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Paccar autonomous pilot highlights linehaul capabilities

Project with FedEx and Aurora to haul load between Dallas and Houston

 

Paccar has linked with FedEx and autonomous tech firm Aurora to launch a commercial pilot of self-driving trucks in linehaul operations.

This is the first collaboration of its kind between a truck manufacturer, an autonomous technology developer and a logistics provider, according to Paccar.

Its autonomously enabled trucks configured with the Aurora autonomous ‘Driver’ will haul FedEx loads between Dallas and Houston, a 500-mile (805km) round trip, along the I-45 corridor.

The trucks will operate autonomously with a backup driver for additional safety.

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“Paccar is pleased to partner with industry leaders FedEx and Aurora on this innovative project,” Paccar chief technology officer John Rich said.

Aurora chief product officer Sterling Anderson said this collaboration allows for the creation of a cohesive and integrated product and service.

“As leaders in our respective fields, we have critical and unique perspectives on how to develop and deploy safe, self-driving truck solutions for this industry,” Anderson said.

“We believe there is no other credible way to deliver this complex and valuable technology at scale.”


More on Paccar’s partnership with Aurora, here


FedEx Corporation vice president, advanced technology and innovation Rebecca Yeung commented on the project’s outlook.

“FedEx was built on innovation, and we always anticipate what’s next to be future-ready,” Yeungsaid.

“This is an exciting, industry-first collaboration that will work towards enhancing the logistics industry through safer, more efficient transportation of goods and we are pleased to collaborate with other industry leaders – Aurora and Paccar – on this endeavour.”

Paccar announced a strategic alliance with Aurora in January to develop, test and commercialise autonomous Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks.

The strategic alliance will integrate its autonomous vehicle platform with the Aurora Driver to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of Paccar’s customers.

“This new commercial pilot collaboration demonstrates the excellent progress that Paccar and Aurora are making in our strategic alliance,” Rich said.

 

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