Uber Technologies has introduced a new service in South Africa called “Courier Bakkie,“ aimed at providing on-demand delivery of heavier items, with a weight capacity of up to one tonne.
This service is launching first in Johannesburg, with Cape Town and Durban set to follow soon.
The Courier Bakkie will appear as an option in the Uber app under the “rides” interface, allowing users to select it for transporting large or bulky goods. The service is expected to benefit small- to medium-sized businesses that require frequent deliveries but lack the resources to manage such transportation.
In addition to catering to businesses, Uber has partnered with fleet companies, including SkyNet Worldwide Express, to provide these delivery vehicles on demand.
Alongside the launch of Courier Bakkie, Uber is rebranding its previous “Uber Package” service to “Courier,” reflecting its broader range of delivery services provided by independent contractors through the platform. The new offering not only expands Uber’s service options but also provides additional earning opportunities for drivers.