Uber users in the US can now buy snacks and soft drinks for their ride following a deal between fledgling in-car commerce company Cargoand the mighty Coca-Cola Company.
Cargo is the leading – possibly only – provider of in-car goods and services for “the rideshare economy”. With access to Uber’s API, Cargo’s in-car commerce platform enables passengers to use a smartphone browser to buy from a curated mix of snacks, gum, premium electronics, cosmetics, and personal care items while in transit.
The new partnership with Coca Cola marks Cargo’s launch in Atlanta – home to Coke – and the company’s first expansion into the Southeastern United States. With Cargo, Atlanta-based rideshare drivers will be able to earn additional income by offering Coca-Cola products such as smartwater® along with snacks and essentials like RXBAR, Sour Patch Kids, and phone chargers to passengers.
The Atlanta launch marks the first time Coca-Cola and Cargo have partnered together to promote the beverage giant’s brands in rideshare vehicles at scale. Atlanta passengers will see smartwater offered alongside other products in Cargo’s display box.
Passengers can order their complimentary smartwater in car through Cargo’s digital menuon their smartphone. The ordering process is seamless: Passengers enter their driver’s box code, select their desired product, and hit the check-out button. Once the vehicle comes to a safe stop, the driver will give the passenger their products.
“We’re very excited to enter this new distribution channel in rideshare with Cargo. Cargo offers an innovative solution to helping Coca-Cola deliver refreshment to consumers in their moment of need in a space that was previously hard to reach at scale. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact we have on rideshare passengers when they find our product within arm’s reach when using Uber and Lyft,” says John Carroll, VP/GM eCommerce for Coca-Cola.
After successful introductions in New York, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, Washington, DC and Baltimore, the Atlanta launch is the next step in Cargo’s nationwide expansion plan for 2018. Cargo’s debut will allow local drivers to earn up to $500 more per month in commissions, referrals, and performance bonuses.
Products available through Cargo include buzzworthy items such as hangover cures, trendy Korean face masks and all-natural protein bars, delighting passengers during an otherwise idle ride. For brands, Cargo is the only scalable, data-driven in-car solution for reaching Millennial and Generation Z audiences, who avidly use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
“Passengers are at the heart of our merchandising strategy, and our goal is to provide a premium mix of products that are unique and engaging for everyone, whether they are heading to the airport, the office or out for the night. We’re excited to continue building strong partnerships with brands across the beauty, snacking, beverage, and electronics categories to bring the in-car experience to the next level,” adds Sabina Rahaman, Head of Brand Partnerships & Merchandising for Cargo.
Cargo recently raised $5.5 million in venture funding to scale operations more rapidly across the U.S. The startup will reach more than 25 million passengers across 20,000 vehicles in 2018.
“Our company mission is to help drivers earn more by providing the best ride experience possible – for drivers and passengers. For drivers, it’s an easy decision: Cargo costs nothing, we pre-pack each Cargo kit, ship replenishments to your home, deposit money directly into your bank account, and improve your ratings. For passengers, you never have to worry about your phone dying, riding hungover, or suffering through that snack-less midnight ride from the airport. Everything you need is a tap away on your phone,” says Cargo CEO and Founder Jeffrey Cripe.
Check out how cargo works here
