Waymo has committed to expanding its strategic alliance with US-based logistics company J.B. Hunt, aimed at commercializing its autonomous driving technology for truck applications.
As part of the agreement, J.B. Hunt will be Waymo Via’s first launch customer for freight movement as it deploys fully autonomous operations in Texas in the next few years. Waymo says it intends to build on the success of its most recent pilot with several additional autonomous delivery efforts planned with J.B. Hunt to prepare for fully autonomous operations. It will also continue to conduct joint operational and market studies to assess the commercial success of its autonomous driving technology and J.B. Hunt’s operations.
Charlie Jatt, head of commercialization for trucking at Waymo Via, commented, “Our collaboration with J.B. Hunt in 2021 was incredibly fruitful. Establishing this strategic alliance marks an exciting moment for our relationship and, more importantly, paves the way for us both to help grow the foundations for successful deployment and capitalize on the benefits of autonomous driving technology. We’re incredibly grateful for our relationship with J.B. Hunt and their shared vision for the safety and efficiency benefits we can bring to the industry at a critical time.”