New York-based company Cargo has launched in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore with the hopes of satisfying riders’ cravings.
Cargo is a box filled with snacks and other useful goods that rideshare drivers attach to the middle console of their car. Cargo has raised $5.5 million in venture funding to rapidly scale operations across the U.S. and recently launched in Boston after successful launches in New York, Chicago and Minneapolis. The startup plans to reach more than 25 million passengers across 20,000 vehicles in 2018.
If riders want a quick snack, forgot their charger on the way to the airport, or need to get rid of a headache, they can purchase products within a few steps on their phones.
To purchase a product, riders do not need an app or an account. When entering a rideshare vehicle that’s equipped with Cargo, riders can go to the company web address and submit the box’s ID number. From there, riders can select their snacks and pay. Products available include items like hangover cures, trendy Korean face masks and all-natural protein bars and other snacks that you would find in your local convenience store.
Drivers earn a commission for free and retail purchases. Cargo accepts Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo and credit card.
Satisfying cravings isn’t Cargo’s only goal. Using the Cargo box is a way for drivers to earn extra money on their rides. Rideshare drivers with Cargo earn a combined average of more than $150 a month. This includes sales commissions, earned weekly and monthly bonuses, referral bonuses and in-app tips. Some of the most active drivers make more than $500 in earnings.
“Rideshare drivers are struggling to make ends meet off of their earnings,” said Kenny Liao, head of driver supply growth and operations. “We wanted to change that, while also giving something that riders can enjoy.”
Cargo is also taking some stress off of drivers’ pockets by providing them with free monthly supplies of products. Drivers simply order the products online, and the company ships a box of replenishments to their doors.
Cargo plans to launch in some of Uber’s most successful markets throughout 2018, including Austin, Seattle, Dallas and Los Angeles.
