Autonomous trucking and load-handling capabilities to advance through Hiab and Forterra strategic collaboration

Photo credit: Forterra

(IN BRIEF) Hiab and Forterra have entered a strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in trucking and load handling. By integrating Hiab’s robotics-driven equipment such as cranes, hooklifts, and container systems with Forterra’s AutoDrive® platform—already deployed widely in defense—the collaboration aims to bring greater automation and coordination to logistics workflows. The partnership will initially focus on joint technology development and integration, with the ultimate goal of enhancing safety, sustainability, and efficiency across logistics operations while enabling personnel to take on higher-value tasks.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 10-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Hiab, a global leader in smart and sustainable load-handling technologies, has announced a new strategic alliance with Forterra, a specialist in autonomous vehicle systems. The collaboration is intended to push forward the development of next-generation autonomous trucking and automated load-handling solutions, strengthening both companies’ positions in shaping the logistics industry of the future.

The agreement combines Forterra’s long-standing expertise in autonomy with Hiab’s deep knowledge of load-handling innovation. Forterra’s AutoDrive® platform, already widely adopted in defense and proven in complex operational environments, will be integrated with Hiab’s automated cranes, hooklifts, and container-handling systems. Together, the companies aim to redefine how vehicles and equipment operate in coordination, creating smarter workflows and more automated logistics processes.

Forterra, recognized as a leading provider of autonomous ground systems for defense, has more than a decade of experience deploying autonomy in environments ranging from military and industrial operations to commercial freight. Its technologies are designed to perform in unstructured and demanding conditions, making them highly adaptable to logistics challenges beyond defense.

For Hiab, the partnership represents a step toward extending its robotics and AI capabilities into broader autonomous solutions. By embedding automation into equipment that has traditionally required human operation, such as cranes and hooklifts, Hiab and Forterra envision a safer and more efficient future in which logistics personnel can focus on higher-value responsibilities. The early stages of collaboration will involve aligning development roadmaps and advancing technical integration.

Hermanni Lyyski, President of Demountables and Defence at Hiab, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “With solutions like our MULTILIFT Talon container handling unit and Driver Support technology, we are preparing the ground for a more autonomous future in logistics. Working with Forterra allows us to connect our robotics expertise with their AutoDrive® platform, creating stronger, safer, and more sustainable capabilities for our customers.”

Forterra’s Commercial Vice President, Gabe Sganga, highlighted the broader industry impact: “This agreement is a significant milestone in extending autonomy across logistics operations. By combining our proven autonomous technologies with Hiab’s advanced load-handling expertise, we are offering customers in demanding industries new levels of efficiency, safety, and flexibility.”

For further information, please contact:

Hermanni Lyyski
President, Demountables and Defence
hermanni.lyyski@hiab.com

Anu-Maaria Vaalama, Communications Director, tel. +358 407667834
anumaaria.vaalama@hiab.com

Hiab (Nasdaq Helsinki: HIAB) is a leading provider of smart and sustainable on road load-handling solutions, committed to delivering the best customer experience every day with the most engaged people and partners. Globally, Hiab is represented on every continent through its extensive network of 3,000 own and partner sales and service locations, enabling delivery to over 100 countries. The company’s continuing operations sales in 2024 totalled approximately EUR 1.6 billion and it employs over 4,000 people. www.hiabgroup.com

SOURCE: Hiab Corporation