Ride-hailing service Uber has launched a world-first service in South Africa allowing users to call a bakkie through the app to haul large items and cargo weighing up to one tonne.
Known as Courier Bakkie, the service is accessible under the Uber Package section of the app, which has now been rebranded as Uber Courier.
The service will initially only be offered in Johannesburg, with Cape Town and Durban to follow at a later date.
“Introducing Courier Bakkie marks a significant milestone for the company as South Africa is Uber’s first global market to offer Users the ability to request the delivery of heavy items up to one tonne,” said Mnotho Mtshali, Senior Operations Manager for Uber Middle East and Africa.
“Not only does this bring a wider selection of services to users, but it opens up additional earning avenues for drivers.”
The addition of Courier Bakkie to Uber’s local offerings follows the significant uptake in the delivery of smaller packages like documentation or forgotten personal items through Uber Package.
“With the festive season fast approaching, Courier Bakkie will be available for you to request to transport anything from furniture to catering supplies and large appliances, as families prepare for celebrations and gatherings,” said Mtshali.
“The larger utility vehicles will also lend a helping hand to small-to-medium-sized businesses that have frequent delivery needs and limited resources to move assets between branches or heavier items to customers.”
To ensure optimal deliveries of heavy goods, Uber has teamed up with fleet partners like SkyNet Worldwide Express to ensure the valuables reach their destination safely, intact, and on time.
Uber is getting creative
The launch of Uber Bakkie follows another recent introduction that is a rather unique offering in the e-hailing space.
Dubbed Uber Safari, users in Cape Town can now book a game drive through the prestigious Aquila Private Game Reserve in the Western Cape directly through the Uber App.
The service charges a flat fee of R3,550 per trip for a maximum of four people, and it’s available to book up to 90 days in advance.
Pickups take place at 09h30 in the morning and the 180km drive to Aquila takes around three hours.
Upon arrival, you’ll get into a more traditional safari vehicle to be treated to a two-to-three-hour game drive through the reserve. Also included in the fee are a “welcome toast” and lunch.
Following the festivities your Uber Safari driver will take you back to Cape Town, with the expected time of arrival being around 18h00 in the afternoon.
Join the discussion