Clustering Analysis in “Instant Delivery” Services: Examining the Urban, Logistics, and Social Challenges in Mexico City

The rise of on-demand delivery, specifically the recent “Instant Delivery” services phenomenon, has significantly impacted urban, logistics, and social policies in metropolitan areas. As a result, cities face new challenges as they strive to promote economic growth and improve their inhabitants’ quality of life while adhering to intelligent practices. Despite its growing importance, “Instant Deliveries” remains largely unexplored in academic literature. This study focuses on the landscape of instant deliveries in Mexico City, the largest metropolitan area in Latin America. It analyzes the delivery couriers through their demographic characteristics, participating companies, job dynamics, incentives, and the challenges they face. Results from the courier profile and the Hierarchical clustering demonstrate that couriers tend to be motivated to work within a delivery platform, even in the face of overwork and the absence of medical insurance or social benefits. This motivation is attributed to prevailing unemployment conditions and the necessity of additional income.