CHANGES AND THE IMPACT OF ONLINE THIRD-PARTYLOGISTICS COMPANY ON FAST-FOOD DELIVERY

Abstract

This research examines the influence of online third-party logistics on fast-food delivery within the fast-paced environment of the fast-food industry. By comparing historical and current data on online orders, it reveals key trends—such as DoorDash’s marketplace orders, which surged from around $8 billion pre-pandemic to approximately $66.8 billion in 2023—bolstered by DoorDash’s acquisition of Wolt in 2022 (Beyrouthy, 2024). These findings contribute to a broader understanding of supply chain management in the fast-food sector. The research offers insights that can inform both industry practices and future studies. It also notes that the first U.S. restaurant meal delivery service, Worldwide Waiter (now Waiter.com), launched in 1995, initially serving 60 of Silicon Valley’s top restaurants. Furthermore, this study traces the history of food ordering and delivery—from Italy’s first documented delivery in 1889 to the practices of the Roman Empire and Indian methods in the late 1980s. By contrasting these early approaches with today’s advanced technologies, the research highlights the evolution and impact of logistics on fast-food delivery. It also explores current strategies for improving delivery processes, analyzes consumer perceptions and their effects on the industry, and evaluates the time-efficiency and cost-effectiveness of modern fast-food delivery systems.