Ridesharing service Uber is launching an on-demand courier service UberRUSH today

Himanshu Arora

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Uber, the popular ride-sharing service that uses a mobile app to connect drivers and riders, is launching an on-demand courier service that'll allow users to order pickup and delivery of packages through a smartphone app. Dubbed UberRUSH, the service will initially be available only south of 110th Street in Manhattan, but the company plans to expand the coverage soon.

UberRUSH requires that its couriers be at least 21 years of age, and should be able to travel by bike, and/or an unlimited Metro card. They must also pass through a background check, followed by an in-person interview and screening at the company's New York office.

The company has posted job ads on Craigslist to hire couriers. Depending upon the distance, couriers will be paid $15 to $30 per hour, and will also be given an iPhone 4S to receive pickup requests from nearby customers. The smartphone app will also let customers track the progress of their packages.

The key difference between UberRUSH and other similar apps (like Postmates, WunWun, and TaskRabbit) is that the new offering only allows for pickup and delivery of packages. This means that its couriers will make no purchases.

The move should not come as a surprise, as the company has already offered special delivery promotions of ice cream, Valentine's Day roses, and Christmas trees in the past.

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A driver working for Uber and delivering parcels is a akin to waiter working at a four-star restaurant serving fast-food cheeseburgers.
 
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