Uber revolutionized the transportation industry, replacing taxicabs for many consumers as the preferred method of getting around town. Uber Freight has the potential to cause a similar disruption in the freight industry. This company matches shippers and carriers, helping them find each other. It provides on-demand freight transportation for any company which signs up for its services.
Uber Freight has grown considerably in a short time—and there is room for additional growth. About 70% of all materials in the U.S. are moved by truck. Uber Freight continues to grab a bigger piece of this pie.
Shippers Have Benefited in Many Ways
Shippers are increasingly turning to Uber Freight because the company provides many advantages:
- Access to a large pool of carriers;
- Instant quotes;
- Seamless booking
- Transparent pricing;
- Easy, real-time tracking;
- 24-hour support.
Uber Freight Shipping is extremely popular with small and medium-sized businesses who used to be squeezed by transportation costs. Supply chain problems continue for many shippers, even with the pandemic in the rearview mirror. They need to move goods, often across state lines, and they need reliable, reasonably priced long haulers.
Larger companies might continue to employ their own truckers. At some point, it’s more cost-effective to bring transportation in-house. Nonetheless, even larger companies might rely on Uber Freight for occasional shipping needs.
Why Carriers Like Uber Freight
Many carriers are signing up for Uber Freight because it allows them to:
- Avoid downtime and maximize profits;
- Eliminate administrative overhead
- Simplify payment.
As independent contractors, carriers often are searching for clients. That takes time, which could be used hauling freight and getting paid. By signing up for Uber Freight, they gain immediate access to a pool of shippers who are eagerly looking for transportation. Carriers can pick and choose which shipments to accept.
Uber Freight is Growing
The company launched in 2017. As of 2024, Procurement Magazine reports that Uber Freight moves more than $18 billion in freight in the United States and is currently one of the largest networks of carriers.
Furthermore, 1 in 3 Fortune 500 companies have used Uber Freight at some point. Popular brands include Anheuser-Busch InBev and Nestle. The company has enjoyed 176% growth in customers for 2024.
The company is also popular with truckers. McKinsey reports that 1.7 million truckers are on the app.
We anticipate Uber Freight will continue to grow in popularity, though we doubt it will ever be as disruptive as Uber has been to the taxicab industry. Freight transportation isn’t quite the same industry, and larger shippers might establish ongoing relationships with a trucking company. Nonetheless, the company appears here to stay.
Who Drives for Uber Freight?
Uber Freight continues to add drivers to its network. Most are owner-operators. That is, they own the trucks that they drive. They are not employees of Uber Freight. Instead, they work as independent contractors.
Being an owner-operator is challenging. You must find clients to hire you to transport freight. By signing up for Uber, an independent trucker gains access to a pool of shippers who are all looking for carriers.
Uber Freight also provides flexibility. Carriers can pick and choose which deliveries to accept. Another nice option is getting paid much quicker using the app than if you had to invoice a shipper.
Uber does not let anyone sign up. A prospective driver will need to provide the company with critical information, such as:
- Department of Transportation or Motor Carrier number;
- Proof of valid insurance;
- Bank account information;
- State permits or registrations.
Truckers must have a valid commercial license to drive for the company.
Were You Involved in a Wreck with an Uber Freight Truck?
The more Uber Freight grows in popularity, the more accidents we’ll see involving these vehicles. In some ways, a crash with an Uber Freight truck is no different than any other truck accident. Our Texas truck accident lawyers often represent those injured in vehicles which are crunched or smashed by a big rig or 18-wheeler.
A key difference is liability. If you are hit by a driver employed by a company, then you can usually sue the company. Texas law recognizes this type of “vicarious liability.” An employer is usually on the hook when their employee injures someone negligently while working.
Truckers who drive for Uber Freight are not employees. They are independent contractors. Nonetheless, the trucker should have insurance to cover a collision in which the trucker is at fault. Uber shouldn’t let them sign up as drivers if they lack coverage. We can negotiate with the trucker’s insurance company for compensation.
Truck Accidents Are Still Analyzed the Same
In Texas, truck accidents are based on fault. That is, the person responsible for the accident is responsible for paying compensation to victims. If a trucker has no liability, then they don’t owe a victim a penny, regardless of how badly they are hurt.
Our first question as lawyers is always, “What happened?” When we answer that question, we can assign fault for the crash.
A collision involving an Uber Freight vehicle is also analyzed based on fault. The Uber Freight driver might blame you for cutting them off or for tailgating. They might allege you were distracted by a phone or passenger in your vehicle. They are trying to minimize their liability or get out of paying anything altogether.
If hired, we analyze all evidence. For example, we still want to inspect the truck involved. There might be a defect which caused the collision or made the truck unmanageable. We can also speak to witnesses to better understand what happened. Many trucks will also have electronic data which we want to download.
Contact Our Texas Truck Accident Attorneys after an Accident
We are prepared to help anyone victimized by negligent or dangerous truckers, whether they are employed by a trucking company or are independent contractors who are signed up for Uber Freight. Call The Stano Law Firm to schedule a free, no risk consultation with our firm. Our Texas truck accident lawyers can provide a preliminary estimate of the strength of your claim and address your concerns.