Big changes are coming to Postmates, especially for drivers.
In early May, Postmates drivers began to see an announcement in the Postmates Fleet app: “We’re joining Uber Eats. That means delivery requests on the Fleet app are going away in just a few weeks Set up your Uber account now.”
Now, as of June 7th, the Fleet app now shows this message in many markets: “Postmates delivery request in your area have moved to Uber.”
This messaged appeared on June 7th 2021 in many cities
The Postmates Fleet app stopped receiving delivery requests on 6/7/21.
What does this mean for Postmates drivers? You will no longer get delivery requests in the Postmates Fleet app. If you want to continue delivering, you’ll eventually have to sign up with Uber Eats.
For Postmates drivers making the switch, you’ll have to undergo the onboarding process with Uber Eats. Read on to see what to expect, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Steps to Transition from Postmates to Uber Eats
If you want to make the switch from Postmates to Uber Eats, here’s an overview of the process:
- Apply through the prompt in the Postmates Fleet app
- If there is no prompt, go directly to the Uber driver app to apply
- Provide documents: Driver’s license and auto insurance
- Consent to a background check
Sounds easy, right? Some Postmates drivers report that they were quickly accepted by Uber. But for others, there may be complications and delays.
You’ll see a prompt to link Postmates with Uber Eats
What to do if you haven’t seen any prompt from Postmates
Uber has stated in support messages that linking Uber Eats and Postmates accounts is only available to a limited number of delivery people. Keep a close eye on your Postmates app and emails for further instructions.
If delivery requests are no longer available on the Postmates Fleet app and you weren’t able to link your account, you can apply directly to Uber Eats by downloading the Uber Driver app, or by going to uber.com.
Does linking your Postmates account with Uber Eats stop you from using the Fleet app?
No. This Reddit user applied to Uber Eats, was quickly accepted, and is still able to use the Postmates Fleet app.
When will the Postmates Fleet app stop working?
It depends on your market. For many, delivery requests stopped on 6/7/21. Some cities may still be active, but the plan is to fully phase out the Fleet app this summer. Watch for notifications and emails from Postmates, but be prepared to make the switch.
$100 Bonus for Switching to Uber Eats
Some Postmates drivers saw an offer to get a $100 bonus for switching to Uber Eats and completing 10 deliveries. The bonus came as a surprise to some drivers who never saw the offer but received the bonus anyways.
But other drivers who saw the bonus and completed the 10 deliveries are still waiting on their bonuses.
If you successfully receive the bonus, it will show up in your Uber Eats earnings as a $100 “Promotion.”
Postmates Orders Are Being Directed to the Uber App
Customers can still order through Postmates, but orders placed on Postmates are now being routed to the Uber driver app. Some Eats drivers have seen orders that say “Postmates joined Uber Eats,” along with ‘Postmates’ in the customer information.
The delivery process for these orders is the same as regular Uber Eats orders, but the extra information can help you during the pickup and delivery process.
Some Postmates orders are being routed to the Uber driver app
Uber Eats Requirements
Before you start the process, you might be wondering what the Uber Eats requirements are for drivers. Fortunately the requirements are very similar to Postmates.
- Must 19 years or older (18 for bicycle delivery)
- Vehicle: Have a 2 or 4 door car
- Valid driver’s license and insurance with your name on the policy
- Undergo a background check
Some Postmates drivers believe that Uber Eats requires cars to be 20 years old or newer, but it appears that Uber has removed that requirement in most markets (LA for example).
What about bicycle delivery? If you delivered for Postmates on a bicycle, will Uber Eats will also accept you as a bicycle deliverer? Postmates bicycle markets may not be the same as Uber Eats bicycle markets, so it’s not yet clear exactly how things will work for bicycle couriers. Watch out for a bicycle option when you start the application.
Document Requirements
Some Postmates drivers are worried that Uber Eats won’t accept their documents. Here’s what you need to know.
Driver’s license: Upload a photo of your valid driver’s license during the Uber Eats application process. If you’re going to deliver on a bicycle, you should be able to upload a state ID instead. Uber may accept temporary license documents, but that may cause a delay.
Auto insurance: You will have to upload an auto insurance card or policy document that lists your name and your vehicle.
If you’re on a family insurance policy that doesn’t list your name as the primary policy holder, you will have to contact the insurance company and ask for a PDF copy of the insurance policy ‘declaration.’
The policy declaration lists all covered drivers and all vehicles. As long as the document shows your name and your vehicle, Uber should accept it.
This is a step that may cause a lot of headaches for current Postmates drivers. Before you apply, make sure to get your documents in order to prevent delays.
The Uber Eats Background Check
Even though you did background screening as a Postmates driver, you will have to do a new background check for Uber Eats. The background check typically takes around 2 – 7 days to complete.
The Uber Eats background check looks at both your criminal history and driving record. How far back does the check go? It varies state by state.
See full details about the Uber background check here.
Uber’s standards for your background may be more strict than Postmates. There are many stories of Postmates drivers who were accepted by Postmates but rejected by Uber Eats.
For criminal history, you have a good chance at being accepted as long as you don’t have any issues in the last 3 – 5 years.
For driving record, your chances are good if you have no more than 1 minor issues in the last 3 years. You may not pass if you have several moving violations or one major violation (such as driving on a suspended license or reckless driving).
What if you were already rejected by Uber Eats in the past?
Unfortunately, if you were already rejected by Uber Eats in the past you may not be accepted if you apply again.
Even though your chances may not be great, it’s worth trying again. In markets with high order volume from Postmates, Uber needs as many drivers as they can get. They may accept you this time around. If they don’t accept you, try other delivery apps.
Learning the Uber Eats App
Driving for Uber Eats isn’t too different than driving for Postmates, but there will be new things to learn. You’ll have to learn a new app and adjust to a new pay model.
One big difference is that Uber Eats includes the estimated tip in each order request, so it’s easier to screen out low paying orders.
Read our guide for Uber Eats drivers for complete details on Uber Eats.
Can’t Deliver with Uber Eats? Try Alternatives
Losing Postmates is going to be a big disappointment for many drivers. Some may miss the old Postmates way of doing things. But for others, the biggest frustration may be getting rejected by Uber, or facing big delays during the transition process.
The gig economy never stops evolving, so always be ready to make your next move. Apply to other delivery apps as soon as possible to ensure that you won’t be out of work.
Other delivery apps to look into
- DoorDash – Our guide
- Instacart – Our guide, and application link
- Shipt – Our Guide
- Amazon Flex – Our Guide
Co-Co Wright says
Hello- I am currently a Postmates driver trying to switch to Uber Eats. However, I believe I may have an account already with Uber Eats- although I have never used it and cannot recall which of my emails I used for this. Every time I call to try and speak to someone it hangs up mentioning something about a background check that needs attention and gives a website that does not come up and is not accurate. I have no idea what is going on and trying to get this rectified ASAP. If someone can PLEASE provide a phone number so I can speak to an actual person so I can get everything situated that would be greatly appreciated!!!!
DougH says
The only support number is 18005937069. And the background check website you’re talking about may be checkr, the background check company. Try your best to figure out the login. And look at the checkr page to see if there are any further instructions.
Chanmany says
What happen to all the apple stores ????
Daniel Haynes says
UBER BOUGHT OUT POSTMATES WITH FULL INTENTIONS OF DEACTIVATING THE SERVICE. I JOINED POSTMATES BECAUSE UBER WOULD NOT EXCEPT MY OUT OF STATE DRIVERS LICENCE AND REGISTRATION , STILL NOT READY TO SWITCH FROM STATE TO STATE , AND WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE ‘ BONUS ‘ MONEY THAT WE WERE GETTING FROM THE ‘ WALMART AND APPLE INC. ‘ DELIVERIES ? I DON’T CARE TO DO UBER DRIVER PARTICULARLY , BUT MY WIFE DOES IT AND SHE TELLS ME THAT THERE ARE ‘ NO ‘ BONUS ‘ FOR DOING WALMART OR APPLE INC . AS OF YET
Alex says
Will the Uber Eats app have a transportation vehicle option as a walker/courier delivery just like Postmates?
DougH says
It depends on the city you’re in. I don’t think Uber Eats has many cities that have a walking option. Try to do a google search like, ‘uber eats NYC driver’ and look for the Uber.com page that lists more info
Austin says
So can you use your Postmates card still to pay for deliveries when you switch over?
DougH says
I’m not 100% sure, but I don’t believe you’ll still use the Postmates card. Uber has its own card called the Plus card that you can request when you get started with Eats
Emmanuel says
What if u were deactivated from uber eats can u still transfer from postmates
DougH says
Most likely not. But you can try.
Nyjamie F Earl says
I’m having trouble getting postmate orders and I only want to do deliveries I don’t want to do the pickup like the Uber pickup I reached out to Uber so many times and no one can help me I’m losing money
Sue says
I called them and they switched me to Uber Eats only; they removed the rider option.
Veronica Ranjbar says
The part about Uber allowing older than 20 year vehicles is incorrect. I just tried switching as my Postmates app says to and I have had a previous Uber account with a newer qualifying car but I no longer have. When I clicked on complete steps, it says it needs to be a 2006 or newer vehicle other option is to lease through their partner companies to get one, which you never make enough to pay yourself after paying for their car rental service. I took a screenshot to verify if you’d like to include this in my comment please email me as there’s no attachment option for this comment.
DougH says
Your existing Uber account might be tricking their system into thinking that you are applying for Uber rideshare, which your older vehicle doesn’t qualify for. Try contacting uber at 1-800-593-7069 to clarify that you only want to do delivery. Feel free to email me at doug(at)ridesharingdriver.com