In January I wrote about the first steps of Uber in the Logistics arena with its launch of UberCARGO in Hong Kong. According to a recent article on re/code Uber will launch a new service this fall, for which the name is not known yet. Uber is moving into e-Commerce Deliveries, and it is doing so in New York City to start with. It’s joining forces with retailers and e-tailers and it will provide an express delivery option on these websites / apps.
According to sources re/code talked to Uber is not only partnering with retailers, but also with software companies. Bigcommerce and Shopify are rumoured to be among them. These companies have developed software that allows small brick and mortar stores to start online shops. By partnering with these companies Uber is tapping into a large potential market for their delivery service.
Uber has launched logistics services before. UberCARGO in Hong Kong, for moving a couch or other large object that won’t fit your car, UberRUSH in New York City, for getting smaller items like documents, or dry cleaning delivered by messenger, and UberEATS, for delivery of a meal in under 10 minutes. There are some articles I found on UberFRESH as well, a service for delivering lunch, but I can’t seem to find an actual UberFRESH site. Read about UberFRESH here.
Uber has a huge amount of drivers working for them, which they can try and leverage for a variety of vehicle-related services. None of these are as big as the main Uber taxi service, but Uber is growing in these markets as well. Will we see a real Uberization of Logistics? Idon’t know, but seem well on their way…
Read more about Uberized, or Crowdsourced Logistics here:
- How Uber-Like Logistics Optimizes The Transportation Marketplace
- Walmart’s Crowdsourced Deliveries: Interesting Concept Or April Fools Joke?
- People + Packages. Crowdsourced Logistics And Cab Service In One
- Crowdsourced Logistics: Social And Sustainable Shipping. And Waffles.