Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and Uber Freight have entered into a long-term strategic partnership to deploy Volvo’s autonomous transport solution on Uber Freight’s marketplace. As a part of the partnership, both companies will work together to offer autonomous freight capacity on select routes starting in Texas to Uber Freight customers.
The partnership between V.A.S. and Uber Freight involves the deep integration of Volvo’s autonomous transport solutions with Uber Freight’s logistics platform. Through the partnership, shippers can access autonomous freight capacity on selected routes in Texas and beyond as V.A.S. continues to expand its network.
Both companies envision a future where autonomous and manually driven trucks will work together to move goods more safely and efficiently under a hub-to-hub model. Under this model, autonomous trucks will take on the long-haul portion of the transport mission while human drivers complete drayage operations.
Nils Jaeger, President, Volvo Autonomous Solutions says, “The V.A.S. and Uber Freight partnership is an exciting one. By integrating our autonomous transport solution with Uber Freight’s expansive network, we are offering shippers the possibility to move goods more efficiently while addressing some of the biggest challenges of the industry—transit times, empty miles, and a shortage of drivers.
“By integrating our autonomous transport solution with Uber Freight’s marketplace, we can learn about customer needs and build a solution that benefits the entire industry. And do this at a time when the industry face unprecedented challenges and needs it the most,” says Sasko Cuklev, Head of On-Road Solutions, Volvo Autonomous Solutions.
Industry-leading partnerships to commercialize autonomous transport
The Uber Freight partnership is a part of V.A.S.’s key customer program for shippers, carriers, logistics service providers, and freight brokers. As a part of the program, V.A.S. is forming strategic partnerships with key customers to pilot and commercialize autonomous transport solutions.
V.A.S. is also working with industry pioneer Aurora to develop and scale a safe and efficient autonomous transport solution with the Aurora Driver and Volvo’s on-highway truck offering. In September 2021, the two companies debuted the first autonomous VNL prototype, Volvo’s flagship long-haul truck.
