Uber Enters the Freight Industry with New “Uber Freight” App

Boasting as an innovative ride-hailing platform, Uber further expands its swath of influence by launching Uber Freight, a groundbreaking service that aims to transform the commercial trucking landscape. This novel application breathes life into the traditional freight industry by seamlessly connecting professional truck drivers with shippers in need of long-distance transport.

Uber captures the essence of the digital age, associating the unassuming process of freight shipping with advanced methods through its intuitive app. Vetted users are provided the ease of booking a load via a simple tap. Following a booking, the app sends a rate confirmation promptly, thus addressing a prevalent worry in the industry regarding load confirmation inconsistencies. While the concept isn’t necessarily trailblazing, with similar startups already in operation, none of the competitors possess the immense funding that Uber has at its disposal, giving it a significant edge in the $700 billion industry.

Last year, Uber made noticeable strides in the autonomous vehicle sector by procuring a self-driving truck startup—Otto—for an estimated sum of $700 million. Building upon Otto’s resources, Uber aims to provide more than just a link between drivers and shippers. The company ventures to carve a niche for itself directly in the trucking business, considering potential partnerships with truck manufacturers. An Uber-operated truck made news three months post the Otto acquisition by successfully delivering 2,000 cases of Budweiser beer—a trip spanning 120 miles from Fort Collins, Colo., to Colorado Springs.

The inception of Uber Freight carries implications beyond its logistic operations. The app inadvertently addresses fears of potential job losses resulting from the advent of self-driving trucks. The U.S alone houses over 3 million truck drivers, sparking concerns of job security. Analysts, however, predict that the impact on jobs won’t be immediate as humans will continue to play a significant role in long-distance deliveries nationwide.

As for integrating drivers into their automated trucks plan, Uber has remained tight-lipped. For the foreseeable future, Uber Freight will function as a platform for drivers and shippers, paving the way for a new age of delivery services.

Uber Freight is no fleeting concept, having been introduced back in October and boasting a Twitter presence since September 2016. See their pricing list below.
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With this move, Uber illustrates its ambition to integrate advanced technology into traditional industries, evolving not only the freight industry but also the future of job creation and automation in the process.