U.S. trucking downturn puts pressure on independent operators -Uber Freight

By Tina Bellon

Reuters – A continued decline in ondemand trucking prices risks squeezing out tens of thousands of small operatorowned trucking companies that rushed into the market when rates were surging earlier this year, Uber Technologies Incs head of freight said.

Surging diesel fuel costs and a leveling of U.S. consumer demand meant many owneroperator truckers would have to exit the industry if prices drop by a further 10 to 20, Lior Ron, head of Uber Freight, said in an interview.

Rates in the ondemand spot market, under pressure since early March, have dropped a further 0.30 on a permile basis in April, faster than the typical seasonal decline, Uber data showed.

“The first casualties are the small guys unfortunately, because the operational costs are higher so theyre the first the first ones in and the first ones to go out”, Ron said.

The unexpectedly sharp downturn in the U.S. spot market – which is used to handle demand peaks not covered by traditional trucking contracts – has investors worry about wider economic repercussions if the trucking slump depends and spreads.

Lured by high rates and desperate pleas by shipping and carrier companies for more longdistance truckers, more than 20,000 drivers entered the market over the past few months, including 9,000 in February alone, Uber data showed.

The trucking industry was now looking at produce season, underway in Florida throughout May, and beverage season during the summer to determine the impact on spot rates and driver supply, Ron said.

Uber Freight, which acts as a middle man connecting truckers with shippers, last year bought logistics company Transplace for 2.25 billion. That acquisition boosted Uber Freights revenue in the first quarter to around 1.8 billion, and reached profitability on an adjusted EBITDA basis for the first time.