Ever ordered something online and wondered why shipping costs feel like you’re paying for a first-class ticket?
Turns out, part of the problem is thousands of trucks on U.S. highways drive around half-empty. That’s billions in lost revenue and, yep, higher prices for all of us.
Enter Oway, a California-based startup founded in 2023 by Phillip Nadjafov, that’s on a mission to fix this massive inefficiency.
The company just secured $4 million in seed funding from heavy-hitters like Y Combinator and General Catalyst.
Their goal? Turn freight shipping into something like Uber—but for cargo.
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The Big Problem: Empty Trucks, Lost Billions
Right now, the U.S. freight industry struggles with underutilized truck space. Trucks frequently run with only half their cargo capacity filled, which drives up transportation costs and carbon emissions. For businesses and consumers, this translates to higher prices and slower shipping.
Oway wants to flip the script by creating a decentralized freight transport system where AI matches available cargo with empty trailer space. Imagine calling an Uber—but instead of a ride, your pallet gets a quick, cheap lift across the country. Sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer
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How Oway’s Tech Cuts Shipping Costs in Half
Oway leverages artificial intelligence and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to optimize freight routes and automate tasks like documentation and insurance. This efficiency isn’t just theoretical—it’s measurable.
Take this example: shipping a single pallet from Los Angeles to Dallas currently costs about $350. With Oway’s system, that drops to roughly $140. Pretty wild, right?
Here’s why it works:
- AI-Powered Matching → Finds unused trailer space instantly.
- Automated Processes → Reduces time-consuming paperwork.
- Minimized Handling → Less cargo shuffling, fewer damages.
Basically, Oway delivers full-truckload speed at less-than-truckload (LTL) prices—the sweet spot shippers have been dreaming about.
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Beyond Cheaper Shipping: A Greener Future
It’s not just about saving money.
Empty trucks = wasted fuel + more emissions.
By filling up unused space, Oway helps reduce carbon footprints across the freight ecosystem. For eco-conscious businesses, that’s a big win.
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What’s Next for Oway
Oway is already in talks with major companies that manage large vehicle fleets. While the partnerships are hush-hush for now, interest from established players suggests this could reshape the U.S. logistics industry.
Founder Phillip Nadjafov isn’t shy about the vision either. He sees Oway not just as a freight platform but as “a catalyst for change”—creating a more decentralized, flexible, and collaborative approach to moving goods.
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Final Thoughts: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity
With trucking making up a trillion-dollar industry in the U.S., Oway’s approach has massive potential. If they succeed, consumers get lower prices, businesses ship faster and cheaper, and the planet breathes easier.
In short, Oway isn’t just solving a logistics problem—it’s redefining the rules of freight shipping. And with Y Combinator backing them, they might just pull it off.
The real question is: are we witnessing the next big disruption in U.S. logistics?
