Volvo Autonomous Solutions Starts Autonomous Route in Texas

Volvo Autonomous Solutions, a division of Volvo Group, has begun an autonomous commercial freight operations route in Texas in partnership with tech company AVI-SPL, it announced recently (Trucking Dive).

What’s going on: “The route between Dallas and Houston will transport assorted new audio-visual electronics and equipment designated for recycling and reclaiming precious metals for AVI-SPL.”

• The approximately 239-mile route will have a safety driver on board.
• Volvo Autonomous Solutions, which plans to go completely driverless on certain U.S. highways by the first quarter of 2027, said it expects to be running over 300 autonomous trucks by the end of next year, “followed by industrial scaling in 2028.”
• The new route uses technology from Aurora Innovation in the Volvo VNL Autonomous, billed as the truck maker’s first fully redundant truck designed for autonomy.

Why it’s important: “This collaboration shows how autonomous transport can help reduce transit times, improve service and meet the demands of time-sensitive, high-value freight,” Sasko Cuklev, head of on-road solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, said in a June press release.

What’s next: Volvo Autonomous Solutions, which plans to go completely driverless on U.S. highways by the first quarter of 2027, said it expects to be running over 300 autonomous trucks by the end of next year, “followed by industrial scaling in 2028.”

The NAM says: “The NAM has long supported transportation innovations. It’s time for Congress to advance meaningful surface transportation reauthorization legislation including the NAM-supported BUILD America 250 Act’s provision to create the first-ever federal framework for autonomous trucks,” said NAM Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Kirbie Ferrell.