Autonomous driving technology company TuSimple and contract logistics provider DHL Supply Chain have entered into a global partnership to adopt, integrate and scale TuSimple’s autonomous trucking technology into DHL’s operations.
The strategic collaboration is part of DHL’s Accelerated Digitalization strategy and focuses on addressing pressing challenges facing the logistics industry.
In early December, DHL began daily freight haul operations utilising TuSimple’s San Antonio-to-Dallas Autonomous Freight Network (AFN).
And with this extension of the partnership, DHL has disclosed that it has reserved 100 autonomous trucks being co-developed by TuSimple and Navistar in the USA.
DHL said the partnership positions the company at the forefront of autonomous trucking operations and opens the door for collaboration in other markets such as Europe and Asia in the future.
With integration of TuSimple’s L4 technology into its network, DHL aims to leverage the potential of TuSimple’s autonomous driving technology specifically designed to meet the demands of heavy-duty trucks.
“Partnering with leading-edge technology companies is foundational to our digital transformation strategy, and TuSimple will play a key role in supporting our adoption of next wave transportation solutions,” said Jim Monkmeyer, president, transportation, DHL Supply Chain.
“We share TuSimple’s vision of utilising efficiencies to drive a more sustainable future and have been encouraged by the results so far.”
After establishing the first AFN in 2020 in the USA, TuSimple has since expanded its operations from Arizona to Florida, with plans to create a nationwide freight transportation network over the next few years.
Concurrent with its expansion of the AFN in the USA, TuSimple has initiated efforts in Europe and Asia, where it is testing its autonomous trucks on public roads in Sweden and in Asia at the deep-water port in Shanghai.
