Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and DHL Supply Chain have launched autonomous freight delivery operations in Texas, utilizing the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck powered by the Aurora Driver. The new operations, which begin on two key routes—Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso—will initially involve a safety driver to monitor performance and ensure seamless integration with existing logistics networks.
Sasko Cuklev, head of On-Road Solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, highlighted the importance of early adoption in advancing autonomous technology. “Early adopters play a pivotal role in accelerating the deployment and acceptance of autonomous technology, enabling us to validate both safety and operational performance,” he said. Cuklev further emphasized the potential for autonomous transport to complement traditional freight systems, increasing capacity and optimizing supply chains.
Jim Monkmeyer, president of Transportation for DHL Supply Chain North America, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Autonomy is a key enabler in advancing the digital transformation across the logistics sector by providing reliable long-haul capacity.” Monkmeyer praised the partnership with Volvo, noting their long-standing collaboration and Volvo’s commitment to safety and innovation.
The Volvo VNL Autonomous truck, designed with built-in redundancy for critical systems, ensures that in the rare event of a system failure, secondary systems automatically take control, replacing the need for a human driver. The truck is equipped with the Aurora Driver, which includes advanced sensors such as high-resolution cameras, radar, and long-range lidar to enable safe autonomous operation at highway speeds.
