The interest of Uber in the shipping and trucking industry was started in taking shape with the new purchase of Otto last year. A couple of months later, reports started circulation that Uber is looking to create a platform supposedly to connect driver with cargo in the similar way it is currently connecting drivers with passengers. This specific service was called Uber Freight and it has been launched officially last week, and it is much similar as Uber did for the cab industry. The major objective of Uber Freight is to upend & streamline the currently exhausting process that goes into packing a truck for shipment. The truck drivers are currently depending on a broker or other service to bargain rates & book cargo.
Drivers evaluated and approved by the service will be able to find nearby cargo along with the shipping distance & payment info using Uber Freight. So, drivers just need to accept the job and navigate to the pickup. Drivers will also be compensated for layovers or time spent waiting to load shipments. Uber aims it to win for trucker and small business owners. The original competition will come from Amazon and the online retail giant is now developing its own trucking app in order to eliminate the heavy costs linked with third party freight brokers. Amazon has been considered a major shipper and currently working on oceanic freight and advancing air cargo loads in keeping costs down. The reality is still far away, but self-driving truck of Otto has already developed a self-governing beer run in Colorado.