TuSimple and Ryder Partner to Advance Self-Driving Truck Network

TuSimple and Ryder Collaborate on Autonomous Freight Network

TuSimple, a company specializing in self-driving truck technology that recently became publicly traded, has established a partnership with Ryder. This collaboration is a key component of TuSimple’s strategy to develop a comprehensive freight network supporting its autonomous trucking endeavors.

Ryder Facilities as Network Terminals

As announced this week, Ryder’s existing fleet maintenance locations will function as essential terminals within TuSimple’s freight network. TuSimple’s AFN, or Autonomous Freight Network, is designed as a network of dedicated shipping routes and terminals.

This network is intended to facilitate autonomous trucking operations throughout the United States, with a projected completion date of 2024. Initial partners in the AFN included UPS, U.S. Xpress, Penske Truck Leasing, and McLane Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

Components of the Autonomous Freight Network

TuSimple’s AFN is built upon four core elements. These include its fleet of self-driving trucks, precisely mapped digital routes, strategically located freight terminals, and a real-time monitoring system.

This system allows customers to oversee autonomous trucking operations and track their shipments as they move through the network.

Ryder’s Role in Maintenance and Calibration

Ryder’s facilities will primarily serve as crucial terminals for maintenance and calibration of the sensors integral to TuSimple’s self-driving systems. In certain instances, these terminals may also function as transfer points for smaller carriers.

However, TuSimple President and CEO Cheng Lu clarified that the network is not intended as a traditional hub-and-spoke system where customers directly collect freight.

Importance of Uptime and Serviceability

“Maintaining high uptime and ensuring serviceability are paramount for all carriers, regardless of their level of automation,” stated Lu. This underscores the importance of reliable maintenance infrastructure.

While smaller shippers and carriers may utilize these terminals for freight drop-off and pick-up, TuSimple will generally deliver shipments directly to the distribution centers of larger clients, such as UPS.

Ryder facilities will act as network nodes, expanding TuSimple’s reach to a broader customer base across a wider geographic area.

Phased Rollout and Expansion Plans

The partnership will be implemented in phases. TuSimple currently operates a fleet of 50 autonomous trucks, each equipped with a human safety operator.

These trucks are actively transporting freight for customers in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The initial phase will leverage Ryder’s facilities in these regions, with plans for eventual expansion to all 500 of the company’s maintenance locations nationwide.

East Coast Expansion and Fleet Growth

TuSimple anticipates extending its operations to the East Coast later this year, establishing a freight route between Phoenix and Orlando. The company has also ordered 25 new trucks, which will be integrated into the fleet as they become available.