The brand-new freight division of digital platform Uber has turned to one of Europe’s leading poolers of sustainable wooden pallets to help it cut empty running on its newly-established routes.
After expanding to Europe in March, Uber Freight has teamed up with IPP on a trial basis which, if successful, could be rolled out across IPP’s other European businesses, including the UK.
After researching 3PL suppliers to partner with, Uber Freight opted for a trial with IPP to service their carrier requirements in the Netherlands after building up a network of shippers.
The aim of the trial is to improve the utilisation of Uber Freight’s trucks and assets, as a more efficient utilisation of trucks means it can reduce waste in CO2 emissions.
IPP works closely with suppliers such as Uber Freight to co-ordinate the back loading of used pallets on the return journeys, eradicating the need for other vehicles to collect them for repair and repatriation.
The trial is being overseen by Mark Hulland, operations manager for IPP Benelux, who relocated to the Netherlands in May 2017 after working for IPP at its UK base in Coventry.
He said: “It’s great to be working with a brand as recognisable and successful as Uber Freight. For us, it’s about good operational efficiency and utilising empty lanes in our network.
“We will focus on some of the more difficult lanes in the networks so we can help Uber improve on the benchmark in their business.
“We started the trial in the last week of June, picking lanes based on their regularity, and we are gently increasing volumes in those lanes.
“We are also filling legs which some of their hauliers may be struggling with, which makes it better for everyone.
“We’re hoping if it progresses well, it could be rolled out to PRS and our other European businesses.” Dan Buczkowski, head of Europe expansion for Uber Freight, said: "The partnership between IPP Benelux and Uber Freight is a natural fit. Uber Freight is building technology that enables shippers to move freight seamlessly and in real-time, with the transparency and reliability that was previously not possible.
“Together with partners like IPP Benelux we are addressing some of the core challenges in the freight market today by improving operational efficiency to make every kilometre count.” IPP is the only pallet pooler to be able to manufacture its own products, as well as retrieving, repairing and repatriating pallets. For more information, visit www.ipp-pooling.com.
For more information on Uber Freight, visit www.uberfreight.com.