In a groundbreaking partnership, JB Hunt Transport Services, Bridgestone Americas, and Kodiak Robotics have successfully surpassed 50,000 miles of autonomous long-haul trucking, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts to revolutionize the transportation industry.
This collaboration, which began in January, has focused on integrating advanced autonomous driving technology into long-haul trucking operations. Leveraging Kodiak Robotics’ cutting-edge autonomous trucks, the partnership has enabled the efficient and seamless transport of Bridgestone passenger car tires between South Carolina and Dallas. The initiative not only highlights the potential of autonomous trucking but also showcases how technology can drive operational efficiency and sustainability in the logistics sector.
The autonomous delivery model adopted by these companies operates on a hub-to-hub system, a crucial element in optimizing long-haul routes. The long-haul segment, spanning approximately 750 miles from Atlanta to Dallas, is handled by Kodiak’s autonomous trucks equipped with Bridgestone’s high-performance M719 drive tires and R213 steer tires. This strategic setup ensures that the trucks are well-prepared to handle the demands of long-distance travel, maintaining safety and reliability throughout the journey.
In this model, JB Hunt plays a pivotal role by facilitating the transportation of trailers between Bridgestone facilities and Kodiak hubs. Using its innovative JB Hunt 360box network, the company secures capacity for return trips, minimizing empty miles and enhancing overall route efficiency. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to a more sustainable transportation model by lowering emissions and optimizing resource usage.
The logistics process begins with JB Hunt transporting loads from Bridgestone’s Aiken Passenger Tire Plant in Graniteville, South Carolina, to Kodiak’s truckport in Villa Rica, Georgia. From there, Kodiak’s autonomous trucks take over, managing the long-haul route to Lancaster, Texas, under the close supervision of a two-person safety team. This team ensures that the autonomous technology operates smoothly and addresses any potential challenges during the journey. Once the long-haul segment is completed, JB Hunt resumes control, delivering the load to Bridgestone’s Roanoke distribution center.
On the return journey, JB Hunt employs its 360box program to identify additional freight, maximizing the efficiency of each trip. Kodiak then autonomously transports this additional cargo back to Atlanta, demonstrating the flexibility and scalability of the autonomous delivery model. This approach not only maximizes the use of available capacity but also ensures that the trucks are never running empty, further driving operational efficiency.
The success of this partnership has been widely recognized by leaders from all three companies, who are optimistic about the future potential of autonomous long-haul trucking. Nick Hobbs, Chief Operating Officer of JB Hunt, highlighted the impact of integrating autonomous technology into their operations, stating, “This collaboration is a prime example of how our mode-neutral approach can leverage multiple service offerings to create efficient, value-driven solutions tailored to our customers’ unique needs.”
Bridgestone’s VP of logistics operations and product delivery, Brad Blizzard, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in driving innovation within the industry. “As Bridgestone continues to evolve into a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions, our partnership with Kodiak and JB Hunt demonstrates that autonomous long-haul shipping is not just a vision for the future—it’s happening now,” he said.
Kodiak Robotics’ founder and CEO, Don Burnette, echoed these sentiments, expressing enthusiasm about the partnership’s achievements. “Our middle-mile model is proving its effectiveness, improving operational efficiencies for our customers, and setting us all on a path towards rapid and sustainable growth,” Burnette remarked.
As this partnership continues to evolve, it serves as a powerful example of how autonomous technology can transform the logistics industry, driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in long-haul trucking.
