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Artur Express will operate 100 sleeper vehicles with Kodiak Robotics self-driving technology installed as part of a partnership between both companies, they announced.
Artur Express, based in Hazelwood (Mo. ), is ranked No. Transport Topics Top 100 List of North America’s largest for-hire carriers ranks Artur Express at No. The hauler is also ranked No. The hauler also ranks No. 22 refrigerated carrier.
“Being part of the development of self-driving trucks is extremely exciting, as it will transform transport and save lives. It will also improve our drivers’ quality of work, as the technology allows them to spend more time at home,” Artur Express co president Artur Wagrodzki stated.
“We are excited about the future and how autonomous trucks can transform the way freight is moved.” “We will not only increase autonomous capacity, but also improve safety while reducing fuel consumption,” said Artur Express co president Tom Tokarczyk.
The exact time frame for the trucks to be on the roads is still being worked out. “We are working with Kodiak to develop a timeline. Mark Koch, Vice President of Operations at Transport Topics, told Transport Topics that this includes selecting drivers who will be inside the units and implementing training to show how Kodiak technology and our drivers can work together.
Artur Wagrodzki and Tom Tokarczyk, Artur Express executives. (Artur Express)
Both companies are also determining the best routes.
Kodiak’s network, which spans over 19,000 miles, offers Artur Express a number of lane opportunities.
Artur Express is a truckload carrier that specializes in hauling dry goods and refrigerated products.
Artur said in announcing its partnership on June 11 that the technology could help Artur’s drivers be successful when delivering their loads across the country.
It said: “We believe that engaging with new technology early will provide an additional edge in taking care of our driver and providing them everything they need to perform at their best for our clients.”
Jimmy Shaffer, the Artur Express driver, walks towards his cab. (Artur Express)
Artur Express operates four battery electric trucks in the metropolitan St. Louis region as part of its more than 700 semis.
The company stated that Kodiak expects to integrate its technology into its first fleet partners’ trucks in the second half 2025.
Kodiak, based in Mountain View, Calif., plans to launch its first driverless operation along its Dallas-Houston routes later this year. The company owns its trucks, with a driver inside the cab. Don Burnette, CEO of Kodiak, told TT that the company’s main focus in 2024 will be on the Dallas-Houston-Dallas-Atlanta route.
Kodiak has so far publicly announced that it is working with Martin Brower Co. England, Tyson Foods and Forward Air are among the companies that have announced their collaboration with Ceva Logistics, Ikea, Werner Enterprises and 10 Roads Express.
Corey Cox, of the Tandet Group, discusses how early AI users are beginning to reap the benefits of the latest wave. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
Martin-Brower is ranked No. TT Top Food Service Carriers Sector List. Maersk is ranked No. TT Top 50 Global Freight Companies List. C.R. England, Forward Air and 10 Roads are ranked Nos. On the for-hire TT100, these are ranked 28, 27, 17, and 55. Tyson is ranked No. TT Top Private Carriers List. Ceva ranks No. Ceva ranks No. 24 on the TT Top 100 Logistics Companies list.
In April, Kodiak formally announced a new advisory council that will help to promote the commercialization of autonomous trucks.
The Arkansas Trucking Association is among the first members. Other members include Loadsmith Walmart Werner and UPS.
Walmart ranks No. Walmart ranks No. 2 on the private TT100. UPS is ranked No. UPS ranks No. 1 on the for hire TT100. Kodiak operates two truck ports in Houston and Villa Rica, Ga. The Georgia facility will open in August 2023. The Houston site will open in January. Burnette told TT that the latter will allow Kodiak validate the Houston-Dallas routes.
The company’s Villa Rica facility is a collaboration with truck stop operator Pilot Co.. The Houston facility, on the other hand, is located at a Ryder System Inc. facility for fleet maintenance. Pilot ranks No. Pilot ranks No. 20 on the private TT100 while Ryder is ranked No. 9 on the for-hire TT100. Ryder ranks No. 9 on the TT100 for hire.
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