Uber has launched a Courier Bakkie product in South Africa, a world first according to the company. Johannesburg users now have the ability to request the delivery of heavy items up to one tonne, with Cape Town and Durban to follow soon.

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. 

This offering will also see the “Uber Package” product rebranding as “Courier” to better align with the growing range of transportation services made available to users by independent contractors via the Uber app. Not only does this bring a wider selection of services to Users, but it opens up additional earning avenues for drivers, the company says.

Uber notes Courier Bakkie will be available for request to transport anything from furniture to catering supplies and large appliances. 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.

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

“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.

“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,” concluded Mtshali.