Cargo, which places boxes with items for sale in ridesharing vehicles such as Uber, has partnered with Snapchat for its launch in the Los Angeles, Calif. market. In addition to using the Cargo app to shop for products, passengers can access the Cargo storefront from the Snapchat app by scanning the Snapcode printed on the Cargo box.
Cargo has access to Uber’s API, allowing passengers to use their smartphones to buy products. Riders can use their preferred mobile wallet or credit card to pay for items, which are handed to them once the vehicle has stopped. Rideshare drivers can earn up to $300 extra per month in commissions, referrals and performance bonuses, according to Cargo, which ships replenishment items directly to drivers’ homes.
The boxes contain retail products such as Red Bull, RXBAR protein bars, Matcha Lip Balm by Winky Lux and SmartyPants Vitamins, with food items curated by SnackNation.
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Cargo’s West Coast debut follows the in-car commerce platform’s introductions in New York, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta and Dallas. The startup recently raised $5.5 million in venture funding to scale operations faster across the U.S. Cargo’s goal is to reach more than 25 million passengers riding in 20,000 vehicles in 2018.
“As we enter each new city, our mission is to tailor the Cargo experience and product selection to our riders’ preferences,” said Jeff Cripe, Cargo CEO in a statement. “Snap is the ultimate L.A. success story. We’re thrilled to offer an even more seamless way to order products using Snapchat, and to provide them with the highest quality, trending snacks by partnering with SnackNation.”
As Cargo scales up across the country, SnackNation will provide data and guidance to help the company predict and source products that fit into regional and seasonal merchandising strategies tailored to a diverse passenger base.
