Throughout the eight-year agreement, the flatbed transportation company will deploy 1,000 autonomous relay systems to its fleet, aiming to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and carbon footprint while increasing overall safety.
Locomation, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based technology platform that offers human-guided autonomous truck convoying, has entered a multiyear agreement with PGT Trucking to deploy Locomation autonomous truck technology for use on its routes.
During the eight-year contract, PGT Trucking will deploy 1,000 Autonomous Relay Convoy (ARC) systems on over 30 separate ARC segments. Each ARC segment is engineered for maximum yield by Locomation’s freight network optimization team headed by industry veteran Tom Kroswek, VP of strategy and business development. ARC enables one driver to pilot a lead truck equipped with technology augmentation while a follower truck operates in tandem through Locomation’s fully autonomous system. This allows the follower driver to log off and rest while the truck is in motion.
“We are thrilled about this partnership,” Çetin Meriçli, co-founder and CEO of Locomation, said. “We’ve built our ARC technology and network strategy to leverage the value of long-established trucking routes and systems, and PGT Trucking is a great fit for operating a supply chain custom built for autonomous trucks.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Locomation will initially provide a two-truck convoy with safety staff and will work in tandem with the PGT Trucking operations team. At full commercialization, Locomation said its autonomous vehicle technology is expected to produce an estimated 30% reduction in operating cost per mile, including an 8% reduction in fuel expense that removes over 40 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air per convoy annually.
PGT Trucking is a multiservice transportation firm, based in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, offering flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized services. PGT operates in excess of 1,000 power units and over 1,500 trailers nationwide.
“Part of PGT’s mission is to grow innovatively by improving efficiencies through the use of technology,” said Gregg Troian, president of PGT Trucking. “As PGT Trucking celebrates its 40th anniversary, this partnership allows us to stay abreast of progressive transportation advancements as we continue to evolve our fleet as the premier flatbed carrier. We expect this technology to significantly reduce costs and improve freight efficiency, as well as save energy and improve safety.”