Uber Freight has started a pilot for a scheduling API that streamlines appointments, optimises processes for carriers, shippers and receivers, and drives operational efficiencies.

Uber Freight has announced a piloted rollout of the scheduling API, making it the first activation of the Scheduling Standards Consortium’s (SSC) technical standard (www.freightapis.org) for the industry. The API, designed for Uber Freight’s TMS transportation management systems (www.uberfreight.com/solutions/tms), offers enhanced scheduling capabilities and fosters seamless communication across its network of shippers and carriers. The active pilot is set to be released for general availability in the second half of this year.

Across the industry, scheduling inefficiency not only contributes to a significant cost in servicing the load, but also causes delays in getting appointments set and increases the lead time required to get the load serviced. To address this, Uber Freight began testing its scheduling API within the company’s brokerage business. The team saw early success in getting loads made available within the digital marketplace with zero human intervention, and loads are ready for coverage as much as 75% faster than with manual scheduling.

With this announcement, Uber Freight will enable automated scheduling within the Uber Freight TMS, which facilitated six million appointments across more than 1500 facilities in 2023.

“Uber Freight’s scheduling API marks a significant leap forward in streamlining operations for all stakeholders in the freight ecosystem,” said Lior Ron, CEO of Uber Freight. “By seamlessly integrating with Uber Freight TMS, this innovation is just the beginning of transformative changes. Our customers and carriers stand to gain immediate advantages, experiencing faster appointment scheduling, increased visibility and stronger partnerships. This development not only delivers tangible benefits but also reflects our commitment to drive positive change in the broader industry. It is the culmination of the great work carried out by the SSC and reinforces our dedication to providing efficiency, speed, and savings for everyone involved.”

The API empowers seamless integration between logistics technology platforms and carrier scheduling systems, eliminating manual processes and enhancing visibility across supply chains. The feature delivers benefits for both shippers and carriers.

Shippers should see faster appointment scheduling. They can reduce lead times and expedite shipment preparation by streamlining the appointment booking process. Increased visibility and control mean they gain real-time insights into dock activity and can manage appointments more easily, reducing disruptions and rescheduling. It can also foster stronger partnerships with carriers by providing a standardised, efficient and self-service scheduling experience.

Carriers can eliminate the need for multiple logins and manual data entry through standardised API connections. They can reduce errors and miscommunication using a single source of truth and centralising scheduling data. It can help optimise driver schedules and mitigate facility congestion by leveraging real-time facility data.

“Innovation and collaboration must go hand-in-hand to drive immediate and lasting impact and the partnerships and pilots that are emerging from the SSC are testament to that,” said Raj Subbiah, head of product at Uber Freight. “Together, we are helping carriers and shippers gain the speed, efficiency and savings they need to get and stay ahead with technology at the core.”

For more information on the scheduling API, go to: insights.uberfreight.com/ssc-api-signup.

Uber Freight (www.uberfreight.com) has a suite of end-to-end logistics applications, managed services and an expansive carrier network, The company manages over $18bn of freight and one of the largest networks of carriers.