Dive Brief:

• San Francisco startup Shyp is adding to the rapid developments in the shipping business by focusing on the first mile of fulfillment.

• The company, which right now only operates in San Francisco but is aiming to go wider, picks up packages at homes and businesses and works with traditional shippers to get packages on their way.

• App-based Shyp uses custom-made boxes, QR trackers, and its couriers right now use their own transportation including bikes. Many of its workers have expertise in packing specialty items such as fine art.

Dive Insight:

Shyp is like Uber in that it uses an app-based system in its attempt to disrupt fulfillment, this time at the first mile (sending packages), rather than the last (delivering them). Amazon is now famous for its laser-like focus on efficient fulfillment from the first to the last mile. If successful, Shyp could spur more competition and more craziness — and more opportunities for retailers — in today’s fulfillment and delivery landscape.