Uber for delivery costs less than express couriers

In Belgium, Bringr is a peer-to-peer delivery app that lets users book a messenger, and follow their journey to the recipient.

We recently saw a peer-to-peer delivery network, where consumers wanting niche goods not available in their corner of the world can request for items from frequent flyers. Now, Bringr is a mobile delivery platform connecting people with items to send and others willing to deliver them.

Bpost, Belgium’s national postal service already offers dynamic delivery options such as parcel lockers and sustainable urban distribution, but with customer requirements becoming increasingly specific, they turn to the sharing economy for a solution. First, users register on the app and enter details of what they want to send, the time, and the address. (They can also register as a driver, bike messenger, or a transporter on foot.) The app then pings nearby messengers, and, much like Uber, whoever’s available will come and pick up the parcel. Senders can follow the delivery through GPS, and be notified when the parcel has been received. They can then rate the transporter. The service costs more than the standard parcel service, but less than an express courier, and prices depend on the distance, weight, size and type of goods being delivered.

Right now, pick up addresses must be inside the Antwerp region, but delivery addresses can be anywhere in Belgium. If the pilot proves successful, Bpost plans to roll out the service to additional cities. What other cities could this scheme work well in?