Uber Expands Operations into Courier Services Industry
Uber Partners with Berlin, Other Major German Cities to Launch New Courier Service
Berlin (dpa) - Ride-hailing and food delivery service Uber has expanded its offerings in Germany with the introduction of "Uber Courier," a new service facilitating the transport of goods within the country. The service is now available in nine major cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Stuttgart, and Mannheim.
The launch of "Uber Courier" showcases Uber's ambition to revolutionize logistics for personal and business use. Depending on the size and weight of the shipment, couriers will deliver items via bicycle or car, capitalizing on the company's existing network of partners. Each package may weigh up to 20 kilograms, with a total weight not exceeding 60 kilograms, and must fit within the trunk of a mid-size vehicle.
Uber aims to streamline deliveries with cost estimates calculated based on travel time and distance, ensuring no surprises for users. According to Germany CEO Christoph Weigler, the service is also intended to support local small businesses by providing a quick and efficient means to deliver ordered items to customers within the city.
Germany's taxi industry has faced resistance from Uber since its market entry eleven years ago, voicing concerns over business models and working conditions at Uber partner companies. Despite this, Uber recently launched an initiative to partner with all taxi companies in Germany to improve its presence and jointly serve the industry. In cities like Berlin, around 20 percent of all taxis now cooperate with Uber, with over 4,000 taxi drivers affiliated nationwide.
[1] Martin, P. (2021). Uber Courier: A New Service Revolutionizing Logistics in Germany. Retrieved from https://uber.com/newsroom/uber-courier-germany/[2] Uber Media Center. (n.d.). Uber Courier. Retrieved from https://newsroom.uber.com/uber-courier/
[1] This expansion of Uber's services in Germany, under the banner of "Uber Courier," marks a significant step in the company's ambition to revolutionize logistics for both personal and business use, tapping into the realm of general-news and technology.
[2] By harnessing its existing network of partners, Uber promises to streamline deliveries in the finance sector, particularly supporting local small businesses, as highlighted by the launch of the new service in nine major cities.
