Uber Connect is one of two new projects that the company launched this week in an effort to help Americans deal with wide-ranging stay-at-home orders.
The service allows users in 13 different cities across the United States (Austin, Baltimore-Maryland, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Tampa Bay and Washington D.C.) send no-contact, same-day packages to loved ones across the city.
Clearly ideal for quarantine-related deliveries, folks are encouraged to send toilet paper, board games, groceries and more through the click of a button now available on the ride-sharing app. The system basically works like a regular Uber ride, delivering stuff to destinations, instead of people.
After setting up your package, an Uber driver will come collect it. You'll place the box in the trunk of the car yourself and the driver will ride it to the proper destination. You'll be able to share trip notifications with your recipient.
The second new launch, Uber Direct, works more like a classic delivery setup. "Shoppers can now place orders from select retailers and get their items delivered right to their doorstep—without contact," reads the official announcement of the news. A pilot Uber Direct program called Cabinet was launched in New York City but expansions are in the works.
Of course, Uber Eats is still being used across the country by people ordering food online. In case you missed it, here is a list of the most popular Uber Eats takeout orders across 35 U.S. states.