Ease Logistics, recognised as the top transportation innovator by Fortune’s America’s Most Innovative Companies list, has been selected as the host fleet partner for the Rural Automated Driving Systems (ADS) project led by the Ohio Department of Transportation (Odot) and DriveOhio. In a ground-breaking move, Ease will be the first company in the U. S. to deploy connected and automated trucking technology on revenue-generating routes. This initiative aims to unlock full potential of truck platooning technology, enhancing safety and efficiency in the transportation industry.
Motorists in Ohio should keep an eye out for Ease’s two semi-trucks equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The lead and follower trucks, affectionately nicknamed ‘Tom’ and ‘Jerry,’ will be hard to miss, with the bright red cab of the follower semi (‘Tom’) prominently displaying the Ease, Odot, and DriveOhio logos. When operating in platooning mode, the lead driver maintains control over speed, braking, and acceleration, while the connected and manned following vehicle precisely mimics the movements of the lead vehicle.
Peter Coratola, Jr., President and CEO of Ease, expressed excitement about partnering with DriveOhio, Odot, the Transportation Research Center (TRC), and Bosch to introduce innovation to Ohio’s roads. The company’s commitment to innovation aligns with its mission to pioneer new methods of delivering excellence throughout the supply chain. The deployment of this technology represents a significant step toward a safer, more efficient, and more effective supply chain, ultimately leading to safer rural roads.
To ensure a successful deployment, Ease drivers have undergone rigorous training, totalling 400 hours, at the Transportation Research Center. These highly specialised drivers have completed preliminary solo runs to monitor data transmission to Ease and identify optimal routes for platooning within Ohio. Josh McMullen, Ease Corporate Development Manager, emphasised that Bosch and TRC conducted comprehensive testing of the technology before its release to Ease for platooning and deployment on revenue-generating routes.
It is important to note that platooning mode requires both trucks to be manned by highly trained Ease drivers and will only occur under specific and ideal conditions. Ease drivers will carefully consider factors such as weather, road conditions and traffic when determining the opportune moment to engage platooning mode during a route.
Ease Logistics’ ground-breaking deployment of automated trucking technology on revenue-generating routes marks a significant milestone in the transportation industry. By embracing innovation and pioneering new solutions, Ease is leading toward a safer and more efficient supply chain, benefiting the company and the communities it serves.
