What Uber Direct Does
Uber Direct is a same-day delivery service that lets you send packages to someone else using Uber's driver network. You request a delivery through the Uber app, pay a fee, and an Uber driver picks up your package from one location and drops it at another. You do not have to be an Uber driver yourself, and the person receiving the package does not need an Uber account.
The service works in select cities across the United States. Delivery times vary depending on distance and driver availability, but most deliveries happen within a few hours. You can track the driver in real time, just like you would with an Uber ride.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Direct sends packages between two addresses using Uber's driver network, and you pay a per-delivery fee based on distance and demand.
- You request a delivery through the Uber app by entering the pickup and dropoff addresses, package details, and recipient contact information.
- The service is available only in certain cities, and you can check whether it works in your area by opening the Uber app and looking for the Uber Direct option.
- Drivers are independent contractors, and Uber does not insure packages against loss or damage unless you purchase optional protection.
- Delivery times range from under an hour to several hours depending on distance, traffic, and how many drivers are available at that moment.
How to Send a Package Using Uber Direct
Open the Uber app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right. Look for "Uber Direct" or a delivery option. If you do not see it, the service is not available in your area yet.
Tap "Send a Package" and enter the pickup address (where the package is now) and the dropoff address (where it needs to go). The app will show you an estimated fee based on distance and current demand. Enter the recipient's phone number and any delivery instructions—for example, "Leave at front door" or "Ring the doorbell twice."
Describe the package: its size, weight, and contents. Be honest here, because drivers use this information to decide whether they can fit it in their car. Tap "Request Delivery" and pay the fee through your Uber account. A driver will accept the job, pick up your package, and you will see their location on a map as they drive.
What Uber Direct Costs
Uber Direct charges a base delivery fee that changes based on distance, time of day, and how many drivers are available. A short delivery across town might cost $5 to $15. A longer delivery could cost $20 or more. The app shows you the exact fee before you confirm the delivery, so there are no surprises.
Some cities allow you to add optional protection for an extra fee. This covers loss or damage to the package during delivery. Without it, Uber does not insure packages. If a package is damaged or lost, you would need to file a claim with Uber, which may or may not be approved depending on what happened.
Surge pricing applies during busy times. If many people are requesting deliveries at once and few drivers are available, the fee will be higher. You can see the current fee in the app before you commit.
Which Cities Have Uber Direct
Uber Direct is not available everywhere. It launched in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, but coverage continues to expand. The easiest way to check whether it works where you are is to open the Uber app and look for the Uber Direct option in the menu.
If you do not see it, the service may not be in your city yet, or it may be available only in certain neighborhoods. Uber regularly adds new cities, so check back periodically if you are in an area without service.
What You Can and Cannot Send
You can send most everyday items: documents, small electronics, clothing, gifts, food from restaurants, groceries, and household goods. Packages typically need to fit in a car trunk or back seat.
You cannot send alcohol, weapons, illegal items, or anything that requires a signature from a licensed professional. You also cannot send perishable items unless they are in an insulated container with ice packs—and even then, Uber does not may provide they will arrive cold. Do not send anything fragile or valuable without purchasing optional protection, because the driver is not required to handle it with special care.
How Drivers Are Paid and What That Means for You
Uber Direct drivers are independent contractors, not Uber employees. They are paid a portion of the delivery fee you pay, plus tips. They choose which deliveries to accept, so they may decline your job if the fee is too low, the distance is too far, or the package seems difficult to handle.
Because drivers are contractors, they set their own schedules and are not required to meet any specific service standard. If a driver cancels after accepting your delivery, you will be refunded and matched with another driver. If no drivers accept your delivery within a certain time, the job will be cancelled and you will get your money back.
Tracking Your Delivery and What Happens When It Arrives
Once a driver accepts your delivery, you will see their name, photo, and vehicle on a live map. You can watch them pick up your package and drive to the dropoff location. The recipient will receive a notification when the driver is nearby and can track the arrival in real time.
When the driver arrives, they will attempt to deliver the package according to your instructions. If the recipient is not home or refuses the delivery, the driver will contact you. You can then decide whether to have the package returned to the pickup location or left in a safe spot. If the driver cannot complete the delivery, you will be refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a package to someone who does not have an Uber account?
Yes. The recipient does not need an Uber account or the Uber app. They will receive a text message or email with tracking information and delivery instructions. They just need to be at the dropoff address or arrange for someone else to receive the package.
What if the driver damages my package?
Without optional protection, Uber does not cover damage. You can file a claim with Uber through the app, but approval is not may provide. If you are sending something fragile or valuable, purchase the protection add-on before requesting the delivery.
Can I change the dropoff address after I request a delivery?
It depends on whether a driver has already accepted the job. If no driver has accepted yet, you can cancel and start a new delivery with a different address. Once a driver accepts, you cannot change the address through the app. Contact Uber support when ready if you need to redirect the delivery.
How long does a delivery usually take?
Delivery times vary widely based on distance, traffic, and driver availability. A nearby delivery might take 15 to 30 minutes. A longer distance could take an hour or more. The app estimates the time when you request the delivery, but this is not may provide.
What should I do if my package does not arrive?
Open the Uber app, go to your delivery history, and tap the delivery that did not arrive. Select "Report an issue" and describe what happened. Uber will investigate and may refund you or redeliver the package. Keep any communication with the driver as evidence.