by Tammy Taylor
Staff Writer
Zippy Courier Service, a local bike messenger company, has expanded its reach by acquiring its rival, A New York Minute.
Johnny Torres, owner of Zippy Courier Service, bought A New York Minute last month to expand his business while eliminating a major competitor.
“My main focus is to lock down the downtown area for courier services,” he said.
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Torres moved to Jacksonville four years ago to “bring the idea of bike couriers to Jacksonville.” He’s been in business for three years now.
“I felt [bike messengers] would be new and exciting for the city,” said Torres. “Plus, the weather is better for us to offer the service. It doesn’t snow down here.”
Bike messengers also help to eliminate a major problem in Jacksonville: traffic. It is also more economical for the provider.
“There is no fee for parking, it saves the taxpayers money, it’s quicker than cars and it doesn’t damage the roads,” said Torres.
Zippy Courier Service has messengers downtown, San Marco, Riverside, Avondale, Ortega and on the Westside.
“I have messengers on call from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They hang out in a certain area and I page them when a call comes in,” said Torres.
Torres currently employees 10 bike messengers, but he hopes to expand his business to 50 within the next two years. He also wants two drivers for deliveries from downtown to the Southside and the beaches.
Torres makes 30 to 40 deliveries a day, which average about 40 miles of riding everyday.
Torres became fascinated with bike messengers while growing up in New York. The interest not only resulted in him starting his own business, but also becoming two-time national champion in the world cycle messenger championships in New York City. He plans to compete in the event again in April, and he is aspiring to participate in bike messenger competitions in Europe.
Zippy Courier Service can be reached at 521-2883.