An award-winning British delivery company that pioneered emission-free urban logistics has ceased operations after 14 years, resulting in the loss of all 60 jobs across its two sites.
Major Client Loss Forces Closure of Sustainable Pioneer
Pedal & Post, the UK logistics operator that delivered parcels exclusively using e-cargo bikes, trikes and electric vans, has announced its closure following the loss of a significant client earlier this year. The company, which operated sites in both Oxford and London, confirmed that both locations have now permanently closed and all staff have been made redundant.
Fourteen-Year Journey Comes to an End
Founded in Oxford in 2013 by CEO Christopher Benton, Pedal & Post expanded into London only last summer, marking what would become its final phase of growth. The company established itself as one of the first businesses in the United Kingdom to adopt completely emission-free delivery methods, participating in Oxford's inaugural cargo bike trial scheme in 2022 and partnering with national parcel delivery firms including Evri.
The firm's environmental credentials were formally recognised when it won the Sustainable Medium Business of the Year prize at the prestigious Oxford Climate Awards, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in green urban logistics.
Founder's Emotional Statement
In an emotional statement, Mr Benton expressed profound regret about the company's closure: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that Pedal & Post's journey has come to an end after 14 years. Earlier this year, we lost a major client. Despite exploring every possible avenue to continue – and truly exhausting all options – we have reached the point where we can no longer sustain the business."
He continued: "Since our founding, Pedal & Post has worked tirelessly to show that cargo bike deliveries are not just possible, but practical, sustainable, and better for cities. Over 14 years, we've helped remove countless vans from urban roads, reduced emissions, and shown that a people-powered delivery model can deliver excellent service while putting cities first."
Legacy of Sustainable Urban Delivery
Despite the closure, Mr Benton emphasised the company's lasting impact on the logistics sector: "While this chapter has come to a close, we firmly believe this is not the end for cargo bike logistics. The landscape today looks very different to when we started, with major carriers now investing in low-carbon, bike-based urban delivery models and the cargo bikes themselves being worlds apart from when we started as early adopters."
The founder expressed gratitude to all who supported the business throughout its existence: "We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported Pedal & Post over the years: our clients, partners, riders, staff, and the wider community who believed in what we were trying to achieve. Your support meant everything. We're proud to have been part of that shift and to have helped pave the way."
The closure represents a significant setback for sustainable urban delivery initiatives in the UK, though the company's pioneering work has undoubtedly influenced major carriers to adopt similar low-carbon approaches to last-mile logistics in congested city environments.
