What Uber Package Is and Who Can Use It

Uber Package is Uber's service for sending parcels and small packages across town without using the mail. You request a delivery through the Uber app, a driver picks up your package, and delivers it to the recipient's address. The service works in select cities and covers distances that typically range from a few miles to across a metro area, depending on your location.

You do not need to be an Uber passenger to use Uber Package — you only need the Uber app and a valid payment method. The recipient does not need an Uber account either. You can send packages to anyone with a valid address, and they will receive it the same day or within a few hours, depending on current demand and how far the delivery travels.

Uber Package is different from Uber Eats, which delivers food, and from standard Uber rides. It is a separate service designed specifically for moving physical items — documents, gifts, groceries, clothing, or other parcels that fit in a car.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Package is available only in certain cities, so you must check the app to see if the service operates in your area before attempting to send a package.
  • You pay a base delivery fee plus a distance fee, and prices vary by location and time of day; surge pricing can explore during busy periods.
  • Packages must fit inside a standard car and typically cannot exceed weight or size limits set by your local Uber service.
  • The driver picks up your package from one address and delivers it to another, and you can track the delivery in real time through the app.
  • Uber Package does not insure the contents of your package, so you should not send high-value items, cash, or anything you cannot afford to lose.

How to Send a Package Through the Uber App

Open the Uber app and look for the "Packages" or "Send" option — the exact label depends on your city and app version. Tap it to start a new delivery request. You will see a screen asking for the pickup address (where the package is now) and the dropoff address (where it needs to go).

Enter both addresses carefully, as the driver will navigate to these exact locations. If you are sending from your home or office, you can save these as favorites to speed up future requests. Once you enter the addresses, the app shows you an estimated price and delivery time. The price includes a base fee plus a per-mile charge, and both vary by city.

Describe the package briefly — for example, "small box, clothing" or "envelope, documents" — so the driver knows what to expect and can confirm it fits in their vehicle. You can also add special instructions, such as "leave at front door" or "ring the bell twice." Then select your payment method and confirm the request.

The app assigns a driver and shows you their name, photo, and vehicle details. You can watch the driver's location in real time as they head to the pickup address, collect your package, and drive to the recipient. The recipient will receive a notification with the driver's details and can track arrival as well.

What Packages Can and Cannot Be Sent

Uber Package has strict rules about what you can send. The package must fit inside a standard car — typically no larger than a small suitcase or a few grocery bags. Weight limits vary by city but usually max out around 50 pounds. If your package is oversized or unusually heavy, the app may reject the request or the driver may refuse to accept it at pickup.

You cannot send hazardous materials, weapons, alcohol, or anything illegal. You also cannot send perishable food items that require refrigeration, live animals, or anything that could leak or damage the vehicle. Cash and high-value items like jewelry or electronics are technically allowed, but Uber does not insure packages, so sending them is your own risk.

If the driver arrives at pickup and finds the package does not match your description — for example, you said "small box" but it is a large piece of furniture — they can cancel the delivery. You will be charged a cancellation fee. Always be honest about what you are sending and its size.

Pricing and How Surge Pricing Affects Your Cost

Uber Package pricing has two main parts: a base delivery fee and a distance charge. The base fee covers the driver's time and the service itself. The distance charge is per mile and depends on how far the package travels. Both amounts vary by city — a delivery in San Francisco costs more than the same distance in a smaller metro area.

During busy times, Uber applies surge pricing, which multiplies your total cost. If many people are requesting deliveries at the same time, prices can double or triple. You will see the surge multiplier before you confirm the request, so you can decide whether to send now or wait for demand to drop.

Some cities offer Uber Package subscription plans that reduce per-delivery fees if you send multiple packages per month. Check the app to see if your city has this option. Prices are always shown before you confirm, so there are no hidden charges.

Tracking Your Delivery and What Happens at Dropoff

Once the driver accepts your request, you can track them in real time. The app shows the driver's current location, the route to your pickup address, and an updated arrival time. You can also contact the driver through the app's messaging system if you need to give them special instructions or let them know you are running late.

When the driver arrives at the pickup location, they will text or call you to confirm they have the right package. Make sure the package is ready and straightforward to access. If you are not home, you can leave it in an agreed-upon spot, but confirm this with the driver first.

At the delivery address, the driver will attempt to hand the package to the recipient. If no one is home, the driver can leave it in a safe place — a porch, mailbox, or other location you specified in your instructions. The app sends the recipient a photo and notification showing where the package was left. If the recipient is not available and you did not provide dropoff instructions, the driver may return the package to you, and you will be charged a cancellation fee.

Insurance and What Happens If Your Package Is Lost or Damaged

Uber Package does not include insurance on the contents of your package. If the package is lost, stolen, or damaged during delivery, Uber is not responsible for the value of what was inside. This is a major limitation — you should not send anything you cannot afford to lose.

If a package does not arrive or arrives damaged, you can report it through the app. Uber may investigate and may issue a refund of the delivery fee, but they will not reimburse you for the contents. Some credit card companies offer purchase protection or shipping protection that may cover packages sent through third-party services, so check your card's benefits.

For high-value items, consider using a traditional shipping service like UPS, FedEx, or USPS instead. Those services offer insurance options and tracking guarantees that Uber Package does not.

Availability by City and Service Limitations

Uber Package is not available everywhere. The service operates in select major cities, and availability changes over time as Uber expands or contracts the service. To learn about Uber Package works in your area, open the Uber app, tap the menu, and look for a "Packages" or "Send" section. If you do not see it, the service is not available in your city yet.

Even in cities where Uber Package operates, service may be limited during certain hours. Some cities only offer deliveries during business hours or daytime, while others run the service 24/7. The app will show you the available time window when you request a delivery.

Delivery times depend on current demand, traffic, and distance. During peak hours, a delivery across town might take 30 minutes to an hour. During slow periods, it could be faster. The app gives you an estimate before you confirm, but actual time may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the driver cancels after I request a delivery?

If a driver accepts your request and then cancels, you will not be charged. The app will automatically find another driver or offer you a refund. If you cancel after a driver accepts, you may be charged a cancellation fee — usually a small amount, but it varies by city.

Can I send a package to someone in a different city?

Uber Package works within metro areas, so you can usually send across town or to nearby suburbs. Sending to a different city entirely is not supported. The app will reject addresses that are too far away or outside the service area.

What should I do if the recipient is not home when the driver arrives?

Include detailed dropoff instructions in the app — for example, "leave on porch" or "give to doorman." The driver will follow these instructions and send a photo showing where the package was left. If you do not provide instructions and no one answers, the driver may return the package to you, and you will be charged a fee.

Can I change the delivery address after I request a pickup?

Once a driver accepts your request, you cannot change the dropoff address through the app. Contact the driver when ready through the in-app messaging system to ask if they can go to a different address instead. They may agree, but they are not required to. It is best to confirm the correct address before you submit your request.

Is Uber Package cheaper than other delivery services?

Uber Package is often faster than mail services but may cost more than USPS for short distances. For same-day delivery across a metro area, it is usually cheaper than FedEx or UPS. Compare prices by checking the app estimate against what other services charge for the same route before you decide.