PGT Trucking To Deploy Autonomous Truck Technologies With Locomation

ALIQUIPPA, PA…. PGT Trucking, Inc. has entered into an eight year strategic agreement with Pittsburgh-based Locomation, with the goal of improving freight efficiency through the use of Locomation’s unique autonomous truck, turnkey solution.

Locomation was founded in 2018 by a team of the world’s foremost experts on autonomous vehicles, robotics, and artificial intelligence from Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Engineering Center. These co-founders have developed or contributed significantly to the development of some of the most advanced autonomy systems in commercial operation today, including NASA’s most advanced autonomous Rovers. They are joined by lifelong trucking industry leaders who understand the operational aspects and intricacies of the nation’s supply chain.

The executives at PGT feel that the time is right to explore the use of autonomous vehicles, especially considering  current supply chain issues, ongoing driver shortages and the projected increase in freight volumes and tighter delivery demands moving forward. 

Over the next eight years, PGT will re-engineer their supply chain and deploy 1,000 Autonomous Relay ConvoySM (ARC) systems as the first mover on strategic routes in the north-central region, where PGT has a strong presence in the flatbed market.

The ARC system uses human-led, two-truck autonomous relay convoys with two drivers. Once on the freeway, one driver operates the lead truck while the second truck follows in autonomous mode, with that driver resting off the clock. Periodically, the trucks swap leader and follower roles, allowing the drivers to take turns leading the convoy and sleeping. This model is similar to a team driving operation, except that two tractor trailers are in transit at once, but with only one driver legally on-duty.

The deployment begins with the co-development of PGT’s autonomous relay network (ARN), which identifies the shippers and freight in PGT’s operating network that are particularly well-suited to haul with PGT’s Locomation-equipped trucks.

As the first mover, PGT expects to take more than the traditional share of the market, and they expect to be the safest, most efficient transportation mode for enclosed conestoga flatbed freight in the Tennessee-Ohio River Valley region.

Gregg Troian, PGT President, said, “Part of PGT’s mission is to grow innovatively by improving efficiencies through the use of technology.  This partnership with Locomation, and others, allows us to stay abreast of progressive transportation advancements as we continue to evolve our fleet, especially with the Future of Flatbed in mind. We expect Locomation’s automated truck technology to significantly reduce costs, improve freight efficiency, save energy and improve safety.”

The projected results include cutting operating costs by 30%, which includes a 21% savings on fuel, producing a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 22% per tractor every year, which is groundbreaking in the diesel trucking world.

Founded in 1981 by Pat Gallagher, PGT Trucking is a multi-service transportation firm offering flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized services. PGT is the leader in progressive freight transportation and fleet evolution, exceeding customer expectations with a strong focus on the Future of Flatbed.

Captions:

Dr. Çetin Meriçli, Locomation co-founder and CEO; and Pat Gallagher, PGT Trucking CEO

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