Just over a week after Uber CEO Travis Kalanick’s tweeted a picture of a trailer sporting the Uber Freight logo, an app has launched and more details have emerged on what this new service from the ride-hailing tech giant will actually be.
Uber’s new freight app acts as a dispatch service for shippers who are looking for a trucker to take on loads. The service allows users to schedule out deliveries to do same-day fulfillment.
Using a pre-set price, shippers can select drivers to pick up loads. The trucker will receive payment for the shipment within seven days after the delivery is completed.
“We take the guesswork out of finding and booking freight, which is often the most stressful part of a driver’s day,” Uber Freight wrote in a blog post. What used to take several hours and multiple phone calls can now be achieved with the touch of a button.
The service offered by Uber Freight is very similar to those of the popular shipping website Uship.com, though it appears Uber will be more selective about who will be hauling goods.
And no, there aren’t any self-driving car programs publicly affiliated with Uber Freight just yet, but don’t be surprised if and when it happens.
