Uber Will Pick Up Return Packages for Customers

Uber, the San Francisco-based technology company that revolutionized ride-sharing, is stepping further into a new market: eCommerce logistics. The company announced this week that it will start offering return package shipping through UPS, FedEx, or USPS on its Uber and Uber Eats apps. Through Uber’s “Return a Package” feature, customers can have up to five packages picked up at once through Uber for a flat fee of $5 (or $3 for Uber One members).

Uber Steps Further into eCommerce with Package Pickups

According to an announcement the company made, Uber drivers will collect up to five packages and drop them off at a local Post Office, UPS Stores, or FedEx Offices. While Uber’s package pickup feature specifically concerns parcels that will enter the networks of the three major carriers, it is unclear whether the service will grow to include regional carriers in the future.

Uber’s “Return a Package” feature is an addition to the company’s existing Uber Connect program, which launched in 2020. and offers same-day delivery for customers to send packages to and from local destinations (similar to USPS Connect). Uber’s foray into package pickups follows a similar move from fellow food delivery service DoorDash, which launched its branded “Package Pickup” product in January of 2023. Both services from Uber and DoorDash cost the same: either a $5 flat fee or $3 if customers are an Uber One or DashPass member.

The ride-sharing technology company said the service will be available in nearly 5,000 U.S. cities to start.

Limitations and Things to Keep in Mind

In order to qualify for Uber’s return package pickup service, each package must weigh less than 30 pounds and be under $100 in value. All packages must come with prepaid shipping labels and be sealed. Customers should also note that Uber’s shipping guidelines prohibit the delivery of certain items, such as money and gift cards. Fragile items are also explicitly excluded.

Customers will be able to view real-time tracking statuses of their packages in the Uber app. Once delivery has been completed and the packages are dropped off at the local Post Office, UPS Store, or FedEx Office, customers will be able to view a photo of the receipt in the app.