South Korea's First Paid Autonomous Freight Service Greenlit

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a groundbreaking move for the logistics industry, South Korea has issued its first approval for paid autonomous freight transport. This milestone enables RideFlux Inc., a local self-driving technology company, to commence commercial operations, as confirmed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

As part of the approved initiative, RideFlux plans to initiate its parcel delivery services in June, deploying an autonomous truck that can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h. This service will operate along a 112-kilometer section of the Jungbu Expressway.

In collaboration with Lotte Global Logistics, both firms are set to finalize a commercial freight agreement prior to the service launch. The operation will commence with three weekly runs during weekdays, specifically timed for off-peak hours to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

Initially, RideFlux will utilize a 25-ton Maxen truck produced by Tata Daewoo Mobility Co. The rollout plan involves a phased safety strategy. During the initial phase, a test driver will oversee the operations from behind the wheel. The second phase, anticipated next year, will have the driver stationed in the passenger seat, enhancing the level of autonomy. The final phase aims for fully unmanned operation.

Officials indicate that this approval marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of autonomous driving technology within logistics. It also underscores South Korea's dedication to innovation and revamping its transportation infrastructure.

As this project unfolds, it is likely to facilitate broader adoption of self-driving freight solutions, potentially revolutionizing the logistics sector on both national and international scales.