Waymo Via and Uber Freight are partnering to connect technologies and deploy autonomous trucks across Uber’s network.
The two companies are combining technologies due to the continual shortage of drivers along with the rising demand for shipments in the logistics market.
The partnership will bring together Waymo’s Driver autonomous technology with the scale of Uber Freight’s network of drivers for the safe and scalable implementation of autonomous trucks on the road. Part of the agreement will see Waymo Via’s autonomous solution connected directly with the Uber Freight platform for shippers to tap into.
Initially, trucks in Waymo Via’s test fleet will be connected and eventually carriers that purchase trucks equipped with the Waymo Driver will be able to opt-in to Uber Freight to deploy assets on the network.
Waymo said it plans to reserve billions of miles of its goods-only mileage for the Uber Freight network under the partnership, which will unlock capacity when shippers need it and help in long-term logistics.
“Uber Freight’s network of shippers, carriers, and marketplace technology is a great match for the Waymo Driver,” said Charlie Jatt, head of commercialization for trucking at Waymo Via. “Through this partnership, we can empower carriers to fully utilize their investments in the Waymo Via solution through Uber Freight, and create a great experience for shippers, while keeping our focus on developing the core Driver technology.”
