DHL was chosen as the first fleet to integrate the new VNL equipped with the Aurora Driver into its operations, a decision based on a collaborative history between the two companies. VAS has been working alongside DHL in Texas, using traditional trucks operated by human drivers to gather insights into the duty cycle and route dynamics.

Jason Gillespie, senior director of continuous improvement and innovation at DHL, explained that the company carefully selected partners willing to be among the first to implement autonomous deliveries. The process involves picking up loads at customer sites with traditional trucks, transporting them to autonomous terminals operated by VAS, and then delivering the freight autonomously to another VAS-run terminal. The final leg of the journey will again utilize human-driven trucks.

A distinct advantage for VAS is its ability to incorporate Aurora self-driving technology into trucks during production at Volvo’s New River Valley plant in Virginia. This capability will allow VAS to scale production and accelerate advancements in the autonomous trucking segment more efficiently than competitors. “That was really critical for us,” Gillespie noted, emphasizing the importance of factory installation over retrofitting.

DHL is no stranger to automation, having previously deployed autonomous technologies in its warehouses and yards. “We’re a big believer in it, and making sure that it’s helping the humans and not displacing them,” Gillespie stated. Addressing concerns about driver anxiety regarding self-driving trucks, he acknowledged the apprehension but reassured that the intention is not to replace drivers. “The freight we’re going after is that long-distance, cross-country type of freight,” he explained, suggesting that autonomous deliveries could ultimately enhance drivers’ lifestyles by allowing them to be home more frequently.

Texas has been selected for these early autonomous trucking pilots due to its favorable regulatory framework and ideal weather conditions. However, Gillespie believes that the technology will adapt successfully to other regions, including Canada, where weather can be less predictable.