Uber launches new package return service
Uber is expanding its package delivery operations into the reverse logistics space.
The company, which initially expanded from its core rideshare business into third-party online delivery with the launch of Uber Eats in 2015 and then entered package delivery in 2020 (see more details below), is now offering a new “Return a Package” feature.
Through this feature, consumers can have an Uber courier pick up their prepaid and sealed packages (up to five at a time) and drop them off at a local post office, UPS or FedEx location. Customers can track their package in real-time in the Uber app.
The courier will send a visual confirmation or photo of the receipt when the drop-off is completed. There is a flat $5 fee for package returns, or $3 for members of the Uber One paid membership program.
Return a Package is available starting Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 in the Uber and Uber Eats apps for customers in more than 4,950 cities throughout the U.S., including the following major metro areas: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore-Maryland, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Connecticut, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers-Naples, Hampton Roads, Honolulu, Houston, Inland Empire, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lehigh Valley, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis – St. Paul, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, NYC Suburbs, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, Sacramento, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Tucson, upstate New York and Washington D.C.
“Now, Uber can help you get your return en route — saving you time, effort and most importantly, getting you one step closer to a refund,” the company said in a statement.
Uber expands delivery beyond food and grocery
Uber first extended its delivery program to include package-related services with two contactless offerings initially piloted during the peak COVID-19 pandemic period in April 2020: Uber Direct and Uber Connect.
Uber Direct enables shoppers to place orders from select retailers and have items delivered to their doorstep without contact. In New York City, Uber Direct is piloting over-the-counter medication delivery with specialty medical products retailer Cabinet. Uber Direct delivery pilots are also taking place globally in countries including Portugal, Australia and South Africa.
And the Uber Connect same-day, no-contact delivery feature enables consumers in select cities to log into the Uber app, select the “Uber Connect” option, and send packages to family and friends. This option is available in select locations in Australia, Mexico and the U.S.