USPS tests autonomous trucks

American postal service USPS has recently started testing autonomous trucks made by startup TuSimple. The tests will run for a total of two weeks.

Vehicles will need to travel between company buildings in Phoenix, Arizona and Dallas, Texas. The entire route runs for 1600 km.

Many companies working in delivery are currently reviewing the option of using autonomous vehicles for transportation. UPS and DHL, two other major logistics companies, are also working on this presently. Autonomous transport will allow these companies to reduce expenses on gas and drivers, particular in long-haul trips with short stops. This measure will also serve to reduce the amount of harmful emissions and road accidents.

TuSimple — the company that created the trucks — had previously tested them on short trips in Arizona. In order to prevent potential accidents, the company had remote operators carefully watching the vehicles. The new test will be conducted in a similar way, except with longer routes.