Uber Freight rolls out efforts to aid shippers and carriers during coronavirus pandemic

San Francisco-based Uber Freight, a subsidiary of the ubiquitous, ride-sharing service Uber, whose proprietary app matches trucking companies with loads to haul, said today that it is rolling out a series of initiatives focused on supporting carriers and shippers, coupled with keeping essential goods moving, during what it called “uncertain times,” due to the coronavirus.

The freight industry is the lifeblood of the economy,” wrote Lior Ron, Head of Uber Freight, in a blog post, entitled Supporting the freight industry and keeping essential good moving. “That has never been more apparent than in today's uncertain environment. While the world increasingly turns toward sheltering in place and remote work, demand for essential goods has grown steeply, directly impacting the shippers and carriers who are on the frontlines of producing and delivering these goods.” 

The Uber Freight executive explained that in this time of crisis Uber Freight remains committed to supporting its carriers and our shipper partners by providing 24/7 service and support, and keeping its operations running strong.

“Since March 13, the FMCSA has suspended federal hours-of-service regulations for operations engaged in emergency relief related to COVID-19,” he wrote. “In this time, Uber Freight has helped move nearly 4,000 relief loads including food, water and medical supplies and worked with nearly 2,000 facilities to update their site-specific operational requirements.”  

Uber Freight’s initiatives focused on supporting and shippers during the coronavirus pandemic, include:

• Zero-Profit Pricing: All relief loads booked via the Uber Freight shipper platform will be hauled with zero profit pricing for Uber Freight. By lowering the cost of transportation, Uber Freight aims to support small shippers as they navigate this challenging economic time as well as help ensure that critical goods can get where they need to be reliably and on time;
• Uber Eats Credit: All truck drivers hauling loads through the Uber Freight app will receive a weekly $20 credit towards any meal ordered on Uber Eats. With fewer restaurant options available to carriers on the road, accessing fresh food while hauling freight is growing more difficult. By providing Uber Eats vouchers to drivers, Uber Freight aims to help truck drivers more easily find warm meals while on the road; and
• Sanitation Kits: Uber Freight is also committing to provide thousands of sanitation kits to small carriers using the Uber Freight. While the majority of people are sheltering at home during this time, truck drivers remain on the frontlines of the crisis. By providing sanitizers, Freight aims to help them stay safe while performing their duties.

Ron concluded the blog post, writing: “As we navigate this challenging time together as an industry, we will continue to look for ways to support the many businesses that keep supply chains running smoothly and our community stores stocked.”