At EASE, we're committed to being a catalyst for change in the logistics industry. Our vision is to position 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.
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 deploying and testing trucking automation technology on semi-trucks throughout southern and eastern Ohio in partnership with DriveOhio, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Transportation Research Center (TRC), and other notable partners.
Testing trucking automation technology is undoubtedly 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. And while testing automated vehicles is not a new concept, EASE is the first to deploy them across revenue-generating routes in the U.S.!
In The News
Ohio Rural Automated Driving Systems
- 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
EASE has integrated a pair of 53-foot platoon-equipped tractor-trailers connected by technology.
Truck platooning is when two trucks are connected through automation. Both trucks are equipped with radar to detect other vehicles and monitor and adjust to the changing environment around them. The lead vehicle controls the speed and the following vehicle has precisely matched braking and acceleration technology to respond to the lead vehicle’s movement.
When the automated driving system is engaged, the technology will control steering, acceleration, and braking. EASE’s team of highly vetted and specialized EASE drivers have undergone 260 hours of training at TRC to be equipped to operate these 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.
Where will the testing take place?
EASE runs the trucks in revenue-generating routes across 32 counties in Ohio’s Eastern and Southern rural regions.
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)
Catch a glimpse of the trucks? Snap a photo or video and share using #InnovateWithEASE to appear below!
Interested in learning more about this project and EASE’s involvement?
CONTACT:
