Volvo has started autonomous operations for DHL Supply Chain in Texas.

The Swedish car maker and DHL have launched autonomous operations enabled by the purpose-built, production-ready Volvo VNL Autonomous which is powered by the Aurora Driver.

Aurora is a self-driving vehicle technology company based in Pennsylvania. It has developed the Aurora Driver, a computer system that can be integrated into cars for autonomous driving.

The start of operations marks a critical phase in validating the full ecosystem required for autonomous transport at scale. At this stage, a safety driver will be present to monitor performance and ensure seamless integration into existing logistic networks. Freight will initially be hauled on two lanes, Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso.

“Early adopters play a pivotal role in accelerating the deployment and acceptance of autonomous technology, enabling us to validate both safety and operational performance,” said Sasko Cuklev from Volvo Autonomous Solutions. “Our collaboration with DHL Supply Chain exemplifies the potential of autonomy as a complementary mode of transport that increases freight capacity and optimises supply chain efficiencies.”

Jim Monkmeyer, president of transportation for DHL (group.dhl.com) in North America, added: “Autonomy is a key enabler in advancing the digital transformation across the logistics sector by providing reliable long-haul capacity. Our long-standing partnership with Volvo has been instrumental in aligning their autonomous transport with our 24/7 operational demands. Volvo’s legacy of safety and relentless pursuit of innovation make them an ideal partner in our journey to elevate trucking efficiency and deliver greater value to our customers.”

The Volvo VNL Autonomous is designed from the ground up with built-in redundancy for critical systems. In autonomous trucks, redundancy replaces the backup provided by a human driver with systems that can automatically take control in the rare case of primary systems encountering an issue, ensuring safe operations.

This safety approach is strengthened by Volvo’s partnership with Aurora, whose technology enables the Volvo VNL Autonomous to navigate safely. The Aurora Driver (aurora.tech/aurora-driver) is equipped with sensors, including high-resolution cameras, imaging radar and proprietary long-range lidar that allow for safe autonomous operations at highway speeds.

“As part of the Volvo Group, we have access to industry leading product development, world-class manufacturing and a mature dealer and service network,” said Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions. “For a large-scale deployment of autonomy, in addition to the autonomous truck, there also needs to be a cohesive and seamless support network of surrounding infrastructure, which creates a comprehensive autonomous ecosystem that enables daily operations.”

To ensure uptime for future autonomous fleets, Volvo has used the expertise of Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment (www.brucknertruck.com), along with other key Volvo Trucks dealers across Texas, to set up critical support and service points.

“Autonomous trucks can offer drivers new opportunities, such as remote monitoring and management of fleets while also addressing ongoing labour challenges,” said Monkmeyer. “Additionally, autonomous trucks can reduce the physical and mental strain on drivers, leading to improved quality of life and increased job satisfaction.”

The autonomous transport offered by Volvo Autonomous Solutions (www.volvoautonomoussolutions.com) includes a vehicle purpose-built for autonomous driving, a virtual driver, required infrastructure, operations and uptime support as well as a cloud offering that controls the transport system and manages logistics flows.