Uber Package Delivery lets you send items across town using the same app as Uber rides
Uber Package Delivery is a service within the Uber app that connects you with drivers to move packages and small items between locations. You request a delivery through the app, a driver accepts, and they pick up and drop off your package. The service operates in select cities and charges by distance and package size rather than by weight.
The service differs from Uber Eats (which delivers restaurant food) and Uber Freight (which handles commercial shipments). Package Delivery is designed for personal items: moving boxes, returning online purchases, sending gifts, or transporting goods between your home and another location. You can send packages same-day in many markets, though timing depends on driver availability and current demand.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Package Delivery charges based on distance and package dimensions, not weight, so a large light box costs the same as a small heavy one of the same size.
- You set the pickup and dropoff locations in the app, and the driver handles loading and unloading unless you arrange otherwise.
- The service is available in select cities only, and you can check availability by opening the Uber app and looking for the Package option.
- Delivery times vary from same-day to next-day depending on driver availability, time of day, and how busy the service is in your area.
How to request a package delivery through the Uber app
Open the Uber app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper left. Select "Packages" from the list of options. If the option does not appear, the service is not available in your location. Enter your pickup address and the dropoff address, then describe the package size by selecting from the app's size categories: small, medium, large, or extra-large.
The app shows you an upfront price before you confirm. Review the estimated delivery time and cost, then tap to request the delivery. A driver will accept the request, and you will see their name, vehicle, and real-time location on the map. You can message the driver through the app if you need to provide special instructions, such as where to leave the package or how to access a building.
Payment is automatic through your Uber account using the payment method you have on file. You receive a receipt in the app after the delivery is complete.
What package sizes and items are allowed
Uber Package Delivery accepts packages in four size categories. Small packages are roughly the size of a shoebox. Medium packages are similar to a small suitcase or large box. Large packages are comparable to a standard moving box or piece of furniture. Extra-large packages are the biggest category and include items like mattresses or large appliances, though availability for extra-large varies by city.
Prohibited items include hazardous materials (flammable liquids, batteries, aerosols), weapons, live animals, and perishable food. You cannot send items that require special handling or climate control. Alcohol and tobacco have restrictions depending on your state and local laws; the app will tell you whether these items can be sent in your area.
The service is not designed for high-value items like jewelry, electronics, or cash. Uber's insurance covers damage during delivery up to a limited amount, but you should not send irreplaceable or extremely valuable goods. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, describe it in the app's special instructions field and the driver can decline before pickup if it does not meet requirements.
Pricing and how delivery costs are calculated
Uber Package Delivery pricing is based on distance between pickup and dropoff locations and the package size category you select. A small package traveling two miles costs less than a large package traveling the same distance. Pricing varies by city and changes based on demand — during busy times, surge pricing may explore, similar to how Uber ride prices work.
The app shows you the full price before you confirm the request, so there are no hidden fees. Some cities offer Uber Pass or other subscription options that include discounts on package deliveries, though this varies by location. Tipping is optional and added after delivery through the app.
You can compare the cost to other delivery services by requesting the delivery and reviewing the quote. If the price is too high, you can cancel before a driver accepts without penalty.
Delivery times and scheduling options
Delivery speed depends on driver availability in your area and the time you request. During peak hours (typically lunch and evening), wait times may be longer. Some deliveries complete within an hour; others take several hours if drivers are busy. The app estimates delivery time when you request, and that estimate updates as the driver moves toward your pickup location.
Uber Package Delivery does not currently offer scheduled deliveries at a specific future time. You request a delivery and it is fulfilled as soon as a driver accepts and completes it. If you need a delivery at a specific time, you may need to use a different service or request it during a time when drivers are likely to be available.
You can track the driver's location in real time through the app once they accept your request. Notifications alert you when the driver is arriving at pickup and when they are en route to dropoff.
Insurance and liability during delivery
Uber provides limited insurance coverage for packages damaged during delivery. The coverage amount varies by city and is typically capped at a low amount — often $100 to $500 depending on your location. This coverage applies only to damage caused by the driver's negligence, not to damage that occurs because the package was packed poorly or because the item itself is fragile.
You are responsible for packing your package securely. Uber does not cover loss or damage if the item was not properly protected inside the box. If your package is damaged, you report it through the app with photos, and Uber reviews the claim. The process can take several days, and approval is not may provide.
For valuable items, consider purchasing additional insurance through a third-party provider before sending, or use a service specifically designed for high-value goods. Do not send cash, jewelry, or electronics through Uber Package Delivery unless you are comfortable with the limited insurance protection.
Cities where Uber Package Delivery is available
Uber Package Delivery operates in select cities across the United States, including major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington DC. Availability is expanding but is not yet nationwide. The service is not available in all neighborhoods within available cities — some areas may have limited driver supply.
To check if the service is available in your location, open the Uber app and look for the Packages option in the menu. If it does not appear, the service is not yet available where you are. Availability can change, so check back periodically if the service is not currently offered in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a package to someone else, or only to myself?
You can send a package to any address you enter in the app. The recipient does not need to be home — the driver will leave the package at the dropoff location you specify, such as a front door, mailbox, or building entrance. You can include delivery instructions in the app to tell the driver where to leave the package.
What happens if the driver cancels after accepting my delivery?
If a driver cancels after accepting, you are not charged. The delivery request returns to the queue and another driver can accept it. You can also cancel and request again if you prefer. Cancellations are uncommon, but they can happen if a driver encounters an unexpected issue.
Can I add a tip before or after delivery?
You can add a tip after the delivery is complete through the app. Tipping before delivery is not an option in most markets. Tips are optional but are a way to reward drivers for good service.
What if my package is lost or never delivered?
Report the issue through the app with details about what happened. Uber will investigate and may refund your delivery fee or attempt to locate the package. Keep photos of your package before pickup if possible, as this helps with claims. Response times vary, and resolution is not may provide.
Is Uber Package Delivery cheaper than other delivery services?
Cost depends on your location, package size, and distance. Compare quotes from Uber Package Delivery, local courier services, and other apps to see which is most affordable for your specific delivery. Prices vary by city and change based on demand.