Why Marketplaces Are Building Their Own Logistics Networks

Lucas and Luna dive into the growing trend of marketplace platforms building proprietary logistics networks instead of relying on third-party carriers. They examine the case of DoorDash, which started delivering restaurant food and now moves everything from convenience store goods to pharmacy prescriptions through its own fleet. The hosts break down the economics: DoorDash's logistics operation turned a profit for the first time in Q4 2025, earning $0.18 per delivery on average. They explore why control over delivery matters more than margin, how the strategy creates a competitive moat by integrating data on driver routes and customer demand, and what happens when marketplace logistics becomes a standalone business. Luna questions whether the model works for smaller players, and Lucas points to software-as-a-service logistics platforms like ShipBob as an alternative. The episode closes with a reflection on the line between platform and full vertical integration. #MarketplaceLogistics #DoorDash #LastMileDelivery #VerticalIntegration #PlatformEconomy #BusinessAndTechnology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Logistics #OnDemandDelivery #ShipBob #NetworkEffects #DeliveryEconomics #DataMoat #MarketplaceStrategy #SupplyChain #ECommerce #GigEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo