Uber testing on-demand delivery service in New York City

When it comes to making cross-town deliveries, speed is everything. Whether you are trying to get across New York City or Cleveland, if you are a business sending something locally, the ability to call up a delivery service that can immediately pick up and drop off a package is preferred to waiting a day or more to go through the USPS, FedEx or UPS.

For organizations that can handle this kind of delivery successfully, there is a ripe business landscape. In New York, the on-demand car service Uber is attempting to cash in as the company is launching a package-delivery service called RUSH. Business Insider believes this will be a pilot program that could expand to other cities that Uber is currently in.

According to a company blog post, users of the app will notice the ability to request a RUSH messenger when they open the app. When selected, a nearby bike or on-foot messenger will be dispatched to the desired location to collect the items. Both sender and recipient can then track the package while it is in route.

Pricing will be handled in a flat fee/zone system.

"Rates are calculated based on zone pricing," the blog post reads. "If a delivery begins and ends within the same zone, it's a flat $15. Each zone crossed during delivery is an additional $5. Additional stops may result in a higher fare."

Just by venturing into this arena shows that there is a deep marketplace when it comes to package delivery. By partnering with a local delivery service, any business can ensure the timeliness and safety of its package deliveries.