Is Uber Package Delivery Worth It?

If you’ve tried any delivery service gig and enjoy making money with your vehicle, Uber Connect might be a good choice for you. It’s a great side hustle to make extra money delivering packages on your own schedule.

In this guide, we will explore how much Uber Connect drivers make, how to become one, and everything you need to know about Uber Connect. 

What Is Uber Connect?

Uber Connect is Uber’s same-day package delivery service. It is not yet open for registration. You must be invited to join after becoming an Uber or Uber Eats Driver. Uber Connect is only available in some markets, but is rapidly expanding to more cities.

Uber started Uber Connect in 2021 to expand its same-day delivery service. It is now available in more than 6,000 cities in the United States.

How Does Uber Connect Work?

Uber Connect is similar to making deliveries with Uber Eats. Instead of going to a restaurant and picking up an order to deliver, you pick up the package, take it to a destination, and get paid for it. Some drivers may say it is even simpler to make money this way!

There are two types of Uber Connect deliveries: Uber Connect Saver and Uber Connect Express.

Uber Connect Saver: This option is slower and more economical. It’s for deliveries that don’t need to be made in a rush and can wait until the end of the day. 

Uber Connect Express: This is for urgent deliveries that must be delivered by a certain time. It is also more expensive for customers. 

It is important to decide what types of trips you want to accept. Uber Connect Express pays you more for a rushed delivery, and Uber Connect Saver pays you less, but the pace of delivery may be more sustainable for your schedule.

How To Accept Uber Connect Deliveries

Uber Connect orders are accepted using the Uber Driver app. 

1. Accept the delivery. When an Uber Connect delivery is available, a notification will pop up in your Uber driver app. This will be similar to a delivery notification from Uber Eats. 
2. Picking up the item. When you arrive at the pickup location, you will either meet the requester in your vehicle or pick up the package at the door. The requester may share trip details and delivery instructions. 
3. Arrive at the delivery location. You will meet the recipient, hand over the package, and get paid for it. 

If the recipient is not found at the pickup location, the package might need to be returned to its original location. Uber will compensate the driver if this happens. 

If a recipient asks you to deliver the package at the door without meeting up, they must do so in writing as part of the delivery instructions within the app for your protection.

Maintaining constant communication with the customer is important to ensure delivery efficiency and avoid wasting time.

How Much Can You Make as an Uber Connect Driver?

Uber Connect has a payout structure similar to Uber Eats and Uber. You will get paid according to many factors, including distance, time, base pay, promotions, and tips.

On average, drivers make about $10-$25 per hour on Uber Eats, and earnings will be similar with Uber Connect. One of the biggest factors to keep in mind is the demand in your city. Uber Connect is rapidly expanding to more cities, but demand may still be slow in some areas.

Uber Connect takes several factors into account when calculating pay:

• Base fare: Calculated on estimated delivery time and distance.
• Promotions: Quest promotions may be provided from time to time.
• Cancellations: Users will pay a cancellation fee in some circumstances.
• Tips: Drivers keep 100% of their tips.
• Tolls: Tolls between pick-up and drop-off locations will be reimbursed.

💡If you want to learn more about how much Uber Eats pays, check out our comprehensive guide.

Requirements for Uber Connect

You can’t sign up directly for Uber Connect. You’ll first have to become an Uber or Uber Eats driver to start delivering items.

Here are the requirements to drive for Uber and Uber Eats:

• Meet the minimum age required to drive in your city

• Driver’s license
• 1 year of driving experience (if under 25 years of age)
• Use an eligible 4-door vehicle (2-door if you’re delivering for Uber Eats)
• Vehicle insurance
• Delivery driver photo

💡 If you want to learn more about how to become an Uber Eats driver, check out our comprehensive guide.

Item Requirements for Uber Connect

Luckily, you don’t need a giant van or tons of extra space to deliver with Uber Connect. 

These are some of the guidelines for items that can be delivered: 

• Have a maximum weight of 30 lbs
• Have a value of less than $100
• Fit comfortably in a mid-sized car
• Items are closed, sealed, and ready for delivery
• Can’t contain any illegal items

💡 If you want to learn more about what items are permitted, check out Uber Connect’s delivery item list.

How Do I Sign Up for Uber Connect?

To start delivering packages, you must check for the “Introducing Uber Connect” notification message in your Uber inbox. Once you get the invitation, you can accept the terms and conditions to activate Uber Connect. 

Uber only offers this opportunity in certain cities. It will notify you if it becomes available in your area. 

Is Uber Connect Worth It?

Uber Connect is worth it if you use it as a way to maximize your downtime while delivering for Uber Eats or driving for Uber. 

The demand for Uber Connect varies greatly from city to city. Your area might not have enough demand to sustain a part-time or full-time income. 

Alternatives to Uber Connect

DoorDash: DoorDash drivers focus on delivering food, groceries, and other convenience items. It is the largest food delivery service in the United States and is available in more than 7,000 cities.

Instacart: If you want to deliver groceries instead of restaurant food, Instacart can be a good option. As an Instacart Shopper, you earn money by delivering groceries and convenience items to customers. 

Uber Eats: This is Uber’s food delivery service. It is the second largest service after DoorDash. Drivers use it to deliver food from a wide variety of restaurants and businesses. 

Amazon Flex: This is Amazon’s package delivery service. Drivers make $18-$25 an hour and must schedule blocks of time in advance. 

Final Words

Uber is always looking for ways to help drivers make more money. Uber Connect is one of Uber’s delivery services that helps drivers deliver packages to specific locations.

Another alternative that involves making money with your car is DoorDash. Available in over 7,000 cities in the U.S., DoorDash is a great way to supplement your income while delivering for Uber Connect.

Uber Connect is worth it only if the demand is high in your city, and the only way to deliver packages is to have already signed up for Uber Eats or Uber. If you enjoy delivering packages with your vehicle instead of picking up riders or delivering food, Uber Connect may be a great option for you.