Schneider to provide self-driving truck tech company with ‘freight loads and commercial expertise’

A Virginia-based autonomous vehicle technology company announced a partnership with Schneider to advance the company’s pilot program.

Torc Robotics announced the new agreement with Schneider on September 20 to help implement a pilot program utilizing Torc’s autonomous test fleet.

As part of the partnership between the two companies, Schneider has agreed to provide Torc with commercial freight loads as well as “unique insights on truckload freight that will help guide the development and ongoing commercialization of autonomous trucks for long-haul applications.”

“Schneider is an undisputed leader in the industry,” said Michael Fleming, Torc founder and CEO. “Many of trucking’s best practices and breakthroughs stem from Schneider’s forward-thinking approach. This relationship with Schneider is a significant step for the operational development of our product as we continue to work toward a seamless integration with the existing freight industry.”

“We see great potential for Torc’s autonomous technology to improve freight efficiencies while helping to lower cost,” said Rob Reich, Schneider executive vice president and chief administrative officer. “Schneider is looking forward to providing Torc with the industry and operational knowledge needed to maximize the potential of autonomous trucks.”

In August 2022, Schneider announced a partnership with another autonomous vehicle tech company called Aurora to haul freight as part of a multi-phase commercial pilot project.

Blacksburg, Virginia-headquartered Torc Robotics was founded in 2005. The company operates test facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and engineering offices in Austin, Texas, and Stuttgart, Germany.