Uber Freight announced that its drop-and-hook capacity solution, Powerloop, has scaled nationally with new capabilities that further optimize freight networks to drive value and flexibility.
Drop-and-hook services have become increasingly popular, meeting the evolving needs of shippers for flexible transportation solutions while providing carriers with improved efficiency and earning potential. Powerloop has experienced significant growth, with more than 10,000 carriers servicing more than 220,000 loads. In 2023 alone, the capacity program experienced a 30% increase in load volume.
“We’ve transformed Powerloop into the drop-and-hook solution that I envisioned during my time as a shipper,” said Alyssa Correale, VP of operations at Uber Freight. “The escalating demand for our program is a testament to its efficacy. With a nationwide carrier base of 95,000 and significant enhancements, we’re reaffirming our commitment to innovation and excellence in the transportation industry, positioning ourselves to meet the burgeoning demand and drive continued acceleration.”
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Enhancements to Powerloop
The enhancements include an expanded dedicated fleet offering, AI-powered bundling capabilities to build carrier drop-and-hook tours, and telematics-enhanced smart trailers.
- Protecting cargo with smart trailers: Powerloop trailers are now equipped with GPS, cargo sensors, door sensors, and 24/7 monitoring cameras. This technology provides real-time visibility into trailer location and capacity and provides alerts against cargo theft. Data generated from smart trailers is integrated into Uber Freight’s Transportation Management System via API, enabling tracing, tracking, and proactive risk mitigation.
- Driving recurring revenue with dedicated fleets: The scale of Powerloop has unlocked new opportunities for shippers to establish dedicated fleets with Uber Freight. Dedicated fleets commit carriers full-time to serve a particular shipper under a long-term contract, offering cost-saving opportunities and guaranteed service for high-density freight needs. Uber Freight now facilitates the creation of dedicated fleets of any size, leveraging carriers across the U.S. Carriers can provide shippers with committed drop and live capacity on a weekly or ongoing basis, helping unlock more stable and sustainable revenue for their businesses.
- Reducing deadhead with AI-powered bundles: Bundles were introduced in Uber Freight’s network in 2019 and play a role in eliminating empty miles by optimizing carrier routes. Powerloop bundles have further reduced empty miles by more than 29%. Additionally, by providing carriers with access to hauling bundles of loads from multiple shippers, Uber Freight helps increase carriers’ earnings while minimizing their dwell time. This new way of bundling loads and building routes ensures efficient movement from point A to point B and back.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding our offerings—without the need to expand our fleet—with Uber Freight’s Powerloop program,” said Reginald Alexander, operations manager from Skyward Transportation. “As a carrier of Uber Freight committed capacity, our drivers are hauling loads consistently for household names.”
These enhancements are now available on the Uber Freight platform, allowing carriers and shippers to take full advantage of Powerloop's capabilities.
