Texas is poised to serve as the initial location for Kodiak Robotics’ operations, according to CEO Don Burnette in an interview with Automotive News. However, specific details have yet to be finalized.
Burnette stated, “We have not yet made a determination or solidified the specifics regarding our operating location.”
If Loadsmith’s plans come to fruition, it is predicted that their fleet will be the largest self-driving truck fleet operating on public roads in the near future. Richard Bishop, an autonomous vehicle industry consultant, believes this is an ambitious yet achievable goal.
Bishop expressed, “No company has launched fully commercial Class 8 driverless trucks for long-haul operations at this point. Going from zero to 800 in just two years is a remarkable aim.”
Kodiak’s competitor, Aurora Innovation, intends to launch a service between Dallas and Houston, with plans to have approximately two dozen autonomous vehicles on the road by the end of 2024. Aurora recently entered into a partnership with Continental, with the collaboration expected to accelerate their scaling efforts starting in 2027.
Loadsmith’s fleets will transport goods along highways using the Kodiak Driver, their self-driving technology system. The trucks will initially be driven by human drivers to hubs located near or along the highways, where the autonomous system can take over.
Once engaged, the truck will autonomously travel to another hub, where another human driver will assume control and deliver the cargo to its final destination.
Brett Suma, the founder and CEO of Loadsmith, revealed that the company may operate and own hubs in certain markets but will primarily collaborate with real estate development firms to construct the hubs.
Suma explained, “From a real estate perspective, it would be unwise for us to solely operate independently. There are third-party entities currently working on and discussing the logistics of a hub that includes a truck park for autonomous trucks.”
Loadsmith is not the only company exploring the integration of real estate into AV truck operations.
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Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
