing from their knowledge of gaps in the retail delivery space and expertise in complex logistics operations. The married couple’s journey began with a clear mission to address pressing environmental challenges while enhancing operational efficiency.
DutchX’s co-founders Ariella Azogui and Marcus Hoed
“We recognised an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the logistics industry by addressing environmental challenges and leveraging technology to optimise operations,” says Azogui, the technological and strategic mind behind DutchX’s operations.
“Our commitment to sustainability and innovation has been the driving force behind our journey,” says partner Marcus, who spearheads finance, strategy, and client management for DutchX.
“From day one, we set out to create a company that not only delivers goods efficiently but also minimises our environmental impact,” he adds.
DutchX has set a blistering pace over the past decade with its expanding zero emission electric fleet, the largest electric cargo bike fleet in the US, and its innovative technological advancements.
DutchX's electric cargo bike fleet is the largest in the US
Key milestones along the DutchX journey include securing partnerships with some of the biggest retailer and ecommerce brands in the US, including Amazon, Wholefoods, and Farfetch.
DutchX provides a comprehensive suite of services, tailored to meet evolving client needs while minimising environmental impact. “We’re committed to providing our clients with delivery solutions that not only meet their needs but also align with their environmental goals,” says Marcus.
From same-day and next-day delivery solutions to reverse logistics and microhub operations, DutchX ensures streamlined and eco-friendly logistics management, while the advanced fleet of electric cargo bikes, quads, vans, and trucks represents DutchX’s commitment to zero-emission transportation.
Central to DutchX’s success is its state-of-the-art technology infrastructure. The company’s award-winning proprietary workforce and management platform, Zadar, streamlines the workforce management.
DutchX’s dedicated delivery workforce
“Zadar is a complete end-to-end platform for managing the new era of last-mile deliveries and on-the-go employees,” explains Ariella. “It enables process efficiencies that translate to top service and lower cost points for our clients.”
And through strategic collaborations and partnerships with organisations such as NYC’s Department of Transportation and Economic Development Corporation, DutchX continues to drive positive change in the logistics ecosystem.
“Our partnerships with these leading organisations enable us to leverage our expertise and resources to create sustainable solutions that benefit our clients and the environment,” says Ariella.
DutchX’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its operations with active participation in roundtable discussions on eco-friendly transportation among its key initiatives.
“At DutchX, sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” continues Ariella. “We’re constantly seeking innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint and promote eco-conscious practices in the logistics industry.”
DutchX also engages with local communities through its outreach programmes, philanthropic initiatives, and partnerships with grassroots organisations.
“Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our operations—we’re dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve,” says Ariella. “By collaborating with local partners and organisations, we’re able to address pressing social and environmental issues while empowering individuals and fostering inclusivity.”
DutchX’s innovative solutions have also garnered industry recognition, including the 2023 Top Software and Tech Award for its platform, Zadar.
“We’re honoured to be recognised for our efforts,” says Ariella. “This award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team.”
Looking ahead, DutchX is poised to expand its growing fleet of electric vehicles, venturing into new markets and introducing new initiatives like the soon-to-be-launched Blue Highway (see below) the first-ever activation of waterways for last-mile micrologistics in the US, where parcels travel from vessel by eQuad, four-wheeled electric cargo bikes containing microcontainers for package transport – straight to the customer’s doorstep.
With its focus on sustainability and innovation, DutchX aims to shape the future of logistics on a global scale.
“As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to our mission of revolutionising the logistics industry through eco-friendly practices and innovative technology. We’re excited to embark on this journey and drive positive change in the world of freight and delivery.”
Blue Highway: where micromobility meets the waterways
Launching in summer 2024, Blue Highway by DutchX will be the first-ever activation of waterways for last-mile micrologistics in the US, where parcels travel from vessel by eQuad – four-wheeled electric cargo bikes containing microcontainers for package transport – straight to the customer’s doorstep.
The pilot for the Blue Highways will be transformative in the global effort to remove trucks from congested city streets. Given that New York City has more linear feet of shoreline than any other city in the world, it serves as an ideal place to launch this initiative and make last mile deliveries more sustainable.
The process begins at warehouses outside of NYC, where packages containing retail, convenience, home goods and other assorted products will be picked up and pre-sorted into eQuads, which are brought to Manhattan by ferry and met by DutchX electric cargo bike drivers (“E-bikers”), who deliver the packages directly to the customers. Once the E-bikers finish their routes, they return to the port to drop off their empty eQuads and the process repeats.
The project brings disruptive remedies to the present-day delivery model. Currently, more than two million packages are delivered daily in NYC. By leveraging ferries and electric cargo bikes, DutchX aims to replace a substantial number of trucks, contributing to a greener and more efficient delivery ecosystem in the city.
“We are thrilled to be pioneering this groundbreaking delivery model to change the future of last mile deliveries,” says Marcus Hoed, Co-Founder of DutchX. “With years of industry experience, we are familiar with the challenges that come with last mile deliveries. Shifting deliveries from the roadways to waterways can spark positive change for our clients, our community and the environment.”