At a Glance

  • Volvo Autonomous Solutions announced on June 18 that it has partnered with technology company AVI-SPL to launch commercial autonomous freight operations on a key route in Texas.
  • According to the press release, the Dallas-to-Houston route will transport various new audio-visual electronic equipment and devices designated for recycling and precious metal refining, with AVI-SPL as the shipper.
  • Sasko Cuklev, Head of On-Road Transport at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, stated that AVI-SPL's adoption of autonomous transport enables high-value cargo to be moved with speed and responsiveness. Cuklev added, "This collaboration demonstrates how autonomous transport can help shorten transit times, improve service, and meet the demands of time-sensitive, high-value cargo."

Deep Insights

Volvo Autonomous Solutions' new commercial route with AVI-SPL advances the Volvo Group subsidiary's plans to remove safety drivers and achieve fully driverless operations on U.S. highways by the first quarter of 2027.

The new route utilizes Aurora Innovation's autonomous driving technology on Volvo VNL trucks. But this is not the only route the two companies are focusing on in Texas: in May, they launched a 200-mile autonomous route between Dallas and Oklahoma City.

An Aurora spokesperson said in an email to Trucking Dive that the AVI-SPL Dallas-to-Houston route will have safety drivers on board before closing the safety case for the trucks used. Aurora has previously stated that through its partnership with Volvo, it aims to achieve scaled autonomous freight operations.

Volvo expects more than 300 autonomous trucks to be operating on U.S. highways by the end of 2027, followed by industrial-scale expansion in 2028.

AVI-SPL stated that its driverless route reflects the company's commitment to operational innovation and supply chain strategies aimed at improving scalability, reliability, and long-term efficiency.

Tim Riek, Chief Strategy Officer at AVI-SPL, said in the press release: "Autonomous transport has the potential to significantly reshape the future of logistics. This collaboration enables AVI-SPL to explore innovative technologies that help improve operational resilience, support long-term scalability, and enhance the overall customer experience."