Cargo Program For Rideshare Drivers Earning Potential And Free Supply Details

Cargo is a New York-based startup that provides rideshare drivers with a vending-style box containing snacks, phone chargers, and other supplies for passengers. The program is designed to offer drivers an additional source of income while enhancing the passenger experience. According to the provided documentation, Cargo partners with brands such as Kellogg’s, Starbucks, Mars Wrigley Confectionery, and the company behind Skittles to distribute products. These partnerships allow Cargo to provide both free samples and items for purchase within the same box.

The core operational model involves Cargo shipping a physical box to drivers at no cost. This box is designed to strap onto the center console of a vehicle. Passengers access the inventory by visiting a mobile website, entering a unique box ID, and selecting items. They can pay via credit card, Apple/Android Pay, or PayPal, or simply take designated free items. Drivers are compensated by Cargo for every item distributed, regardless of whether the passenger pays or receives the item for free. The system is mobile web-based, meaning passengers do not need to download a specific application to make a purchase or request a free sample.

How the Cargo Box Works

Once a driver is approved for the program, Cargo ships a "Cargo box" and the initial inventory to the driver. The box functions similarly to a vending machine but is operated by the driver. The setup process involves a few simple steps outlined in a welcome letter and Quick Start Guide included with the shipment.

The Distribution Process: 1. Passenger Access: Passengers visit https://drivecargo.com on their mobile browser. 2. Box Identification: They enter the driver’s unique Cargo box ID number. 3. Selection: The site displays available items in that specific box. Passengers select what they want. 4. Transaction: Passengers pay for items or select free samples. No signup is required. 5. Driver Notification: Upon completion, Cargo texts the driver exactly which items to hand to the passenger.

This automated notification system ensures drivers do not have to monitor the transaction actively. The box is positioned so that only the driver can access the inventory, preventing theft. Additionally, the rear of the Cargo box includes two extra USB ports to allow passengers to charge their devices, adding a utility feature beyond just snacks and supplies.

Earning Potential for Drivers

Cargo provides a direct income stream for drivers based on the volume of items distributed. The compensation structure is consistent across both paid and free items.

Compensation Rates: * Drivers earn at least $1 per order. * Drivers earn approximately $0.50 per individual free snack distributed. * Drivers can earn up to $1.50 per passenger if they distribute the maximum allowance of three free items.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: * General Estimate: Cargo advertises that drivers can make an extra $150 per month. Initial testing by a third-party reviewer suggested this figure is reasonable, though results vary. * Verified Range: Cargo reports that driver earnings typically range between $120 and $305 per month. * Annual Potential: Since launching in 2017, the platform claims drivers have collectively earned over $1 million. On an annualized basis, the average driver earns approximately $1,200, with the top 10% of drivers earning around $3,600 per year.

These earnings are generated without any cost to the driver regarding inventory. Cargo absorbs the cost of the goods and the shipping of the box. The company monetizes by charging brands for distribution and taking a cut of sales, while passing the earnings directly to the driver.

Eligibility and Requirements

To participate in the Cargo program, drivers must meet specific criteria set by the company. These requirements ensure that the program is utilized by active, high-quality drivers.

Standard Requirements: * Rating: Drivers must maintain a rating of at least 4.7 on their rideshare platform (specifically mentioned in relation to Uber). * Activity Level: Drivers must be "relatively active" on the rideshare platform. While specific mileage or trip thresholds are not defined in the source material, consistent driving is implied as a necessity for eligibility. * Vehicle Compatibility: The driver’s vehicle must have a center console or area where the Cargo box can be securely strapped.

Accessing the Program

There are two primary methods for drivers to acquire a Cargo box:

1. Uber Partnership (Greenlight Hubs): For Uber drivers in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cargo boxes are available for pickup at Uber's driver support locations, known as Greenlight Hubs. This is an exclusive business partnership, allowing for immediate pickup without waiting for shipping.
2. Direct Sign-Up: Drivers who do not use Uber, or are outside the specific Greenlight Hub locations, can sign up directly through Cargo. The company will ship the box and inventory via FedEx.

It is noted that while Cargo has an exclusive partnership with Uber in specific locations, the company continues to allow drivers of other rideshare platforms to sell its goods.

Passenger Experience and Inventory Management

The passenger interaction is designed to be frictionless. Because the transaction is web-based, passengers do not need to worry about app storage or download times during a short ride. The availability of free samples is a significant draw; passengers can take items without spending money, and drivers still get paid for the distribution.

Inventory Replenishment: Cargo automatically tracks inventory levels based on the unique box ID. As items are sold or distributed, the system knows when a driver is running low and automatically ships new stock before the box is empty. Drivers can also manually contact Cargo to request replenishment if they notice supplies are dwindling.

Tips and Bonuses: Passengers have the option to tip drivers through the Cargo interface. Furthermore, the presence of the Cargo box and the availability of free items often lead to increased tips in general. Drivers have reported that offering free snacks improves passenger satisfaction and can lead to higher overall earnings through tips.

Strategic Considerations for Drivers

Based on user testing and reviews, drivers have identified several strategies to maximize earnings and passenger satisfaction:

• Promote Free Items: Informing passengers that free snacks are available increases usage. Since drivers are paid for free items, this generates immediate revenue ($0.50 per snack) while potentially increasing the likelihood of a cash tip.
• Timing: Demand for snacks varies. Commuters may be less likely to purchase or take snacks due to dietary restrictions or fullness. However, late-night passengers, particularly those who have been drinking, are highly receptive to snacks ("drunk munchies").
• Emergency Supplies: Items like iPhone chargers, Advil, and wet napkins serve as high-value emergency supplies. Drivers can proactively mention these items if they overhear a passenger in need, solving a problem and generating a sale or a free distribution.

Conclusion

Cargo offers a structured, no-cost method for rideshare drivers to monetize their passenger interactions through a vending-style box of snacks and supplies. The program requires no financial investment from the driver; Cargo provides the box, inventory, and shipping for free. Drivers earn a minimum of $1 per order and roughly $0.50 per free snack, with potential monthly earnings ranging from $120 to $305. Eligibility requires a driver rating of 4.7 or higher and active driving status. The system is fully automated via a mobile web interface, requiring no app downloads from passengers, and includes automated inventory replenishment and driver notifications.

Sources

1. The Rideshare Guy: Cargo Box Review
2. TechCrunch: Uber partners with Cargo
3. Maximum Ridesharing Profits: Cargo Review
4. Mashable: Cargo Uber Startup