Uber Freight wants to support carriers and shippers during the corona crisis with a series of initiatives. The company is offering to meet the cost of protective equipment and make accelerated payments to carriers carrying essential goods.
The accelerated payment applies to carriers who carry at least one load of relief goods per week. By paying them out twice a week, Uber Freight hopes to support their cash flow.
Reimbursement of protective equipment
The tech company is also offering financial support for the cost of personal protective equipment such as hand gels, face masks and disposable gloves, reimbursing up to €100 per week. Drivers can apply for reimbursement via the Uber Freight help page.
"The safety and health of carriers, drivers and their operations, is top priority for Uber Freight," said Tom Christenson, Head of Europe, Uber Freight. "We hope these initiatives will help protect drivers. We continue to look for ways in these times to support the companies that keep supply chains running smoothly and supplying our society."
Uber Freight in Europe
Uber Freight made its debut in Europe in 2019. The platform first hit the Netherlands and then expanded to Germany. The Uber Freight app allows carriers and shippers to connect with each other. The freight app resembles Uber's taxi service, but has a number of differences. For instance, companies can book orders days in advance. Carriers also choose the load themselves, whereas with the taxi app they are assigned a ride.
Impact on freight market
TLN warned last year about the impact Uber Freight could have on the sector. The industry association feared that prices and quality would come under further pressure. "Not everyone is fit to be a truck driver. You have to drive on time, handle cargo neatly. Now you can probably review carriers, but we have seen in the taxi industry that this does not give the guarantee you want," TLN told the Financial Dagblad.
