Uber Freight puts down roots in Chicago

From Lior Ron, head of Uber Freight:

In three years since launch, Uber Freight has grown to a team of hundreds, with offices in San Francisco, Chicago, and Amsterdam. Now, Uber Freight will be solidifying its investment in Chicago with a new Freight headquarters at The Old Main Post Office, in Chicago’s historic downtown.

Globally, freight is a 3.8 trillion dollar industry ripe for change, and Uber Freight is leading the way towards a more efficient and collaborative freight future. We’ve built cutting-edge technology for both sides of the freight marketplace, unlocking opportunity for shippers, carriers, and their drivers so that they can focus on improving their bottom lines, growing their businesses, and keeping their eyes on the road ahead. We’ve pushed the entire industry towards transparency with features like facility ratings and real-time pricing. And this year, we brought these same values and logistics solutions abroad, expanding operations into Europe.

Chicago is consistently at the forefront of innovation, from building America’s foundational transportation systems and its first skyscraper, to fostering world-class universities and research centers. The city has always been at the heart of the global transportation industry, and we’re eager to continue that legacy. Tapping into Chicago’s rich history and incredible potential, we’ll be investing $200 million annually in the region, through headcount, real estate investment, and other expenses to support Uber’s local operations.

Since the beginning, Uber Freight has built a community composed of the best and brightest minds in technology and logistics. Strengthening that team and shepherding in the next era of growth for Uber Freight will be our priority in Chicago. We’ll grow our team significantly, hiring thousands of new team members who are inspired by our mission to reimagine modern logistics. Specifically, Chicago will quickly become our first engineering hub outside of San Francisco, where we’ll scale the team that keeps pushing our technology forward.

This expansion is a testament to Uber’s long-term commitment to transforming the way goods move with Uber Freight. Alongside Eats and Rides, Uber Freight is constantly looking towards the next frontier – working to redefine what’s possible so that we can have the biggest impact on the people that keep our economy moving. I’m humbled by and proud of the work we’ve accomplished together, and I’m excited to see what opportunities Chicago unlocks for us.