TuSimple Launches World's First Autonomous Freight Network

Automotive Author: Chao Gong Jul 02, 2020 11:22 AM (GMT+8)

TuSimple has launched an autonomous freight network in the US, with plans to expand its operation to main transport routes in 48 states in the US by 2024.

A TuSimple truck. Image credit: TuSimple official site.

Based in the US and China, autonomous truck company TuSimple has initiated the world's first Autonomous Freight Network (AFN) in the US. The network will roll out in stages, consisting of digitally mapped truck routes, strategically located terminals and an autonomous operations monitoring system. The three major US logistics service providers, UPS, Penske and US Xpress, will each work with the startup to bring the project to life over three phases. 

The company plans to first begin service between the cities of Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, from this year to 2021. Phase 2 kicks off in 2022 and runs until 2023 when it plans to expand its autonomous service coast-to-coast with a Los Angeles-to-Jacksonville route. Coming into 2024, the plan is to roll out phase 3 and provide autonomous shipping services nationwide in a total of 48 states. 

Up until now, TuSimple has provided services to shippers and third-party logistics in seven fixed routes for four cities in the country. The company also intends to finish establishing a logistics transportation center in Dallas so that it can better serve clients located in the Texas Triangle city group.

With the long-term view of implementing safe and effective driverless freight services in both China and America, TuSimple is leading the roll out and operation management of the first commercial self-driving truck fleet at scale.