Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation, a self-driving technology company, and Iowa-based Hirschbach Motor Lines, a truckload carrier, recently expanded their strategic partnership. The final commercial terms as well as timing will be set in binding agreements later this year
Under the terms of the expanded partnership, 500 Hirschbach trucks would be deployed across Aurora’s network with a focus on high-volume routes in the Sun Belt and beyond.
Hirschbach is a key customer on Aurora’s 1,000-mile route between Fort Worth and Phoenix. The Aurora Driver, Aurora Innovation’s self-driving system, has driven more than 800,000 miles, delivering more than 2,000 loads for Hirschbach.
The expansion allows Hirschbach to aggressively scale its national network and is part of a strategy to allow traditional drivers to focus on shorter hauls and have autonomous trucks handle long-haul routes. Aurora benefits from a multi-year revenue stream.
“When early adopters see the benefits the Aurora Driver delivers for their business and their drivers, they don’t just stay the course – they scale quickly,” Chris Urmson, Aurora co-founder and CEO, said. “We’ve been lucky to have such a thoughtful and innovative partner since our early days and we look forward to growing with them. The industry is primed for this product, and our momentum toward meaningful commercial revenue is hitting a new gear.”
Delivery of the trucks is expected to begin next year.