Uber Japan will launch a new service called "Courier" on November 19th, which allows customers to instantly deliver packages using the ride-hailing app "Uber," in 22 prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka.
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With the introduction of Courier, the Uber app will evolve into a mobility app that makes the movement of people and goods even more convenient. Deliveries will be handled by delivery partners of the delivery service "Uber Eats".
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Courier is a new instant delivery service that leverages Uber Eats' delivery network to deliver packages directly to customers in an average of 30 minutes. Because Uber Eats delivery partners deliver directly to the destination without going through warehouses or distribution centers, it addresses the need for "getting things delivered right now," such as returning forgotten items to family members, sending gifts to friends, or delivering goods from stores to customers.
The pricing is simple and affordable: 890 yen for the first kilometer, and 100 yen for each kilometer thereafter. Furthermore, the Uber app allows for smooth operation, from arranging and paying for deliveries to checking delivery status. In addition, Courier has implemented restrictions on prohibited items and a sender identity verification function to ensure that senders, recipients, and delivery partners can use the service with peace of mind.
After pilot testing began in Hiroshima and Naha in December 2024, and followed by trial operations in Fukuoka, the service will now be launched in major cities nationwide, including Tokyo and Osaka. Going forward, the service will be gradually expanded, primarily in regional cities where immediate delivery services such as motorcycle couriers are not yet widespread, with the goal of nationwide deployment.
The service area includes Hokkaido, Aomori Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture, Kochi Prefecture, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Okinawa Prefecture.
The main use cases include: "returning forgotten items of family members (lunch boxes, ties, etc.)", "birthday presents and thank-you gifts", "sharing food", "sending daily necessities to family and friends", "sending goods and samples by stores and sole proprietors", "sending and returning rental items", and "immediate sending of documents and contracts".
Furthermore, as a restriction on prohibited items for delivery, the delivery of high-value items exceeding 1 yen (including tax), cash, and hazardous materials (flammable substances, pharmaceuticals, etc.) is prohibited to prevent any potential risks.
Delivery is available for distances up to 13km from the pickup location to the delivery destination. Items that can be delivered are up to the standard 120 size for courier services (maximum size: 45cm x 45cm x 30cm, maximum weight: 8kg).
Uber Japan expects the introduction of Courier to not only improve customer convenience but also create further compensation opportunities for delivery partners, and hopes that it will further broaden the range of flexible working styles for its more than 10 active delivery partners nationwide.
