TuSimple, a global autonomous-driving technology company, has announced it has expanded service for current customer UPS to 20 trips per week and has added an additional route between Phoenix, Arizona, and El Paso, Texas. As part of this engagement, 10 runs per week are on the new route while the other 10 runs are on an established route between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

TuSimple also announces their autonomous trucks are achieving 10% fuel savings during operation for UPS when compared with traditional operation. Last December, TuSimple announced research results from the University of California, San Diego that show its autonomous driving technology significantly reduces the fuel consumption of heavy-duty trucks by at least 10%. This partnership is a real-world example of how autonomous trucking can reduce the carbon footprint of the freight industry.

“We partnered with TuSimple to explore autonomous technology for our Global Smart Logistics Network which aims to improve network efficiencies, safety, and customer service,” said chief strategy and transformation officer, Scott Price. “TuSimple has been instrumental to this initiative, so it was a logical next step for us to expand the test to additional routes within our North American Freight Forwarding lanes.”

TuSimple chief product officer Chuck Price said UPS had been a valued partner of TuSimple since the two companies officially started working together early last year.

“This deep relationship shows the company‘s commitment to innovation and exemplifies why UPS is considered a trailblazer when it comes to exploring and implementing cutting-edge technology.”

TuSimple is aiming to transform the US$800 billion US trucking industry by improving safety, increasing efficiency, reducing operating costs and carbon emissions. The company has 18 contracted customers and makes approximately 20 autonomous trips per day. The company plans to demonstrate driverless operations in 2021.