Uber has unveiled its latest offering in South Africa: Courier Bakkie, a service that allows users to request pickup trucks for transporting heavy items up to one tonne. This marks a global first for Uber, with Johannesburg leading the rollout, followed by Cape Town and Durban.
In addition, Uber’s existing Uber Package service has been rebranded as Courier to reflect the expanded range of delivery options available through the app.
“South Africans love their bakkies for their practicality and versatility,” said Mnotho Mtshali, Senior Operations Manager for Uber Middle East and Africa. “We’re excited to expand our product offerings, particularly as demand for delivering larger items continues to grow.”
The Courier Bakkie service is designed to cater to the transportation of heavy goods such as furniture, appliances, and catering supplies—just in time for the festive season. Users can access the service through the Uber app by selecting Courier Bakkie under the Rides interface.
The new service isn’t just for individuals—it’s also tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Businesses can now transport larger items like car parts, building materials, or assets between branches, offering a seamless logistics solution.
“We are committed to supporting entrepreneurs who create essential jobs every day,” Mtshali added. “Courier Bakkie is another step in empowering these businesses to focus on growth rather than logistics.”
To ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods, Uber has partnered with SkyNet Worldwide Express, one of South Africa’s leading courier companies. This collaboration is expected to enhance the reliability of the service, giving users peace of mind when transporting valuable items.
With the introduction of Courier Bakkie, Uber aims to transform South Africa’s logistics landscape, providing both consumers and businesses with a practical, efficient, and timely solution for their delivery.