Ryder System and autonomous technology company Embark Trucks have formed a partnership to launch a nationwide network of up to 100 “transfer points” where freight would be moved from autonomous long-haul trucks to driver-enabled trucks for first- and last-mile delivery.

Under the partnership, Embark plans to establish a network of strategically located transfer points, while Ryder plans to serve as the transfer point operator, managing the logistical operations throughout the yard, performing pre- and post-trip inspections, and providing maintenance services for the vehicles,  as well as the autonomous hardware.

Initially, the partnership will focus on developing select sites in key freight markets in California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Embark plans to begin hauling loads through these sites in early 2022 in preparation for a larger commercial launch in 2024.

Over the next five years, working with a network of real estate operators, the two companies aim to open as many as 100 Embark transfer points nationwide, Ryder officials said in a press release.

“A fully developed transfer point has to include autonomous truck maintenance services and efficient yard operations,” said Alex Rodrigues, CEO of Embark. “By working with Ryder to offer best-in-class truck services throughout our transfer point network, we’re laying the groundwork for seamless coast-to-coast operations of Embark-equipped trucks.”'

Earlier this year, Ryder entered into similar partnerships with TuSimple and Waymo to serve as the maintenance provider for their autonomous freight networks.

Embark unveiled its first transfer points in Los Angeles and Phoenix. Since then, Embark has conducted hundreds of hauls through these sites, refining required transfer point capabilities and evaluating a range of service providers to fulfill those capabilities, Embark official said.

“The path to commercial adoption of autonomous trucks involves quite a bit more than integrating the technology that allows vehicles to drive safely on their own,” says Karen Jones, CMO and head of new product innovation at Ryder. “Someone needs to inspect the vehicles to identify potential problems, provide maintenance support, service the autonomous hardware, and coordinate load hand-offs, among other things. Through this partnership with Embark, we’re able to leverage nearly 90 years of Ryder’s operational expertise to support Embark’s growth plan.”