LOS ANGELES, CA - I must admit, when I hear the words “autonomous truck,” my first instinct is to imagine a talking big-rig. Fortunately for the industry, Giumarra Companies’ latest innovation is far more exciting. The company has entered a partnership with San Diego-based TuSimple and Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) to complete an autonomous trucking test.

“Our company continues to travel down a path of innovation, as we have now successfully tested autonomous trucking after our autonomous aircraft transportation test a few months ago,” said Tim Riley, President of Giumarra Companies. “Autonomous trucking technology is a real game changer for us, as its time efficiencies provide us with an enhanced opportunity to supply fresher fruits and vegetables across the United States, particularly to food deserts and rural communities.”

On May 3, 2021, TuSimple picked up a load of fresh watermelons from Giumarra’s facility in Nogales, Arizona, and transported the produce across four states to AWG’s distribution center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There, the fruit was inspected and distributed to Doc’s Country Mart and Homeland grocery stores across the state, a press release explained.

The pick-up and delivery of the produce was done manually with a human driver, while the longest portion of the journey from Tucson, Arizona, to Dallas, Texas, was done autonomously using TuSimple’s self-driving technology. The autonomous portion of the journey covered more than 900 miles.

“We believe the food industry is one of many that will greatly benefit from the use of TuSimple’s autonomous trucking technology,” said Jim Mullen, Chief Administrative Officer, TuSimple. “Given the fact that autonomous trucks can operate nearly continuously without taking a break means fresh produce can be moved from origin to destination faster, resulting in fresher food and less waste.”

Will we one day have driverless trucks darting all across the country? Should we ever see this innovative future, ANUK will be there to report.

Giumarra Companies