Volvo and DHL Collaborate to Launch Autonomous Freight Operations in the U.S., Pioneering the Future of Logistics

Volvo and DHL Collaborate to Launch Autonomous Freight Operations in the U.S., Pioneering the Future of Logistics

(IN BRIEF) Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and DHL Supply Chain have joined forces to revolutionize freight transportation in the U.S. using the production-ready Volvo VNL Autonomous, powered by Aurora Driver technology. The partnership aims to validate the ecosystem required for large-scale autonomous operations, initially covering freight routes between Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, and El Paso. Safety remains a priority, with redundancy built into critical systems and advanced sensors ensuring secure operations. This collaboration highlights the potential of autonomy to enhance logistics, improve supply chain efficiency, and address labor challenges. Partnerships like this are essential for gaining public trust and regulatory acceptance while advancing the future of freight transport.

(PRESS RELEASE) GOTHENBURG, 12-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and DHL Supply Chain have embarked on a transformative partnership to bring autonomous freight transportation to the United States. This groundbreaking initiative is powered by the Volvo VNL Autonomous, a production-ready vehicle equipped with the advanced Aurora Driver system. These operations, which include safety drivers during the initial phase, aim to validate the comprehensive ecosystem needed for large-scale autonomous transport. Freight will initially be moved along two critical lanes: Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso.

A Strategic Alliance for Innovation

The collaboration between V.A.S. and DHL Supply Chain underscores the vital role of early adopters in advancing autonomous technology. Sasko Cuklev, Head of On-Road Solutions at V.A.S., highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “Early adopters play a crucial role in proving the safety and operational efficiency of autonomous solutions. Our collaboration with DHL demonstrates how autonomy can complement traditional logistics, enhancing freight capacity and optimizing supply chain operations.”

Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation for DHL Supply Chain North America, emphasized the impact of autonomy on the logistics sector. “Autonomous technology is central to the digital transformation of logistics, providing reliable long-haul capacity and addressing labor challenges. Our longstanding partnership with Volvo has been key in aligning innovative transport solutions with our continuous operations. Volvo’s commitment to safety and innovation makes them the perfect partner in redefining efficiency and customer value,” Monkmeyer remarked.

Safety as a Core Principle

Safety remains paramount in Volvo’s autonomous vehicle design. The Volvo VNL Autonomous incorporates redundant systems for critical functions, ensuring operational safety even if primary systems fail. These redundant systems replace the backup typically provided by a human driver.

This commitment to safety is reinforced by Volvo’s collaboration with Aurora, whose cutting-edge technology powers the Aurora Driver. With advanced sensors, including high-resolution cameras, imaging radar, and long-range lidar, the system enables safe autonomous operations at highway speeds.

Building an Autonomous Ecosystem

Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to autonomy. “Scaling autonomous transport requires more than just advanced trucks. It demands a robust support network and infrastructure to enable seamless daily operations,” he explained.

To ensure operational efficiency, V.A.S. has partnered with Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment and other Volvo Trucks dealers in Texas to establish key service and support points for the Volvo VNL Autonomous. This comprehensive ecosystem is essential for the future deployment of autonomous fleets.

Pioneering the Future of Freight

The adoption of autonomous technology promises to revolutionize the transport industry by lowering costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety. Autonomous trucks offer round-the-clock operational capabilities, accelerating delivery times and strengthening supply chains.

Monkmeyer also highlighted the potential benefits for drivers, noting, “Autonomous trucks can create new roles, such as remote fleet monitoring and management, while addressing physical and mental strains on drivers. This evolution can lead to improved job satisfaction and quality of life.”

Strategic collaborations like the partnership between Volvo Autonomous Solutions and DHL Supply Chain are pivotal in building public trust and regulatory approval for autonomous technologies. These efforts bring the transport industry closer to realizing the full potential of autonomy, delivering transformative benefits across the logistics landscape.

About Volvo Autonomous Solutions

The autonomous transport solution offered by Volvo Autonomous Solutions includes a vehicle purpose-built for autonomous driving, a virtual driver, required infrastructure, operations and uptime support as well as a cloud solution that controls the transport system and manages logistics flows. The solutions developed by Volvo Autonomous Solutions are tailor-made for each customer’s needs are intended to make their operations safer, and more productive and sustainable.

About DHL Supply Chain

Excellence. Simply delivered.

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81.8 billion euros in 2023. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

For more information, please visit volvogroup.com
For frequent updates, follow us on LinkedIn.

The Volvo Group drives prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions, offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase our customers’ uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs more than 100,000 people and serves customers in almost 190 markets. In 2023, net sales amounted to SEK 553 billion (EUR 48 billion). Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

Media Contacts:

Volvo:
Ceren Wende
Head of Marketing and Communication, Volvo Autonomous Solutions
Phone: + 46 31 322 4536
E-mail: ceren.wende@volvo.com

DHL Supply Chain:
Media Relations
Marcia McLaughlin
Phone: +1.443.356.2816
E-mail: marcia.mclaughlin@dhl.com

SOURCE: AB Volvo