Uber Connect moves packages and small items between people, not passengers

Uber Connect is a delivery service within the Uber app that lets you send packages, documents, or small items to someone else in the same city. You request a delivery the same way you would request a ride — through the Uber app — and a driver picks up your item and brings it to the recipient. The service costs less than a dedicated courier but more than standard mail, and it typically completes within hours rather than days.

The key difference from Uber's ride service is that you are paying for the driver's time and vehicle to move an object, not to transport you. You stay home or at work while the driver handles the pickup and delivery. This makes it useful for sending forgotten items to someone across town, getting documents to a business quickly, or moving something too large or awkward for a regular mail carrier.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Connect works only within the same city and requires both sender and recipient to have the Uber app or to provide contact information the sender enters.
  • You set the pickup location, delivery location, and item description in the app, and a driver accepts the job and handles both stops.
  • Pricing depends on distance and current demand, similar to Uber ride pricing, and you pay upfront before the driver picks up your item.
  • Items must fit in a car and cannot be hazardous, illegal, or require special handling like refrigeration or signature proof of delivery.
  • Delivery typically takes one to three hours depending on driver availability and traffic, though this varies by city and time of day.

How to send something through Uber Connect

Open the Uber app and tap the category menu at the top — you will see "Uber Connect" listed alongside ride and food options. Tap it to start a new delivery request. The app will ask you to confirm your pickup location (where the item is now) and your delivery location (where it needs to go). Both must be within the same city for the service to work.

Next, describe the item you are sending. Tell the driver what it is, roughly how big it is, and any special handling it needs — for example, "laptop in a padded case" or "stack of documents in a folder." The more detail you give, the less likely a driver will cancel after seeing what they are picking up. You can also add a note to the recipient, which the driver will relay or which the recipient can read in the app.

The app will show you an estimated price based on distance and current demand. You pay this amount upfront with a payment method on file. Once you confirm, the app sends the request to nearby drivers. A driver will accept the job, pick up your item at the pickup location, and deliver it to the delivery location. You can track the driver's location in real time, just as you would with a ride.

What items you can and cannot send

Uber Connect allows most everyday items that fit in a standard car: documents, small electronics, clothing, books, gifts, groceries, or household goods. The item must fit in the trunk or back seat without requiring the driver to make multiple trips or remove seats.

You cannot send anything illegal, hazardous, or perishable. This means no weapons, drugs, explosives, or flammable materials. You also cannot send items that require refrigeration, special packaging, or a signature from the recipient to prove delivery — those services require a dedicated courier. Do not send anything valuable enough that you would be devastated to lose it, because Uber's liability for lost or damaged items is limited and does not cover the full value of most goods.

If you are unsure whether something is allowed, check the Uber app's guidelines or contact Uber support before requesting a delivery. Drivers can refuse a job if they see the item and believe it violates the rules, and you will be charged the full price even if the delivery does not complete.

Pricing and how long delivery takes

Uber Connect pricing works like Uber ride pricing: it is based on distance, current demand, and time of day. A short delivery across a few blocks might cost $5 to $10, while a delivery across a larger city could cost $15 to $30 or more. Prices are higher during peak hours (lunch time, evening rush) and lower during off-peak times. You see the estimated price before you confirm the request, so there are no surprises.

Delivery time depends on driver availability and traffic. In most cities, a driver accepts your request within a few minutes, picks up your item within 10 to 20 minutes, and delivers it within 30 minutes to an hour after pickup. Total time from request to delivery is often one to three hours, but this varies widely. If it is a busy time of day or a long distance, it could take longer. If a driver is nearby and traffic is light, it could be faster.

What happens if the recipient is not home or refuses the delivery

If the recipient is not home when the driver arrives, the driver will call or text the phone number you provided. If the recipient does not answer or does not come to the door, the driver will wait a few minutes and then return the item to the pickup location or leave it in a safe place if you have instructed them to do so in the delivery notes.

You are responsible for making sure the recipient is home or has arranged access to the delivery location. If the delivery fails because the recipient is unavailable, you will not get a refund, but you can request a new delivery later. If the recipient refuses the delivery, the driver will return the item to you, and again, you will not receive a refund for the failed attempt.

Liability and what to do if something goes wrong

Uber's liability for lost or damaged items during Uber Connect delivery is limited. The company does not insure items the way a dedicated courier service might. If your item is damaged or lost, you can report it to Uber through the app and request a refund, but Uber will investigate and may deny the claim if it determines the damage was not the driver's fault or if the item was not properly described or packaged.

To protect yourself, pack your item securely and describe it accurately in the app. Do not send anything irreplaceable or extremely valuable. If something does go wrong, report it to Uber when ready through the app with photos or details of what happened. Keep records of the delivery request, the price you paid, and any communication with the driver or recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Uber Connect in my city?

Uber Connect is available in many major cities across the United States and some international cities, but not everywhere. Open the Uber app and look for Uber Connect in the category menu. If you do not see it, the service is not yet available in your area. You can check Uber's website or contact support to see if it is planned for your city.

What if I need to send something to someone who does not have the Uber app?

You can still send the delivery. When you enter the delivery location, you provide the recipient's phone number and address. The driver will call or text the recipient to confirm they are home and ready to receive the item. The recipient does not need the app to receive a delivery, only a phone number and a physical address.

Can I schedule a delivery for a specific time?

Uber Connect does not offer scheduled deliveries in most cities. You request a delivery and it happens as soon as a driver accepts and completes it. If you need a delivery at a specific time, you can try requesting it during that time window, but there is no may provide a driver will be available.

What happens if the driver damages my item?

Report the damage to Uber through the app when ready, with photos if possible. Uber will investigate and may issue a refund or credit, but the amount is often limited and may not cover the full value of the item. Packing your item securely reduces the risk of damage during transport.

Is Uber Connect cheaper than other delivery services?

Uber Connect is usually cheaper than hiring a dedicated courier but more expensive than mail or parcel services like USPS or UPS. It is faster than mail but slower than some same-day courier options. Choose it when you need something delivered within a few hours in the same city and cost matters more than may provide speed or full insurance coverage.