FedEx has begun piloting autonomous delivery trucks in collaboration with autonomous technology developer Aurora and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer Paccar.
The partnership is leveraging FedEx’s linehaul trucking operations using Paccar trucks equipped with Aurora’s Autonomous Vehicle Platform (AVP). The pilot began on September 22 and is actively testing autonomous operations on FedEx parcel routes between Dallas and Houston. Running the route multiple times each week, the trucks autonomously complete nearly 800km for each round trip, with a backup driver for additional safety.
Earlier this year, Aurora and Paccar announced a strategic partnership to build and deploy autonomous trucks at scale. This commercial application of Aurora’s driver technology is the latest addition to the FedEx portfolio of autonomous and robotics solutions. The exponential growth of e-commerce has accelerated the demand for reliable, efficient transportation and logistics solutions throughout all stages of the supply chain.
This latest collaboration will incorporate the logistics expertise of FedEx to help accelerate the deployment and to advance autonomous technology in linehaul operations.
Sterling Anderson, chief product officer at Aurora, said, “This collaboration allows for the creation of a cohesive and integrated product and service. We believe there is no other credible way to deliver this complex and valuable technology at scale.”
John Rich, chief technology officer at Paccar, said, “Deepening our relationship with Aurora and FedEx to optimize one of our most important customer networks on Paccar AVP-equipped trucks is a significant and special milestone to deliver this technology at scale.”