How to Make Extra Cash with Uber Connect

Uber Connect is a same-day delivery service offered by Uber. Instead of picking up passengers, you pick up and deliver packages within your city.

Uber Connect uses Uber’s regular Driver app. If you’re already an Uber or Uber Eats driver, you may be able to sign up to offer package deliveries as well.

How does Uber Connect work?

When you drive for Uber Connect, package delivery offers will pop up in your Uber app, just like rides or food delivery offers. When you accept one, you’ll pick up the package, take it to the designated location, and then get paid.

There are types of Uber Connect services: Uber Connect Saver and Uber Connect Express.

Uber Connect Saver

This option is slower, but also cheaper. It’s for deliveries that don’t need to be rushed and for people who are willing to wait a bit longer to save some cash.

Here’s how it works: As the driver, when you accept an Uber Connect Saver delivery request, you can drop off the package any time that day.

Uber Connect Express

This is for urgent deliveries that need to get from point A to point B faster. As you’d expect, it’s also more expensive for customers.

Here’s how it works: When you accept an Uber Connect Express request, you’re on a mission to get that package from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

You’ll earn more money with this option, although it’s obviously more demanding than Uber Connect Saver.

Where is Uber Connect available?

Unfortunately, not every city has access to Uber Connect just yet, although it’s available in most major metropolitan areas in the US.

Uber doesn’t provide a list of the cities where Uber Connect is available. To find out if it’s available in your location, check the Uber app.

On average, you can expect to earn between $5 to $20 per trip on Uber Eats. That’s similar to what you’ll earn by making other trips on Uber (both rides and Uber Eats deliveries).

How is your pay calculated on Uber Connect?

The exact rate you’ll earn per trip will depend on several factors, including:

• The distance you have to travel to make your delivery
• How long Uber estimates the trip will take
• Whether it’s a Saver or Express trip
• Whether any of Uber’s promotions (e.g., Quests) apply
• What city you’re driving in (rates tend to be higher in larger cities)
• Whether you have to pay any tolls on the trip
• Whether or not a return trip is required

Needless to say, your weekly and monthly income will depend on how many days a week you work on your side hustle, as well as how many hours you spend each day and how many trips you complete.

If you provide great service, you may also earn tips from happy customers. You keep 100% of the tips you get, so these can really add up.

Remember that to deliver for Uber Connect, you’ll need to be in a city that offers it. You also need to be invited—as a relatively new service, it isn’t open to everyone yet.

There are two ways to sign up: 1

1. Via email: Keep an eye on your inbox for an email from Uber. If you’re eligible to join Uber Connect, at some point they may send you an invite to join it. Just follow the link and instructions in the email and you’ll be good to go.
2. Via Work Hub in the Driver App: You may already have a prompt to register for Uber Connect in the Work Hub within the Driver app. Just look for the Uber Connect option and follow the steps to sign up.

Note that if you’re not on Uber at all yet, you’ll need to become an Uber driver before you can sign up for Uber Connect.

Delivering packages with Uber Connect is pretty easy. If you’ve ever given an Uber ride, you’ll feel right at home.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Accept the Uber package request in the Driver app: Just like with rider requests, you’ll get a ping for a package delivery request. Tap the accept button and get ready to go.
2. Pick up the package: Head to the pickup location. When you arrive, the requester will meet you and hand it to you. They’ll then be able to follow the delivery through their app and share the trip details with the recipient.
3. Drop it off: Once you’ve got the package, head to the drop-off location. The recipient will be waiting to collect it.

How can you make sure you’ve got the right person?

When you accept the package, you should see the following in the Uber app:

• Recipient’s name
• Drop-off address
• Options to send the sender and recipient messages inside the app or call them

If you’re worried you’re not handing the package to the right person, just contact them or the sender through the app to confirm.

What if the recipient isn’t at the dropoff location?

According to Uber, if the recipient doesn’t show up within 5 minutes of your arrival, you should contact the original requester through the app to try to coordinate the delivery.

If you still can’t complete the delivery, the sender or recipient can choose between two options:

1. They can ask you to leave the package at the recipient’s door. They must request this in writing within the app (for your own protection).
2. They can ask you to return the package to the original sender’s location. The requester will need to update the drop-off address within the app. Your trip fare will be automatically adjusted to reflect the return delivery.

If you can’t get ahold of the sender or recipient after waiting for more than 5 minutes, contact Uber Support for help.

What are Uber Connect’s item requirements?

All items sent via Uber Connect must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Cannot be more than 30 lb in total (15 lb if delivered by scooter or bike)
• Must fit comfortably in the trunk of a mid-sized vehicle (or a backpack if delivered by scooter or bike)
• Must be “closed, securely sealed, and ready for curbside or door pickup”
• Must have a total value of no more than $100

Prohibited items

There are some items that are a no-go for Uber Connect: 2

• Illegal items
• Firearms and other weaponry
• Alcohol
• Highly perishable food or beverages (e.g., raw meat or dairy products)
• Pharmaceutical products (including over-the-counter drugs), vitamins, and supplements
• Recreational drugs, drug paraphernalia, or tobacco products
• Money, gift cards, lottery tickets, or transferable securities
• Dangerous or hazardous items (including explosives, poisonous substances, etc)
• Stolen goods
• Very fragile items
• Live animals

If a customer hands you a package that you suspect might be prohibited, contact Uber Support.

Whether Uber Connect is worth it largely comes down to how well you take to the work. If you enjoy driving around town on your own, it might be a great side hustle, but if you’d rather work from home or interact more with people, it isn’t ideal.

Here are a few other pros and cons to help you decide if this side hustle is right for you:

Pros of Uber Connect

• Flexibility: One of the most enticing aspects of Uber Connect is the flexibility it offers. You get to choose when you want to deliver packages and fit your work around your existing schedule.
• Opportunity to explore: Uber Connect gives you a reason to visit new parts of your city. You’ll become more familiar with different neighborhoods, streets, and shortcuts.
• Reliable cash: Let’s not forget the main reason to drive for Uber Connect—the money. It guarantees a regular income, and you can count on Uber paying you on time.
• Low barrier to entry: Signing up for Uber Connect is relatively straightforward. If you’re already an Uber driver, the process is even smoother, which means you can start earning sooner rather than later.
• Minimal social interaction: This is a good side hustle for introverts. Unlike providing taxi services, you don’t need to chat with strangers when you work this side hustle (although you will need to briefly see them when you pick up and drop off packages). You’re also free to listen to an audiobook or to music as you work, which can really make a difference during those longer delivery shifts.

Cons of Uber Connect

• Unpredictable earnings: While the potential for a decent side income is there, the amount you’ll make is somewhat unpredictable and will vary depending on factors like the number of deliveries that are available and the tips you receive.
• Driving costs: Remember that while you’re earning, you’re also using your own vehicle. This means you’ll need to factor in fuel costs, maintenance, and wear and tear on your car, motorbike, or bicycle.
• Traffic and delays: Depending on your city and the time of day you drive, you might find yourself stuck in traffic or facing unexpected delays. This can impact your delivery times and overall earnings (not to mention your mood).
• Physical demands: Delivering packages involves getting in and out of your vehicle, carrying items, and potentially dealing with inclement weather. It’s important to consider the physical demands of the job, especially if you have any health concerns.
• Limited growth potential: This isn’t a side hustle that you’ll eventually be able to expand and turn into a real career. You’ll always be limited by the number of hours you’re willing and able to work, and there’s no potential for advancement.

If you’re not sure whether Uber Connect is right for you, you can always try it out and see how it goes. This is a low-commitment side hustle. You can do it as often—or as little—as you want, and you can stop any time you like.