Volvo starts autonomous operations for DHL Supply Chain in Texas

The Volvo VNL Autonomous truck, which is being put into operation in Texas for DHL Supply Chain. (Photo: Volvo)

Volvo announced that Volvo Autonomous Solutions and DHL Supply Chain have launched autonomous operations in Texas, enabled by the purpose-built, production-ready Volvo VNL Autonomous truck powered by Aurora Driver technology. Freight will initially be hauled on two routes: Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso.

The start of autonomous operations marks a critical phase in validating the full ecosystem required for autonomous transport at scale, Volvo said. At this stage, a safety driver will be present to monitor performance and ensure seamless integration into existing logistic networks.

“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, head of On-Road Solutions at 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 optimizes supply chain efficiencies.”

President of Transportation for DHL Supply Chain North America Jim Monkmeyer 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 solutions with our 24/7 operational demands.”

The Volvo VNL Autonomous has been designed from the ground up with built-in redundancy for critical systems, Volvo said. This redundancy replaces the backup provided by a human driver with systems that can automatically take control in case primary systems encounter an issue, ensuring safe operations, the company said.

Aurora Driver technology allows the Volvo VNL Autonomous to safely navigate the world around it at highway speeds, Volvo said, using powerful sensors, high-resolution cameras, imaging radar and proprietary long-range lidar.

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

Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, said, “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 said it is capitalizing upon the industry expertise of truck dealer Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment as well as other key Volvo Trucks dealers across Texas to set up critical support and service points for the Volvo VNL Autonomous.

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