The products and services mentioned in this article may not be available in your region. Please reach out to customer support or your account manager if you have questions.
Deliver more with hybrid delivery: combining in-house drivers and Uber Direct
About the author: Cartwheel
Cartwheel is an enterprise-focused delivery management platform that helps enhance in-house delivery operations for restaurants and beyond. Cartwheel's turnkey technology solutions include an easy-to-use driver app, sophisticated dispatch tools for managers, and user-friendly customer interaction features, all designed to help brands boost repeat orders.
Imagine that it’s a Friday night and the weather’s taking a nosedive. As the rain pours, your restaurant is getting slammed with delivery orders from people craving comfort food. Your in-house drivers are doing their best, but suddenly it’s obvious that they can’t keep up with the surge of orders. They’re piling up, and the clock’s ticking. Some operators, in desperation, might turn off online ordering, losing valuable revenue, or call customers to notify them of delays, risking their reputation.
In the past, this would have been a nightmare scenario. But today there’s a no-sweat solution: hybrid delivery. In this article, you’ll learn what hybrid delivery is, how it works, and ways it can help you enhance and expand deliveries from your own channels.
What is hybrid delivery?
Hybrid delivery is a model that blends in-house drivers with third-party drivers through a delivery tech integration. This flexible system allows businesses to assign deliveries based on various factors, such as order value, distance, and driver availability.
How it works
Using a platform like Cartwheel, your business can manage delivery logistics holistically. Cartwheel’s delivery management software assigns orders to your in-house drivers when possible, ensuring that they take care of high-priority, nearby orders. When demand spikes or in-house drivers are unavailable, an integration with a delivery tech solution like Uber Direct can step in, connecting your business to an independent network of third-party drivers that can help handle the overflow. This integration helps make sure every order is completed, no matter the circumstances.
Cartwheel’s platform comes equipped with a set of powerful tools to streamline your delivery operations. Some of these include:
- Driver management tools: Track driver performance, manage schedules, and monitor availability in real time.
- Real-time tracking: Provide full transparency for you and your customers. This includes text notifications for customers to keep them informed about order progress.
- Route management features: Speed up deliveries and enhance operational efficiency.
- Manager dashboard: Gain total visibility into your operations with a dashboard that’s accessible on web, iPad, and Android tablets.
Uber Direct fits into this ecosystem seamlessly, combining Cartwheel’s robust feature set with Uber’s expansive courier network.
Benefits of hybrid delivery
Cost efficiency
Hybrid delivery helps you balance costs by maximizing the use of your in-house drivers while using third-party drivers only when needed. This reduces the reliance on full-time drivers during slower periods without sacrificing service during peak hours.
Operational flexibility
With a hybrid delivery model, you’re prepared for anything—like bad weather, unexpected surges in demand, or a driver calling in sick. The flexibility of combining in-house and third-party drivers helps to provide uninterrupted service.
Enhanced customer experience
By using a hybrid approach, you can meet customer expectations and prevent gaps in delivery performance that might leave people feeling disappointed. Your in-house fleet can focus on high-value orders, while Uber Direct can support remaining deliveries. With this type of coverage, you’re better equipped to keep delivery available during your operating hours. Additionally, real-time tracking capabilities—when using your in-house drivers and connecting with drivers in Uber’s network—enhance transparency, leading to greater customer satisfaction.
Uber Direct as a key backup in hybrid delivery
Uber Direct is a powerful on-demand delivery solution for your owned sales channels (like your website, app, or social media channels). It connects your restaurant to a network of couriers whenever your in-house drivers are overwhelmed. This seamless backup ensures that your deliveries can continue without disruption, even during your busiest times.
Through its integration with Cartwheel, Uber Direct automatically steps in when your in-house drivers are unavailable or stretched thin. The system works in real time, dispatching couriers to handle deliveries so you never miss an order.
Uber Direct offers a proven track record of scalability and reliability. Your restaurant can maintain its service levels without overextending its resources, keeping customers happy while ensuring operational efficiency. Best of all, there are no recurring software fees or commissions on orders—just a flat fee per delivery, determined by factors like product, market, and distance.
Case study: MrJims.Pizza’s success with hybrid delivery
MrJims.Pizza, a prominent US chain with over 50 locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas, and Wyoming, transformed its delivery service by implementing a hybrid model using Cartwheel and Uber Direct. During peak hours, the restaurants’ in-house drivers focus on high-value local deliveries while Uber Direct handles overflow orders. By seamlessly integrating Uber Direct couriers, the chain expanded its delivery reach without compromising service quality.
“Using Cartwheel and Uber Direct has significantly reduced our delivery times, increased customer satisfaction, and boosted sales. The Cartwheel and Uber Direct integration is seamless—our drivers handle local orders, while Uber Direct takes care of overflow. With real-time tracking for both, we have complete visibility, which has elevated our service across the board.”
Bryce Hamm, Mr.Jim’s franchisee
How to get started with Uber Direct and Cartwheel
Ready to revolutionize your delivery service? For restaurants already using Cartwheel, learn how to activate Uber Direct through your platform.
If your restaurant isn’t using Cartwheel and is interested in building a hybrid delivery model through the platform, visit Cartwheel’s website to book a consultation today.
And if you’re curious about the process of connecting with Uber’s courier network through your existing tech stack, you can explore a full list of Uber Direct integration partners here.
Services
Services
Technology
Manage orders
Simplify operations
Grow your sales
Reach customers
Who we serve
Who we serve
Pricing
Resources
Customer Hub
Learn
Contact us