Cargo Adds Cash-Free “Minibars” to Rideshare Vehicles

Cargo ridesharing merchandiseJust a couple of weeks ago, I shared how Uber was finally adding a tipping feature that would surely enable drivers to earn more. Well, this week brought news of a separate company that’s also looking to increase your side hustle earning potential in a really clever way. As Mashable reports, the startup Cargo (not to be confused with UberCARGO) allows rideshare drivers to sell candy, sundries, and even USB chargers to passengers right from their car.

If you’re already familiar with Cargo, you must live in one of the few states that the startup — which was founded in 2016 — tested in. Now the company is rolling out nationwide to bring their minibar-for-your-Uber service to the masses.

While many of the items are for sale, Cargo makes some items available to riders for free. This is thanks to partnerships the company has with various brands, both large and small. As a result, drivers have a way to treat their riders, passengers get free goods, manufacturers get some unique exposure, and everyone’s happy! 

So how does this all work? First, driver’s apply on Cargo’s site. However, Mashable notes that the company is currently giving priority to those who sign up with their Uber profiles. Of course, if you drive for Lyft or other services in addition to Uber, you’re welcome to offer the Cargo service to all of your passengers.

Once approved, drivers will have their Cargo unit (which is typically placed atop your car’s center console) and an initial supply of goods shipped directly to them. Since Uber and Lyft are both cashless experiences, Cargo follows suit by allowing passengers to pay for their purchases via a mobile website and code number to identity the vehicle they’re in. Drivers then get a text informing them of each completed purchase. Additionally, Cargo keeps track of drivers’ inventories and automatically ships them what they’ll need to replenish.

It should be noted that Cargo is free to drivers. As Cargo’s CEO Jeff Cripe explains, “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.” Better yet, drivers do earn commissions on items sold in their vehicles. Currently the company says the average driver nets about $100 a month, with some top earners bringing in $300 a month (obviously results will vary based on a vast number of factors).

Overall, Cargo really does sound like a win for everyone involved. Not only does it provide a service to both drivers and passengers but also does so in a nonintrusive and arguably elegant way. So, if you’re a rideshare driver looking to improve your passengers’ experience and perhaps make a little extra, trying out this service for your Car may be the way to Go 😉

Author
Founder ~ Moneyat30
Kyle is a freelance writer - including being the head writer for Fioney.com. He also serves as editorial director for the Disney fan site LaughingPlace.com and the founder of Money@30.com. In 2015, Kyle and his wife Bekah moved from Los Angeles to Springfield MO in pursuit of greater financial freedom. Together, the pair enjoy travel, coffee, and spending time with their dog Rigby. Additionally, as of 2023, they become first-time homeowners.
Other Articles by Kyle Burbank
person standing in front of exploding fireworks
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Venetian rewards gems
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds 4th of July sale logo
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...

Leave a Reply

Featured Articles
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...
An Amex Platinum Card Revamp is Coming — And I'm Worried
Earlier this week, Chase confirmed pretty much every rumor that had been swirling for the past couple of months by announcing details on a major refresh for its uber popular Sapphire Reserve card. When this refresh launches next week (or in October for current cardholders), it will bring new credits, a reimagined rewards-earning system, and...