Horsham’s Chris Heffernan has spent over a decade mastering last-mile delivery, launching two companies, including dlivrd, the fastest-growing private firm in Greater Philadelphia, reports Lisa Dukart for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Dlivrd experienced a staggering 203 percent revenue growth between 2021 and 2023, reaching over $24 million, earning it the top spot on the 2024 Business Journal’s Fast 50 list.
Heffernan’s journey began in 2011 with Foodcab.net, inspired by a Florida-based delivery service. With no tech background, he taught himself the necessary skills to launch and run the company, delivering food for suburban Philadelphia restaurants. However, the rise of giants like Uber Eats forced him to pivot. In 2018, he founded dlivrd, focusing on catering deliveries—a niche driven by client needs like those of Boston Market.
Dlivrd’s success stems from key partnerships with platforms like ezCater and Olo, which extended its reach to thousands of restaurants. With 15,000 drivers in 160 markets, the company utilizes its AI-powered system, “Frederick,” to match orders with the most suitable drivers.
What sets dlivrd apart is its transparency and predictability for drivers. They receive detailed information about deliveries and can plan schedules in advance, making it an attractive option for those seeking consistent work.
Although dlivrd has grown rapidly, Heffernan aims to focus on expanding “pre-scheduled, high-quality earnings” segments and exploring new use cases for dlivrd’s technology to help other brands manage their orders. His mission remains to build a company that values its drivers, employees, and customers while growing responsibly.
Read more about Chris Heffernan and dlivrd at the Philadelphia Business Journal.
