DHL Expands Autonomous-Truck Plans

DHL is upping its plans for autonomous-truck operations, as TuSimple announced a global partnership with DHL Supply Chain to adopt, integrate, and scale TuSimples’ autonomous trucking technology into DHL’s operations.

The strategic collaboration is part of DHL’s Accelerated Digitalization Strategy and focuses on addressing the most pressing challenges facing the logistics industry, according to the announcement.

In early December, DHL began daily freight operations using TuSimple’s San Antonio-to-Dallas Autonomous Freight Network. On Dec. 15, DHL disclosed that it has reserved 100 autonomous trucks being co-developed by TuSimple and Navistar in the U.S., bringing TuSimple’s total reservations to 6,875, according to the company.

This news follows a recent announcement that DHL plans to deploy a fleet of autonomous trucks within its operations upon the commercial launch of the Embark Driver software in 2024.

The TuSimple partnership positions DHL at the forefront of autonomous trucking operations and opens the door for collaboration in other markets such as Europe and Asia in the future, according to the announcement.

“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, in a news release. “We share TuSimple’s vision of utilizing efficiencies to drive a more sustainable future and have been encouraged by the results so far.”

Since establishing the first Autonomous Freight Network in 2020 in the U.S., TuSimple has 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 U.S, 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.