Aurora and Ryder have announced a strategic collaboration to pilot on-site fleet maintenance. With Ryder technicians already situated at Aurora’s South Dallas terminal, the companies aim to support current pilot operations while preparing to commercialize at scale.
Autonomous technology has the potential to greatly optimize vehicle utilization. However, higher utilization means autonomous trucks will require preventative maintenance more frequently and need immediate access to corrective maintenance. For Aurora, on-site maintenance is a crucial element of meeting these unique service needs as it works towards commercializing its autonomous trucks.
As part of the pilot, Ryder’s technicians will work alongside Aurora’s own at the South Dallas terminal across several areas. Together, they will maintain Aurora’s fleet of autonomous Class 8 tractors – undertaking inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs. They will also inspect and maintain trailers for pilot hauls and compliance with standards set by the DOT.
The partnership will also see Aurora leverage Ryder’s experiences in fleet management to roll out Aurora Horizon – its driver-as-a-service subscription product. The company expects on-site maintenance in its terminals to play a key role as it works to increase pilot customer hauls to 100 per week, a target it anticipates reaching at the end of 2023.
