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Dive Summary:
- Kodiak Robots is partnering with Ryder System as it looks to launch autonomous trucks without a human operator this year.
- The the couple opened a freight port in Houston in December, which serves as their first facility and a connecting hub serving routes to Dallas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, according to a press release.
- The companies have suggested that on-site technicians and maintenance services could be added to the facility, and more trucks are envisioned together.
Dive Insight:
Many AV companies are aiming to move safety operators out of trucks this year to become truly autonomous, marking a major turning point for the industry.
The Houston freight port for Kodiak will begin the technology company’s first driverless operation, using the Dallas-Houston route. The company is already testing its trucks with people and delivering commercial cargo in Texas and other states.
In Houston, Ryder’s existing fleet maintenance facility adds value and signals how the transportation and supply chain provider could utilize similar properties.
“Ryder’s industry-leading fleet services and vast footprint of service locations make it an ideal partner as we scale autonomous trucks,” said Don Burnette, Kodiak co-founder and CEO.
The partnership also strengthens the company’s partnership building, which includes the development of autonomous truck services with Pilot Co. at Pilot and Flying J travel centers. In August, Pilot and Kodiak announced the opening of a truck in Villa Rica, Georgia, their first location.
But the competition is tough. Last spring, Aurora Innovation announced the debut of a truck in Palmer, Texas, with testing there quickly accelerating.