Uber's Package Delivery Services

Uber operates two separate services for moving packages: Uber Eats for restaurant and retail orders, and Uber Freight for business shipments. If you are a consumer sending a package to someone else, neither service is designed for that purpose. Uber Eats connects you to restaurants and stores that use Uber's drivers to deliver their products to you. Uber Freight is a business-to-business platform where companies book truck capacity for large shipments — it requires a business account and is not available to individual users.

If you want to send a package to a friend or family member, you would use a different service entirely, such as UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service. Those services let you drop off or schedule a pickup from your home, print a label, and track the package to its destination. Uber does not offer this service.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Eats delivers food and retail items from restaurants and stores to your home, but you cannot use it to send a package to someone else.
  • Uber Freight is for businesses shipping large quantities of goods by truck, not for individual package delivery.
  • To send a package yourself, you will need to use UPS, FedEx, USPS, or a similar carrier that offers consumer shipping services.
  • Uber Eats delivery fees, tips, and wait times vary by location and time of day, and some restaurants set their own delivery minimums.

How Uber Eats Delivery Works

When you order food or retail items through the Uber Eats app, you select your items, add them to your cart, and check out. The restaurant or store receives your order, prepares it, and Uber assigns a driver to pick it up and bring it to your address. You can track the driver's location in real time from the moment they leave the restaurant.

Delivery times depend on how busy the restaurant is, how far away it is from you, and current driver availability. During peak hours — lunch and dinner — delivery can take 30 to 60 minutes or longer. Late-night or off-peak orders may arrive faster. You pay a delivery fee set by Uber, which varies by location and distance, plus any service fees the restaurant adds, plus tax. You can also add a tip in the app before or after delivery.

What Restaurants and Stores Use Uber Eats

Thousands of restaurants and retail shops use Uber Eats, but not every business in your area will be on the platform. When you open the Uber Eats app, you see only the restaurants and stores currently available in your location. Some businesses use Uber Eats exclusively, while others use it alongside their own delivery service or other platforms like DoorDash or Grubhub.

Restaurants set their own menu prices on Uber Eats, and these prices are sometimes higher than what you would pay ordering directly from the restaurant. Some restaurants also set a minimum order amount before delivery is available. If a restaurant is not showing up in your app, it either does not use Uber Eats, is temporarily closed, or is outside the delivery zone.

Uber Freight for Business Shipping

Uber Freight is a separate platform where businesses post shipments and trucking companies bid to haul them. If you own a business and need to ship pallets, full truckloads, or large quantities of goods across state lines or long distances, you can create a business account and post a load. Drivers and carriers then bid on the job, and you choose who to hire.

Uber Freight requires a business tax ID and is designed for companies that ship regularly. Individual users cannot create an account. The platform handles payment between shipper and carrier, and you can track your shipment in real time. Rates depend on the weight, distance, pickup and delivery locations, and current market demand for trucking capacity.

Delivery Fees, Tips, and Costs

Uber Eats charges a delivery fee that varies by your location, the distance from the restaurant to your address, and the time of day. During busy periods, fees may be higher. You also pay a service fee — usually a percentage of your order total — and restaurant fees if the restaurant adds them. These fees are shown in the app before you complete your order, so you know the total cost.

Tipping is optional but expected. You can add a tip in the app at checkout or after the driver delivers your order. Many customers tip 15 to 20 percent of the order total, though the amount is entirely up to you. If you do not tip, the driver still delivers your order, but they may prioritize orders with tips during busy times.

Tracking Your Order and Contacting Support

Once a driver accepts your order, you can see their location on a map in the Uber Eats app. The app shows an estimated arrival time that updates as the driver moves. If the driver is delayed or the restaurant is running behind, the estimated time adjusts automatically.

If something goes wrong — the order arrives late, items are missing, or the food is cold — you can contact Uber support through the app. Open the order, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Help." You can report a problem, request a refund for specific items, or start a chat with support. Uber typically resolves issues within 24 to 48 hours. If you are not satisfied with the resolution, you can dispute the charge with your payment method.

When Uber Eats Is Not Available in Your Area

Uber Eats operates in most major U.S. cities and many smaller ones, but coverage is not universal. If you enter your address in the app and see "No restaurants available," it means Uber Eats does not currently deliver to your location. This can happen in rural areas, very small towns, or neighborhoods at the edge of a delivery zone.

You can check the Uber Eats website to see which cities are covered. If your area is not served, you may have other options: some restaurants offer their own delivery, or you might use a competitor like DoorDash, Grubhub, or a local delivery service. You can also call restaurants directly to ask if they deliver or offer pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Uber Eats to send a package to someone who is not ordering food?

No. Uber Eats is designed only for restaurant and retail orders placed through the app. You cannot use it to send arbitrary packages. For that, you need UPS, FedEx, or USPS, which offer consumer shipping services where you can drop off or schedule a pickup.

What happens if my Uber Eats order never arrives?

Contact Uber support through the app when ready. Report the missing order and request a refund. Uber will investigate and typically refund your money within 24 to 48 hours. If the driver marked the order as delivered but you never received it, take a photo of your empty porch or door and send it to support as evidence.

Do I have to tip my Uber Eats driver?

Tipping is optional, not required. However, drivers see the tip amount before accepting your order, so orders with no tip may take longer to be picked up during busy times. Many customers tip 15 to 20 percent, but you decide what feels right for you.

Can I schedule an Uber Eats delivery for a specific time?

Yes. In the Uber Eats app, you can select "Schedule for later" at checkout and choose a date and time. The restaurant and driver will be assigned closer to your scheduled time. Scheduling is useful if you want food delivered at a specific hour, though delivery times are estimates and may vary.

What is the difference between Uber Eats and Uber Freight?

Uber Eats delivers food and retail items to consumers from restaurants and stores. Uber Freight is a business platform where companies book trucking capacity for large shipments. Freight requires a business account and is not for individual use.