There was a significant drop in Uber ride requests when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe. Fortunately, the Uber Connect feature still allowed customers and independent drivers to connect, enabling them to schedule simple and quick same-day deliveries for all kinds of goods.
Uber Connect makes sending things to your friends, family, and customers much simpler and less stressful!
Many users of Uber still don’t fully comprehend all that Uber Connect offers. Whether you’re a driver or a customer, get ready to learn everything there is to know about the Uber Connect platform with the help of our comprehensive guide!
What is Uber Connect?
Uber Connect is a service that enables independent drivers to accept delivery service requests from users of the Uber app. This gives them a different way to make money in addition to the money they already make from working for UberX and UberXL. Now, drivers can easily pick up packages and deliver them to a pre-designated drop-off location of users’ choosing.
It’s the ideal shipping choice and opens up many new opportunities beyond just getting food delivered or getting a ride. Because shipping labels, communication with the post office, and waiting periods of up to 72 hours are not necessary, it makes deliveries of all sorts of goods within the city straightforward for customers.
Simply pack your delivery, open the app, choose Uber Connect, and wait for the vehicle to show up. That’s all the customer needs to do. You will give the package to the driver when they arrive at your location, and you can typically count on delivery to happen on the same day.
What Items Are Allowed?
There are certain restrictions based on weight and value depending on the vehicle type, while there are no actual restrictions on the kinds of products you may send through Uber Connect. Some things are forbidden, including liquor, guns, pets, potentially dangerous substances, illicit narcotics, medicines, etc.
Your products should be small enough to fit in a backpack and sealed or wrapped adequately, so they are prepared for door or curbside collection if you pick a scooter or bike delivery from your address. Although uncommon, a driver may reject your order if the package does not match the requirements or contains forbidden materials.
Uber Connect is currently widely available in 6,000 towns and cities across the United States, Mexico, Australia, and Canada. You can find it in small towns and larger cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh. To see if you’re in an Uber Connect location, launch the app and check if the option is accessible.
What Is the Difference Between Uber and Uber Connect?
The key distinction between regular Uber and Uber Connect is that the latter cannot be utilized as a passenger. Uber Connect was created and released specifically to suit customers’ demands during the COVID-19 epidemic as a solution to keep people linked even if they could not drive themselves to a specific place.
Another distinction is that, unlike ridesharing services, which may face price increases at night or on weekends, the cost of transporting goods from one location to another is likely to remain stable regardless of the time of day.
How Fast Is Uber Connect Delivery?
The following are some of the variables that affect how long it takes to deliver a package:
- Distance
- Traffic
- Package Size
Contrary to other delivery options like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Flex, most local deliveries can be made in less than a half-hour. When you use Uber Connect to deliver a package, it’s the same as hopping into your car and meeting your buddy across town. You don’t even need to move a finger when using the app because the driver is taking care of everything for you!
This makes Uber Connect ideal for last-minute food or gift deliveries to friends and family, especially if illness or time restraints make it impossible for you to make the trip yourself.
How to Use Uber Connect
The first step toward using Uber Connect is to make sure that you have Installed and logged in to the Uber app. You can follow these steps if you have downloaded the app on your phone.
- Pack the item you want to deliver and make sure it is adequately secured.
- Open the Uber app, then select Connect.
- The next step is to accept the delivery terms and conditions and check that the package doesn’t contain any prohibited items. The website includes a list of objects that are not allowed.
- On the app, request a delivery.
- You will then get a message asking you to provide information such as the recipient’s name and any specific delivery instructions. Fill up the data based on your requirements.
- Then you must wait for the driver to arrive at your curbside and place the item into the driver’s car or vehicle. Finally, notify the recipient of your delivery that they must meet the driver and get the gift as soon as possible.
The driver must phone you back if they arrive at the drop-off site after around five minutes and do not see the package’s intended receiver. Then, you will be required to agree in writing that the delivery person may leave the box at the recipient’s door or that you may request that they deliver it back to you at your home. Fortunately, Uber will cover the return fare!
The Price of Uber Connect
Several factors determine the price of an Uber Ride or an Uber Connect delivery. Some of the key factors that will affect the cost are explained below.
Upfront Pricing
It’s crucial to note that there are no additional costs; the sender of the product will be aware of the delivery cost before the delivery is even scheduled. Before the buyer accepts or rejects the delivery, our upfront pricing mechanism provides the precise cost.
The upfront pricing algorithm will figure out how much the delivery will cost by taking into account the basic price, distance rates, minimum fare, traffic patterns and surges, time, and any additional tolls that can impact your delivery. The upfront fare is the outcome. But you must realize that no matter the other conditions, you will only pay the minimum.
Another little disclaimer is that you will be charged extra if you let the Uber driver wait for more than five minutes. The app will charge $0.35 each minute on top of the total cost of the trip.
What makes Uber Connect better than conventional package delivery services?
One of the primary advantages of using Uber Connect over more conventional solutions is that the delivery is delivered the same day and frequently in less than 30 minutes. If you deliver goods following Uber’s policies, you can take advantage of the following perks:
- No postage
- Packages can be delivered on demand.
- Your parcel will be delivered on your behalf by the driver from your specified location to the drop-off point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Uber Connect Work?
Drivers may connect with consumers who require deliveries using the Uber Connect portal. The driver won’t precisely need to find a parking spot for their automobiles because they will anticipate that the consumer will meet them at the curbside. However, you may let your driver know ahead of time in the instructions section if you won’t be able to meet them. They need to know where to park and how to find you, so please let them know.
Does Uber Use a Time-based or Mileage-based Pricing Model?
Uber calculates the cost of delivery using a variety of pricing factors. The amount you pay for the delivery will depend on how long the rider waits and how far they must go to deliver your product. The charges may vary depending on the city in which you live. Distance is paid per mile, while time is charged per minute.
What Does Uber Connect Deliver?
Deliveries of all kinds are made by drivers who utilize the Uber app. However, as we have already explained, some things are forbidden. Additionally, the package you need to deliver must easily fit in the car’s trunk. The box should ideally weigh less than 30 pounds and have a value of less than $100. Lastly, ensure the products you send are sealed and held in place before the driver shows up.
It is important to note that Uber Connect does not transport passengers.
