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The PACCAR state-of-the-art Autonomous Vehicle Platform (AVP) is tested on trucks within FedEx linehaul trucking operations. | Image credit: FedEx

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) will kick off a collaboration with Aurora and PACCAR to test Aurora’s autonomous driving technology in PACCAR’s state-of-the-art Autonomous Vehicle Platform (AVP) equipped trucks within FedEx linehaul trucking operations.

As a first of its kind agreement, the three companies will work together to accelerate the development and scaled deployment of autonomous driving technology in a safe and thoughtful way.  This commercial application of Aurora’s Driver technology is the latest addition to the FedEx portfolio of autonomous and robotics solutions, as the company continues to experience record delivery volumes.

The exponential growth of e-commerce has accelerated the demand for reliable, efficient transportation and logistics solutions throughout all stages of the supply chain. FedEx believes that continued innovation and automation will improve safety, efficiency, and productivity for the company’s more than 560,000 team members as they continue to move the world forward.

“FedEx was built on innovation, and we always anticipate what’s next to be future-ready,” said Rebecca Yeung, vice president, advanced technology and innovation, FedEx Corporation. “This is an exciting, industry-first collaboration that will work toward enhancing the logistics industry through safer, more efficient transportation of goods and we are pleased to collaborate with other industry leaders – Aurora and PACCAR – on this endeavor.”

Earlier this year, Aurora and PACCAR announced a strategic partnership to build and deploy autonomous trucks at scale. This latest collaboration will incorporate the logistics expertise of FedEx to help accelerate the deployment.  The three companies will leverage their collective expertise in transportation to advance autonomous technology in linehaul operations.

“As leaders in our respective fields, we have critical and unique perspectives on how to develop and deploy safe, self-driving truck solutions for this industry,” said Sterling Anderson, Chief Product Officer at Aurora. “This collaboration allows for the creation of a cohesive and integrated product and service. We believe there is no other credible way to deliver this complex and valuable technology at scale.”

“Deepening our relationship with Aurora and FedEx to optimize one of our most important customer networks on PACCAR AVP equipped trucks is a significant and special milestone to deliver this technology at scale,” said John Rich, PACCAR chief technology officer.

This is an industry-first three-way collaboration between a logistics provider, autonomous technology developer and a truck manufacturer. The pilot begins on September 22, 2021 and will run along FedEx Dallas-Houston parcel lanes, completing the nearly 500-mile round trip route multiple times each week. The trucks will operate autonomously, with a backup driver for additional safety.