Uber South Africa is setting new benchmarks in innovation by launching Courier Bakkie, the newest addition to its app-based transportation services.
This product will allow users to request deliveries of heavy items weighing up to 1 tonne, and is the first of its kind for e-hailing platforms in the country, making South Africa the first global market for this unique service.
“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.
Johannesburg will lead the rollout, with Cape Town and Durban following soon, according to Uber.
This product addition not only offers a wider selection of services to users but it also expands income opportunities for drivers, signalling a win-win for all stakeholders.
This offering will also see the ‘Uber Package’ product on the app taking on a rebrand as ‘Courier,’ to better align with the growing range of transportation services made available to users by independent contractors through Uber.
The introduction of Courier Bakkie coincides perfectly with the fast approaching festive season, meaning users can request to transport anything from furniture to catering supplies and large appliances, as they prepare for celebrations and gatherings.
Courier Bakkie is also designed to support small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs by simplifying their logistics needs.
Businesses can now transport their products or other heavy items between branches or to customers without investing in their own delivery fleet.
“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” added Mtshali.