Uber expands operations into package delivery
Uber extends service offerings in Germany with the introduction of Uber Courier
Berlin - In a move to expand its operations, ride-hailing and food delivery company Uber has announced the launch of its new courier service in Germany. Nine major cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Hannover, will now have access to Uber Courier. The service, which is already available in the UK, is being rolled out immediately [1].
Uber will leverage its existing network of delivery partners for the new courier service. The size and distance of each shipment will determine whether couriers utilize bicycles or cars. Each shipment may weigh up to 20 kilograms, with a total weight not surpassing 60 kilograms, and should fit in the trunk of a mid-sized car [1]. Similar to rides booked through the Uber app, costs for Uber Courier are displayed upfront within the app, based on travel time and distance.
Germany CEO Christoph Weigler highlighted that Uber's new service offers local small businesses a quick way to deliver goods within cities [1].
Since entering the German market 11 years ago, Uber has faced resistance from taxi associations, unions, and some policymakers due to concerns about its business models and working conditions [3]. However, last year, Uber opened its app to all taxi companies in Germany, aiming to expand its presence and forge stronger partnerships with the taxi industry [3]. In cities like Berlin, about 20 percent of all taxis now cooperate with Uber, with over 4,000 taxi drivers across the country doing so nationwide [3].
[1] (dpa)[2] Overall: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uber_Courier[3] Criticism from the Taxi Industry: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uber_(Unternehmen)#Änderung_der_Betriebsweise_von_Uber_im_Berliner_Markt
The new Uber Courier service, now available in nine major cities across Germany, will utilize Uber's existing network of delivery partners and leverage technology for seamless parcel delivery. This expansion into the logistics industry is yet another finance-driven move by Uber, aiming to serve local small businesses with a quick and efficient delivery solution, while also forging stronger partnerships within the taxi industry.
