What Uber Freight does

Uber Freight is a digital marketplace that connects shippers who need to move freight with carriers who have available truck capacity. Shippers post loads — shipments that need to move from one place to another — and carriers browse available jobs and accept the ones that fit their route and schedule. The platform handles the booking, payment, and basic tracking; Uber takes a commission from the carrier's earnings.

Unlike traditional freight brokers who work by phone and email, Uber Freight operates through a mobile app and web dashboard. A shipper can post a load in minutes by entering pickup and delivery locations, weight, and cargo type. A carrier sees the load details, the pay rate, and the pickup window, then decides whether to take it. Once accepted, the shipment moves through the system with GPS tracking visible to both sides.

The platform is designed for partial truckloads and full truckloads, meaning a carrier might haul one shipper's load or combine multiple loads in a single trip. It does not handle less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments — those go to different services — and it does not move household goods or hazardous materials.

Key Takeaways

  • Shippers post loads on the Uber Freight app or website, set the pay rate they are willing to offer, and wait for carriers to accept.
  • Carriers read the app, view available loads in their area or along their planned route, and accept jobs that match their truck type and schedule.
  • Uber Freight charges carriers a commission on each load — the percentage varies by region and load type — and handles payment processing between shipper and carrier.
  • The platform works best for carriers who run regular routes and shippers who ship frequently enough to build a pattern of loads.
  • Shippers and carriers both need to verify their identity and business details before posting or accepting loads.

How shippers use Uber Freight

A shipper — a business or individual with freight to move — creates an account on the Uber Freight website or app and provides business information, tax ID, and payment method. Once verified, they can post a load by entering the pickup location, delivery location, cargo weight, dimensions, and type (dry goods, refrigerated, flatbed, etc.). They also set the pay rate they are offering and the window of time when the load is ready to pick up.

After posting, the shipper sees a list of carriers who have accepted the load or can wait for offers to come in. Once a carrier accepts, the shipper receives the carrier's name, truck number, and driver contact information. The shipper can track the load's progress through GPS and communicate with the driver through the app. Payment is processed automatically after delivery is confirmed.

Shippers pay Uber Freight through their account balance or linked payment method. The cost to the shipper is the rate they offered the carrier — Uber does not add a separate fee to shippers, only to carriers. However, shippers who use Uber Freight's premium features, such as may provide pickup times or priority matching, may pay additional fees depending on their region.

How carriers use Uber Freight

A carrier — a trucking company or independent owner-operator — downloads the Uber Freight app and creates an account with their DOT number, insurance information, and truck details (type, capacity, equipment). Uber verifies this information before the account is active. Once approved, the carrier can browse available loads in real time.

The app shows loads near the carrier's current location or along routes they specify. Each load listing includes the pickup and delivery addresses, weight, cargo type, pay rate, and pickup window. The carrier can filter by distance, pay, cargo type, or truck requirement. When a carrier finds a load that works, they tap to accept it. The load is then assigned to them, and they receive the shipper's contact details and pickup instructions.

Carriers earn the pay rate posted by the shipper, minus Uber Freight's commission. The commission percentage varies by region and load type but typically ranges from 8 to 15 percent of the load pay. Carriers are paid weekly through direct deposit to their bank account. Uber Freight does not employ carriers; they are independent contractors responsible for their own fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes.

Account verification and requirements

Both shippers and carriers must pass verification before they can use the platform. Shippers need to provide a business name, address, tax ID, and payment method. Uber Freight verifies the business information and may request additional documents such as a business license or proof of address.

Carriers must provide their DOT number, MC number (if they have one), current insurance certificate, and truck information. Uber Freight checks the DOT number against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database to confirm the carrier is registered and has no serious safety violations. Carriers with poor safety records or active out-of-service orders will be rejected. The verification process usually takes 24 to 48 hours.

Once verified, both shippers and carriers can use the platform when ready. Accounts can be suspended or closed if either party violates the terms of service — for example, if a carrier fails to show up for a load or if a shipper disputes payment without cause.

Payment and commission structure

Shippers set the pay rate for each load they post. There is no fixed price; the shipper decides what they are willing to pay based on distance, cargo type, urgency, and market conditions. If the rate is too low, carriers may not accept the load. If it is too high, the shipper pays more than necessary. Shippers can adjust rates in real time if a load is not getting accepted.

Carriers receive the posted rate minus Uber Freight's commission. The commission is deducted automatically before payment is issued. Carriers do not negotiate the commission; it is set by Uber Freight and varies by region and load type. A carrier in one region might pay 10 percent commission while a carrier in another pays 12 percent. Loads that require special equipment or have tight important date may have different commission rates.

Payment to carriers is processed weekly via direct deposit. Shippers are charged by Uber Freight after the load is delivered and confirmed. If a shipper or carrier disputes a transaction, Uber Freight's support team investigates and may reverse or adjust the payment.

Tracking and communication

Once a load is accepted, both the shipper and carrier can track its location in real time through the app. The GPS tracking shows the truck's current position and estimated delivery time. Shippers can see when the driver is en route to pickup, when they have picked up the load, and when they are approaching delivery.

The app includes a messaging feature that allows the shipper and carrier to communicate directly. A driver can message the shipper if they are running late or need delivery instructions. A shipper can message the driver if there is a change to the delivery address or if they need to reschedule. Messages are logged in the app and can be reviewed later if there is a dispute.

Delivery confirmation happens when the driver marks the load as delivered in the app. Some shippers require a photo or signature; others accept the app confirmation alone. Once delivery is confirmed, the payment is released to the carrier and the shipper is charged.

Differences between Uber Freight and traditional freight brokers

Traditional freight brokers operate through phone calls, emails, and fax. A shipper calls a broker with a load, the broker calls carriers to find one willing to haul it, and the broker negotiates the rate. This process can take hours or days. Uber Freight automates this by letting carriers see loads when ready and accept them in seconds.

Traditional brokers also take a larger cut — often 15 to 25 percent of the load pay — and may hold payment for 30 days or longer. Uber Freight's commission is typically lower and payment is weekly. However, traditional brokers often have relationships with carriers and can may provide pickup on short notice, whereas Uber Freight depends on carrier availability in the area.

Uber Freight is best for shippers with regular loads and flexible pickup windows. It works less well for urgent, specialized, or hazardous freight, where a traditional broker's relationships and informed matter more. Carriers on Uber Freight tend to be owner-operators and smaller fleets; large carriers with dedicated routes often prefer traditional brokers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to use Uber Freight as a carrier?

Yes. You must have a valid CDL for the truck class you are driving, and your license must be current and clean of serious violations. Uber Freight checks your driving record as part of verification.

What happens if a carrier does not show up to pick up a load?

If a carrier accepts a load and then fails to pick it up, Uber Freight marks the load as rejected and the shipper can re-post it or offer it to another carrier. Repeated no-shows can result in the carrier's account being suspended or closed. Shippers may also be able to dispute the charge if they incur costs because of the no-show.

Can I use Uber Freight to ship hazardous materials?

No. Uber Freight does not support hazmat shipments. You will need to use a traditional freight broker or a carrier that specializes in hazmat. Hazmat requires special licensing, training, and equipment that Uber Freight does not manage on the platform.

How long does it take to get paid as a carrier?

Carriers are paid weekly via direct deposit. Payment is processed on a set day each week, usually Tuesday or Wednesday, and the funds arrive in your bank account within one to two business days. The payment includes all loads you completed during the previous week, minus Uber Freight's commission.

Can I negotiate the pay rate with a shipper on Uber Freight?

No. The shipper sets the rate when they post the load, and carriers either accept it or decline it. You cannot negotiate directly through the app. However, if you decline a load, the shipper may re-post it at a higher rate if they need it moved urgently.