Photo: TuSimple (via Automotive News)
Autonomous deliveries have the power to revolutionize commerce, which is why a handful of companies, including a notable supply chain company, are looking to buy into the world of self-driving trucks.
DHL Supply Chain has ordered 100 semi-trucks with automated driving technology from TuSimple, manufactured by Navistar, to develop a better grasp on driverless vehicles, according to Automotive News.
The trucks are set to be delivered to DHL as soon as 2024 or 2025 and will feature the autonomous technology upon delivery.
Stellantis Plans Level 3 Self-Driving with BMW for 2024; Level 4/5 with Waymo https://t.co/Qw9tnkwYiR
— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) December 9, 2021
After delivering the initial delivery, TuSimple will offer its services to DHL as a subscription, and as part of the company’s long-term business plan, according to an interview with TuSimple CEO Cheng Lu.
In the interview, Lu said, “Retrofitting a truck is simple not scalable.”
Though the partnership is fairly new, as well as DHL and parent company Deutsche Post AG’s experience with self-driving systems, the company says they’re excited to be able to use the technology in markets beyond the U.S. down the road.
TuSimple and DHL began a pilot program last year, transporting goods from California to Dallas and San Antonio, Texas.
Similarly, Amazon pre-ordered 1,000 autonomous driving systems from the self-driving company Plus.
In addition, Walmart and Ford announced plans to launch a self-driving vehicle delivery service in the U.S. in a partnership with Argo AI.
Tesla’s Semi truck has started limited trial production and the first units are expected to deliver to PepsiCo this year, but that remains to be seen.
