If you are thinking about getting a huge TV for the holidays but don't have any way to haul it home, a couple of K-State grads have come up with a unique way to help.
Co-founders Ben Jackson and Harrison Proffitt started a new app called "BUNGII."
"BUNGII is a mobile app that connects you to a pickup truck and a driver to help move, haul and deliver stuff across town," said Jackson. "It's similar to ride sharing apps, but instead of moving people, we move people's stuff."
The app helps connect people who don't own pickups with drivers who do. Jackson and Proffitt told 41 Action News the idea came to them after being asked one too many times to haul furniture for friends at K-State.
"We just want to be available for the 'I need a pickup truck' moment that people run in to so often," said Jackson.
The app is free to download. After signing up, you just put in the location of the item you want moved, the location where you want the item to be moved to and then you can see an estimate for how much the haul will cost you.
"BUNGII charges $1 per minute plus $1 per mile," said Jackson. "The average trip is right around $40."
Before requesting a BUNGII, snap a photo of the item(s) you need moved.
"The response here in Kansas City has been great," said Proffitt. "People really haven't had the ability to just request a truck right from their phone and now they do. Here in KC we've already done nearly 1,200 trips in the past four months."
BUNGII's website has been up for four months, but the app was just launched several days ago.
Right now, BUNGII has 35 drivers in the Kansas City area.
"Our drivers are local members of the community that are BUNGII certified," said Proffitt. "Each driver goes through a certification, they are vetted, trained and background checked as well as personally interviewed before they are accepted as a BUNGII driver. They are local members of your community, including off-duty firefighters, military veterans, police officers, as well as college students."
It is important to note BUNGII isn't a moving company, although the company's website says it will help with small moves.
For any other questions you might have about BUNGII, visit the website at BUNGII.com.
-------
Jade DeGood can be reached at Jade.DeGood@KSHB.com.
