With Uber Connect, you can request a driver to deliver a package to a designated drop-off location where the recipient can accept it. In addition, you can request a package/delivery to yourself from a designated sender. Simply put, the Uber Connect program allows you to send care packages and other items — books, a birthday gift, or cleaning supplies — to friends and family in your area.
About Uber Connect
Uber Technologies came up with Uber Connect in 2020 to help its customers navigate through the new “normal” of the post-pandemic world. While the world continues to practice social distancing and remain indoors, Uber’s new solution offers a quick, no-contact, same-day delivery. It is different from Uber Go, Uber Jump & Uber Lite.
Uber Connect is intended for local, regional delivery inside a specific geographic area and excludes any international border crossings.
How is Uber Connect different from regular package-delivery services?
Unlike normal package-delivery services, Uber Connect does not require postage. It is an on-demand package delivery solution that eliminates the need to wait for hours or days for your package to arrive. The service enables no direct contact between the sender, recipient, and the driver which makes it ideal for deliveries in our post-pandemic world. The driver delivers your package directly to the designated location on your behalf.
Moreover, Uber Connect allows the sender to:
- Request package delivery in the same simple way as you would book a ride
- Monitor the item’s progress to the receiver and receive a notification when it arrives at the designated location
- Enjoy the flexibility to pick means of delivery and vehicle type that best suits your needs
How does it work?
Download the Uber app and on the home page, there appears a “Package” option. After clicking on the tab, you need to select whether you have to send a package or receive one. In case you are the sender, you will have to enter your location and the recipient’s location. The app will redirect you to a page with the package delivery cost. If satisfied with the same, select a payment method and tap “Confirm Connect.”
What are some package restrictions for Uber Connect?
For Uber to deliver your package via Connect, all packages need to weigh less than 5 kilograms. The package should be transportable on a two-wheeler vehicle and must be securely sealed. Moreover, Uber has an entire list of prohibited items, including fragile items, as the company does not offer insurance coverage for package loss, theft, or damage caused by a third party. Other prohibited items on the list include liquor, illegal drugs, firearms, weapons, precious metals and stones, flammable substances, etc.
Do I need to inform the recipient before making use of Uber Connect?
You can add delivery notes with additional specifications to the item while booking if you need the driver to leave the package at the recipient’s door.
However, it is ideal to inform the recipient of the delivery well in advance to avoid unnecessary complications in the delivery process. Uber advises the sender to inform the parcel recipient of the delivery status. The beneficiary, preferably, should be ready to meet the driver at the door or near the dropoff location