TuSimple, the autonomous trucking startup, released a plan to create a network of routes and terminals that would be purposed for self-driving trucking. According to the plans, the autonomous trucking network would extend across the entire United States before the year 2024. Additionally, a number of other organizations will partner in the autonomous freight network, including UPS, U.S. Xpress, Penske Truck Leasing, and a supply chain company named McLane Inc.
The autonomous freight network would contain four main components to successfully function, including autonomous trucks, digitally navigated routes, and freight terminals. If successful the network would drastically reduce transportation costs, as well as increase efficiency, as the trucks could be running at all times year-round.
Image Credit: TuSimple
What's Driving This Trend
- Autonomous Trucking
- There is a huge opportunity in the development and use of autonomous trucks to create cost savings and increase operating efficiency.
- Digital Routing
- Developing software and technologies for digitally navigated routes would add great value to the autonomous trucking industry.
- Freight Terminals
- Innovations in freight terminals to accommodate autonomous trucks can provide a significant disruption to the logistics and supply chain sectors.
Who This Affects Most
- Logistics
- The logistics industry can benefit greatly from the use of autonomous trucks and the creation of an autonomous freight network.
- Transportation
- The transportation industry can leverage the use of autonomous trucking and digital routing technologies to create cost savings and increase efficiency.
- Supply Chain
- The supply chain industry has an opportunity to benefit from the increased efficiency and reduced costs of an autonomous freight network and associated industry innovations.
