Uber Courier is Uber's same-day delivery service for documents and small packages

Uber Courier lets you send documents, contracts, keys, or small items across your city on the same day you order. A driver picks up from your location, delivers to the recipient, and you track the trip in real time through the Uber app — the same way you would track a ride. The service is available in select cities and costs more than standard Uber Eats delivery but less than traditional courier companies.

You do not need to be an Uber driver or have an Uber account to use Courier as a sender, though you do need the app to place the order. The recipient does not need an account either. Pickup and delivery typically happen within a few hours, depending on how busy drivers are in your area that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Courier is available only in certain cities, so check the app in your area before you need it.
  • You order through the Uber app by entering a pickup address, delivery address, and a description of what you are sending.
  • Drivers can refuse items that are illegal, hazardous, or outside the size and weight limits — typically small enough to fit in a car.
  • You pay upfront when you place the order, and the driver is assigned within minutes if the service is available.
  • The recipient does not need to be home; the driver can leave the package in a safe place you specify, or wait for a signature.

Where Uber Courier is available

Uber Courier operates in major cities across the United States, but not everywhere. As of now, it is available in cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington DC, though the list changes. The best way to check is to open the Uber app, select "Courier" from the menu, and enter your pickup address. If the service is not available in your area, the app will tell you.

Availability can also vary by time of day. Some cities have limited hours — for example, Courier might run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays but not on Sundays. Check the app for your specific location and the day you need the service.

How to place a Courier order

Open the Uber app and tap "Courier" at the bottom of the screen. Enter your pickup address (where the item is now), then your delivery address (where it needs to go). Describe what you are sending — for example, "signed contract, 5 pages" or "house keys in envelope." Do not describe the contents in a way that suggests the item is illegal or dangerous.

Add any special instructions for the driver, such as "leave on porch" or "ring doorbell twice." You can also request a photo confirmation of delivery. Review the estimated cost and time, then pay with a credit or debit card. The driver is usually assigned within a few minutes, and you can watch their location on the map as they head to you.

If you need the item picked up at a specific time rather than as soon as possible, you can schedule a pickup for later in the day. Scheduled pickups are subject to availability and may cost more.

What items you can and cannot send

Couriers will deliver most small, non-hazardous items: documents, contracts, keys, small electronics, gifts, and similar things. The item must fit in a car and weigh less than the limit set by Uber in your city — typically around 50 pounds, though this varies. You cannot send anything illegal, anything that requires a signature from a licensed professional (like a prescription), or anything perishable unless it is in a sealed, insulated container.

Do not send cash, jewelry, or other high-value items unless you understand the risk. Uber does not insure packages, and drivers are not required to sign for or verify the contents. If something goes missing or is damaged, you have limited recourse. For valuable items, a traditional courier company with insurance may be a better choice.

Cost and payment

Uber Courier pricing depends on distance, current demand, and your city. A short delivery across town might cost $10 to $20, while a longer trip could be $30 to $50 or more. Surge pricing applies during busy times, so ordering during off-peak hours is usually cheaper. You see the full cost before you confirm the order, so there are no surprises.

You pay with a credit or debit card linked to your Uber account. Some cities may offer Uber Cash or other payment methods, but card payment is standard. Tips are optional and can be added before or after delivery through the app.

Tracking and delivery confirmation

Once a driver is assigned, you can watch their location on the map in real time. You receive notifications when the driver picks up your item and when they arrive at the delivery address. The recipient can also track the delivery if you share the trip link with them.

You can request a photo of the delivery as proof it arrived. If you want the driver to wait for a signature or hand the item directly to the recipient, note that in the special instructions. Otherwise, the driver may leave the package in a safe place — a porch, mailbox, or lobby — depending on what you agreed to.

What to do if something goes wrong

If the driver does not show up, cancels, or takes much longer than estimated, you can contact Uber support through the app. Open the trip, scroll down, and tap "Help." Describe the problem and Uber will investigate. If the driver never arrived, you can request a refund of your delivery fee.

If the item arrives damaged or goes missing, contact Uber support with details. Because Uber does not insure packages, recovery depends on the circumstances. For high-value or irreplaceable items, consider using a traditional courier service with insurance instead. For routine documents or small items, Courier is usually reliable, but understand that you are accepting some risk by using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send something to someone who is not home?

Yes. You can instruct the driver to leave the package in a specific safe place — a porch, mailbox, or building lobby. You can also request a photo to confirm delivery. If you want a signature or hand-to-hand delivery, note that in the special instructions when you place the order.

What happens if the driver cancels after I place the order?

If a driver cancels, Uber will try to assign another one. If no driver accepts within a reasonable time, you can cancel the order and receive a refund. You will see a message in the app explaining what happened.

Can I schedule a pickup for tomorrow instead of today?

Uber Courier is designed for same-day delivery, so scheduling far in advance is not usually an option. You can schedule a pickup later today if the service is available, but you cannot book for the next day. Check the app to see what scheduling options are available in your city.

Is my package insured if it gets lost or damaged?

No. Uber Courier does not provide insurance on packages. If something is lost or damaged, you can contact Uber support, but recovery is not may provide. For valuable items, use a traditional courier company that offers insurance.

What if the recipient refuses the delivery?

The driver will contact you through the app to let you know. You can then decide whether to have the item returned to you or left in a safe place. Canceling a delivery after the driver has picked it up may result in a fee.