During the rise of the coronavirus in 2020, Uber saw the need to create a service that can help merchants deliver customers’ orders directly to their homes. Since then, Uber direct has become one of the channels Uber is gaining popularity.
Uber direct is a package delivery service provided by Uber to deliver packages from merchants to their customers. This way, merchants do not need to have their delivery service. All they need to do is use the mobile app to request an Uber direct driver who will come and pick up their goods and deliver them to their customers.
If you are looking forward to knowing how to use the Uber direct service, how the Uber direct service works, or how to become an Uber direct driver, then stick around to the end.
How does Uber direct work?
It works like other services that Uber provides. This means that riders will have to place requests and uber drivers will accept requests and drive to the signified address to render services.
How does it work for merchants/users?
The Uber service works just like the Uber eat, UberX, Uber Pool, etc works. The first step for merchants or users is to download and signup on to the Uber mobile app.
To make your first uber direct request, tap on where to? and input your pickup and delivery address. Crosscheck them to be sure. Check for Uber Direct on the bottom of the screen and select it as your mode of transportation.
If an Uber Direct driver is available, your request will be received and you will be able to track the driver’s progress toward your pickup location. When the driver has successfully picked up your package, you can also track the driver’s progress towards the delivery address.
How Uber direct works for drivers?
It does not work differently than other uber services except that you will be moving packages to their destinations instead of people.
You can set your driver’s preferences to start receiving uber direct requests and you can also choose to turn it off by contacting customer service to help you turn it off.
- When you get an uber direct request and accept it, you will get additional information about the package — like weight, size, item type, etc. If the information is not detailed enough, you can contact the requesting organization or person to be sure of what you are going to be picking up.
- After knowing the details, you may choose to cancel the request if you won’t be able to lift the package, fear for its safety, or if the package can’t fit in your vehicle.
- After collecting the package, you should confirm collection on the mobile app and start your trip. When at the delivery address, inform the receipt that you are at the delivery spot either through a phone call or the in-app chat.
- If you have trouble with making the delivery, you can call the requesting merchant for assistance. If you can’t reach the requesting merchant after 8 minutes, report the issue on the mobile app. The app may ask you to return the package to the merchant. Don’t worry, you will also be paid for your additional fares.
How to become an Uber Direct driver?
- Signup
You can either signup on the Uber website or their Uber drive and deliver mobile app. On the signup page, you will be prompted to fill in your details which include your name, phone number, location, set a password, etc. After doing all of that, click on next.
- Mode of transportation
The next thing to do is to select your mode of transportation — car, scooter, bicycle, or motorcycle.
- Background check
Tap on agree to accept the background check. You will also be asked to put in your social security number. After that, tap on I agree and acknowledge and submit to continue.
- Drivers Licence
This is the stage where you upload your driver’s license or photo ID information. The instructions will tell you how. You can either take a photo of your driver’s license with your phone camera or upload a scanned copy from your computer.
- Vehicle Insurance and Registration
You will be prompted to upload your proof of vehicle insurance and your vehicle registration information. If you have selected a bicycle as a method of transportation, then this process is not for you.
- Profile Picture
Uploading a profile picture is the last step of the registration process. You have to upload a clear picture that shows your face.
It usually takes about a week or less for Uber to run their background check and approve or disapprove you.
Conclusion
It is a fast and easy way to deliver packages to either customers or just anyone you want to deliver a package to. For most people, it seems to be a cheaper option when compared to FedEx, Ups, and the like.
If you don’t own a car but own a scooter or bicycle, Uber direct is a great way to earn extra income at your leisure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Uber direct the same as Uber eats?
Though Uber direct and Uber eats are both delivery services from Uber, they are not the same. Uber eats run delivery for only meals and groceries. On the other hand, Uber direct runs delivery for random things excluding foodstuff.
- How do I contact Uber direct?
You can contact an Uber direct driver by sending a request through the Uber app as you would do for other Uber services. To contact customer support as a driver, on the driver’s app, go to help and navigate to the problem you are facing to see the support options.
- Can I call Uber by phone?
You can call uber on phone by navigating to the help section and selecting call support to reach a customer representative. You can also call +27800172956.
