"Delivery Orders Increased by 120,000, but Riders Increased by Only 1,000"

Barogo "Support Needed for Delivery Workers to Overcome COVID-19"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] Delivery agency Barogo (CEO Lee Tae-kwon) has requested cooperation and support from the government and civil society for delivery workers whose workload has significantly increased amid the additional spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to Barogo on the 1st, since the resurgence of COVID-19 in mid-last month, the government has encouraged the use of delivery and takeout services, leading to a sharp increase in delivery orders. On Sunday, August 30, the last Sunday of the month, the number of orders received through the Barogo platform reached approximately 575,000 in one day. This is about 120,000 more than the 457,000 orders on Sunday, July 26, the last Sunday of July.

On the other hand, the number of riders performing deliveries during the same period increased by only about 1,000, from approximately 12,700 to 13,700. As rider supply has not kept pace with delivery demand, riders and the delivery industry are struggling to maintain service levels. A Barogo official said, "As delivery and takeout meals are socially encouraged, delivery volume has surged, causing delays and cancellations during peak hours, leading to public inconvenience," adding, "Riders are also delivering out of a sense of duty to keep promises with store owners despite difficult circumstances."

The official also stated, "Since there are limits to quickly securing riders in a short period, temporary support measures are urgently needed, such as exempting riders from illegal parking enforcement while picking up food at stores or allowing food delivery using empty taxis. We hope citizens will understand these circumstances when deliveries take longer than usual."