Uber Launches World-First Courier Bakkie to Support Users and Business Owners in SA

South Africa’s thriving   technology company, Uber, is excited to launch its Courier Bakkie product offering to drivers and users of the Uber App (“Users”). This offering will also see the ‘Uber Package’ product taking on a rebrand as ‘Courier,’ to better align with the growing range of transportation services made available to Users by independent contractors, via  the Uber App.

Introducing Courier Bakkie marks a significant milestone for the company as South Africa is Uber’s first global market to offer Users the ability to request the delivery of heavy items up to one tonne. Johannesburg residents will be the first to be able to request Courier Bakkies, with Cape Town and Durban to follow soon. Not only does this bring a wider selection of services to Users, but it opens up additional earning avenues for drivers .

When Users open the Uber App and set a destination, they will now see the Courier Bakkie product under the Rides interface of the Uber App. 

“South Africans love their bakkies because they are practical, versatile and make it easy to haul larger items. We are glad to grow our product offering, which has already seen significant uptake on the delivery of smaller packages like documentation or forgotten personal items,” says Mnotho Mtshali, Senior Operations Manager for Uber Middle East and Africa.

With the festive season fast approaching, Courier Bakkie will be available for you to request to transport anything from furniture to catering supplies and large appliances, as families prepare for celebrations and gatherings. “This is perfectly timed for those who need to get things done quickly while balancing all that life throws at us during this time of year,” adds Mtshali.

The larger utility vehicles will also lend a helping hand to small-to-medium-sized businesses that have frequent delivery needs and limited resources to move assets between branches or heavier items to customers. From car parts to building materials and more, this offering will empower more South African entrepreneurs to spend less time completing deliveries and focus on growing their businesses.

“We care deeply about supporting small businesses and Courier Bakkie is another way we are showing up for entrepreneurs who are creating essential jobs on a daily basis” stresses Mtshali.

To ensure optimal deliveries of heavy goods, Uber has partnered with fleet partners like SkyNet Worldwide Express, one of South Africa’s largest courier companies who bring decades of logistics expertise to the Courier Bakkie service, ensuring your heavy goods are delivered safely, intact, and on time. 

Main Image: Uber