Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/723417
September 2016 | Overdrive | 17 Otto and Uber envision bringing ride shar- ing-type technology to trucking to create a nationwide load-truck matching platform. Uber enters trucking via Otto acquisition Trucking technology startup Otto was acquired by ride-shar- ing tech giant Uber in August. The companies have plans for not only deploying an autono- mous retrofit system on trucks but also using Uber-type tech- nology to create a nationwide load-truck matching platform. Though the term "Uber- ize" has bounced around in trucking in recent years, this is the tech company's first official foray into the industry. Otto was founded by former tech executives from major players such as Google, Tesla and Apple. The company announced in May its plans to develop a system that could convert traditional Class 8 trucks into self-driving vehicles. "By combining these two technologies, we can create a freight network that is constant- ly learning," Otto said. The two companies expect to develop an on-demand platform that matches drivers with loads and shippers with carriers, with self-driving trucks designed to provide safety and predictability. – Overdrive Staff