At EASE, we're committed to being a catalyst for change in the logistics industry. We are committed to positioning both EASE and Ohio as leaders in transportation innovation, with a focus on investing in smart and autonomous mobility, including the future of automated trucking. Through our visionary approach to logistics, we continuously innovate in ways large and small because we recognize that even the smallest changes can make for a better world. This intentional innovation drives a smoother, safer, more equitable, and sustainable logistics journey – creating a lasting impact for our customers, carriers, and communities.
a catalyst for change
EASE Logistics Partners with DriveOhio and ODOT for Groundbreaking Automated Truck Deployment in Rural Ohio
In 2022, EASE was selected as the host fleet partner for the Ohio Rural Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Project, focused on the deployment of automated trucking technology on customer freight shipments in collaboration with DriveOhio, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Transportation Research Center (TRC), and other notable partners.
Automated trucking technology is revolutionizing the transportation industry and the supply chain, including the way freight is moved and how people travel. The ADS Project will study how automated semi-trucks connected by AI technology react to real-world scenarios such as winding roads and hilly terrain within rural settings. EASE is proud to stand as the first to deploy automated trucking technology on customer freight shipments in the U.S.!
In The News
Ohio Rural Automated Driving Systems
- ODOT testing semitruck automation on rural Ohio roads
- EASE Logistics Deploys Automated Trucking Technology For First Customer Freight Shipment
- EASE Logistics is First in U.S. to Deploy Automated Trucking Technology on Revenue-generating Routes
- Ohio’s AI trucking company moves to rural roads for testing
- Autonomous vans, trucks tested on Ohio’s rural roads
- DriveOhio program is the most comprehensive rural road testing in America
- Automated passenger vehicles, semis to be tested on rural Ohio roadways
GOALS
Safety for All
The technology will only be deployed under very specific and ideal circumstances to demonstrate how connected and automated semi-trucks could improve safety for drivers, passengers, freight, and communities in rural areas.
Data Collection & Analysis
The data collected will be shared with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation to develop national ADS policies and remove barriers to the safe integration of automated technology into logistics operations across the U.S.
Community & Industry Impact
This project will have a greater impact on the general good including reducing fuel consumption and emissions output, increasing driver and transportation productivity, and removing barriers to increase the broad adoption of automation.
Collaboration to Achieve a Common Goal
Many public and private partners are coming together to make this project possible. Strategic partnerships like this are what help big goals to become achievable!
PARTNERS
Safe Truck Platooning
In preparation for the deployment of EASE’s pair of platoon-equipped tractor-trailers on customer freight shipments, highly specialized and heavily vetted EASE drivers have undergone a combined 400 hours of training at the TRC. These drivers conducted preliminary solo runs to monitor data transmission to EASE and identify the best Ohio routes for platooning.
“This technology was thoroughly and comprehensively tested by Bosch and the TRC before being released to EASE for platooning and deployment on revenue-generating routes,” says Josh McMullen, EASE Corporate Development Manager.
Platooning mode requires that both trucks be manned with a highly trained EASE driver, and will occur in very specific and ideal circumstances – weather, road conditions, and traffic will all be taken into consideration when EASE drivers choose the perfect moment during a route to engage platooning mode.
Platooning mode disengages at the discretion of both trucks’ drivers, and the driver of the follower truck can override platooning mode to take manual control at any moment. Platooning mode also disengages automatically if any vehicle drives between the two semi-trucks.
EASE is honored to be the chosen host fleet and recognizes this opportunity as a stepping stone toward reducing delays, commute times, crashes, and vehicle emissions, making roadways safer and more efficient. Now that the semi-automated trucks are on the road, we look forward to seeing how the technology operates in the real world, what the data will tell us, and how the findings will enable this terrific innovation to be deployed across the U.S.!
Peter Coratola
President and CEO, EASE
The tractors are fitted with Bosch wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication to ensure safe operation.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT!
EASE Logistics is looking for partners like you to help us demonstrate how connected and automated semi-trucks can improve safety on the road!
EASE Capabilities
- Flexible route planning.
- Can meet any lane, route, or shipment need (FTL, LTL) going to, from, or through the project service area.
The future of transportation innovation is now and we want you to come along for the ride! To join, fill out the form below.
In Ohio, we’re not just sitting back and waiting for the technology to scale, we’re a leader in testing these systems and shaping the future of transportation so it benefits Ohioans. Partnering with innovative companies like EASE to conduct real-world testing is key to unlocking the full safety and efficiency benefits that truck platooning technology can provide.
Preeti Choudhary
Executive Director, DriveOhio
DID YOU KNOW
While only 19% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, 43% of all roadway fatalities occur on rural roads, and the fatality rate on rural roads is almost 2 times higher than on urban roads.
(Bureau of Transportation Statistics)
Interested in learning more about this project and EASE’s involvement?
CONTACT:
