Uber bets on Freight for the long-haul – it’s already worth $3.3B

Don't ask for the AUX cord in this one... Uber Freight connects drivers (of massive semi-trucks) with high-volume riders (kegs of Heineken or your new furniture). In Silicon Valley speak, it's "the Uber of Logistics" — literally. Last year, Uber said Freight was its fastest-growing business. It looks like that momentum is still rolling...

• $3.3B: How much Uber Freight is worth after raising $500M this month. PE firm Greenbriar Equity brought the cash, but Uber keeps majority ownership.
• 65K: How many carriers Freight has in its network since launching in 2017. They work with big shippers like Bud-maker AB InBev and Nestle.
• +11.1%: How much job postings in Indeed's driving category (including trucking) are up since the start of February.

Not a truckload of options... Trucking is generally inflexible and expensive — companies need contracts and lead-time to make their shipments. With delivery booming during the pandemic, retailers have been struggling to expand their trucking operations quickly enough. Uber Freight makes that easier and faster (#techify): gig drivers can literally book a load and get paid right in the app.