US truck builder, International Motors LLC (International), has collaborated with Ryder System, Inc. to launch a joint autonomous truck pilot in Texas.
As part of the pilot, Ryder is operating a daily 600-mile route (966 kilometres) along the I-35 corridor between its locations in Laredo and Temple, Texas.
Ryder is International’s inaugural customer participating in the truck manufacturer’s previously announced autonomous fleet trial program, with the pilot now placing a factory-integrated autonomous vehicle (AV) into a live freight operation.
Designed to demonstrate that autonomous technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing customer operations, an International autonomous truck runs a dedicated transportation route for a Ryder supply chain customer, allowing both Ryder and International to evaluate performance, reliability, and operational requirements under real-world conditions.
As part of the trial, International has deployed its second-generation autonomous tractor, equipped with a comprehensive suite of factory-installed sensors – including lidar, radar, and cameras – on an International LT Series truck, powered by the S13 Integrated Powertrain and running the latest generation AI-based SuperDrive autonomous driving software from PlusAI.
“In partnering with fleet customers to determine path-to-deployment, we’re focused on integrating factory-ready virtual driver software into existing transport operations, without the need for dedicated autonomous terminals,” said International’s head of Autonomous Solutions, James Cooper.
“The mission is to deliver a quality, OEM-validated solution to ensure our customers receive the reliability and valued experience they trust from International.”
The International – Ryder pilot is intended to validate autonomous technology as part of an active long-haul logistics network, as well as identify optimal use cases and near-term value proposition in long-haul transport and gain operational feedback to finalise launch-ready product features.
“For Ryder, this pilot represents an important step forward—moving beyond terminal- and maintenance-focused trials to evaluating autonomy in live operations,” said RyderVentures senior director and new product strategy at Ryder, Seth deVlugt.
“The insights we gain here will help us further understand how autonomy could potentially be applied across portions of the supply chain.”
Initial results from the pilot include:
- 100 per cent on-time delivery.
- 92 per cent autonomous route coverage, supervised by a human safety driver.
- Pre-trip inspection below 30 minutes, in line with current expectations.
- Improved fuel efficiency.
“As an OEM, our target is to provide our customers with an end-to-end solution including vehicles, digital solutions, and operational support services, allowing customers to operate directly from their existing infrastructure and minimising additional complexity,” said James Cooper.
“Ryder’s participation underscores our shared commitment to practical autonomous fleet deployment. Together, we’re working to turn pilots into scalable, commercial solutions.”
International said that achieving advancements in AV deployment depends on collaborations among industry experts, such as International, Ryder, and PlusAI so as undertake the following:
- Collect operational data on uptime, serviceability, and terminal processes.
- Evaluate logistics, operations, and support considerations for AVs.
- Explore point-to-point transportation concepts through digitally enabled and software-defined vehicle solutions.
“Autonomy is informed by real-world operational experience, not test tracks,” said Seth deVlugt.
“Operating an AV in an active logistics network with the supervision of a safety driver allows us to validate the technology where it matters most—on a real lane, moving real freight, for a real customer.”
In other news, NHVR appoints new Chair and board members.
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