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Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Uber shutting down self-driving truck division

Uber today announced that it is shutting down its self-driving trucks unit,  and instead, the company will focus its efforts on self-driving cars. However, Uber Freight; a business unit that helps truck drivers connect with shipping companies is unaffected by this decision.  Uber Freight that was launched in May 2017 is designed for approved drivers to find nearby available loads and see the destination info, the distance required and payment information upfront. If the drivers like what they see, they can tap to book. Initially, the Uber Freight was started in three regions, and later was expanded to the continental U.S and also has offices in San Francisco and Chicago. The company's Meyhofer's email to employees reads: “Rather than having two groups working side by side, focused on different vehicle platforms, I want us instead collaborating as one team. I know we’re all super proud of what the Trucks team has accomplished, and we continue to see the incredible promise of self-driving technology applied to move freight across the country." Mayhofer further said that the company wants to see the self-driving technology applied to freight across the country. Uber’s self-driving trucks unit is based in San Francisco, while the team dedicated to self-driving cars is located in Pittsburgh. The ...