Uber eyes long-haul trucking business, following its acquisition of Otto

San Francisco

WITH its recent acquisition of self-driving truck startup Otto, Uber Technologies Inc is plotting its entry into the long-haul trucking business, aiming to establish itself as a freight hauler and a technology partner for the industry.

Otto plans to expand its fleet of trucks from six to about 15 and is forging partnerships with independent truckers, Otto co-founder Lior Ron told Reuters in an interview. Starting next year, Otto-branded trucks and others equipped with Otto technology will begin hauling freight bound for warehouses and stores, he added.