Uber Freight launches AI-powered logistics roadmap

Uber Freight announced the most comprehensive evolution of its logistics technologies designed to power the global movement of goods during the company's annual customer conference that hosts nearly 300 of the world's largest shippers.

The news comes nearly two years after the $2.25 billion acquisition of the market's largest transportation management company Transplace, which partners directly with shippers to manage their logistics networks, says an official release.

"Now, with $18 billion freight under management, the company is releasing for the first time a next generation of products that infuse Uber's advanced technology development capabilities including AI-powered software. The strategic expansion of the business enabled Uber Freight to build a new kind of logistics company, one uniquely able to offer the kinds of comprehensive, end-to-end enterprise applications and services for the industry in an increasingly complex logistics landscape."

Lior Ron, Founder and CEO, Uber Freight says: "The past couple of years have been transformative for our business, driving significant amounts of resources into delivering the next generation of technologies designed to power the global movement of goods. The focus on developing new enterprise solutions underpins our commitment to our strategic customer base and the industry at large as we drive to be the most comprehensive partner to advance logistics networks."

Uber Freight has invested $120 million since the acquisition that is focused heavily on scaling enterprise applications that span logistics software solutions, generative AI and data-enabled insights tools as well as innovative capacity and mode expansions, the release said.

Uber Freight is rolling out an update of the widely-used Uber Freight TMS since it was first launched by Transplace in 2005. "The Uber Freight TMS is the all-in-one solution for planning, executing, and monitoring complex logistics operations across modes and regions, bringing shippers the time-tested expertise, Uber-grade technology, and high-quality service they need to drive their intelligent logistics forward. Initial upgrades focus on delivering a new standard of visibility, foresight, and control, Uberising modules to promote ease of use and actionable data—all while expanding global, end-to-end shipment visibility across modes including rail, ocean, and air."

Uber Freight announced the launch of Uber Freight Exchange, "a powerful new tool designed to meet the evolving needs of shippers and carriers by expediting freight procurement cycles and powering rapid shipment execution. Uber Freight Exchange is a neutral platform open to all shippers and carriers — a shipper can utilise Uber Freight Exchange to run auctions with their own carriers in addition to Uber Freight's network of 100,000 carriers across the U.S. With integrated communication, simple bid functionality and historical performance reporting, it enhances operational efficiency, fosters partnerships, and safeguards lane coverage risks in any market conditions."

Uber Freight also launched Insights AI, a powerful generative-AI-powered insights tool that will transform decision making in logistics and support transportation teams from granular, tactical views to more complex, strategic analyses, the release added.