Embark Launches Partner Development Program to Bring Embark Driver to Market

Leading carriers Werner Enterprises, Mesilla Valley Transportation, and Bison Transport join to define autonomous trucking within carrier networks

Embark, a leading developer of autonomous technology for the trucking industry, launches its Partner Development Program with Werner Enterprises, Mesilla Valley Transportation, and Bison Transport. The program brings Embark and leading carriers together to work on autonomous trucking technology that will improve speed and reliability for customers, as well as safety and work-flexibility for professional truck drivers.

Through this program, Embark aims to refine and scale the software and support services necessary to enable carriers to own and operate Embark-equipped OEM trucks on select US freight lanes. At the core of Embark’s product offering to carriers is the Embark Driver, a per-mile software license that can safely navigate a carrier-owned, Embark-equipped OEM truck from its origin to destination. In addition, Embark will provide carriers an autonomous fleet management solution, Embark Guardian, that provides remote vehicle monitoring, dispatching, and access to real-time data such as weather and construction. Together, Embark Driver and Embark Guardian will enable carriers to deploy and manage a fleet of autonomous trucks within their existing networks.

“Embark’s commitment to having carriers purchase and operate our autonomous trucks, while Embark provides a software subscription and support services, is a win-win because it leverages the logistical expertise of the carrier, allows the technology to scale more quickly through existing shipper-carrier relationships and enables Embark to focus on delivering a safe and reliable autonomous truck,” said Alex Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer, and co-founder at Embark. “The learnings Embark has gained from hundreds of hauls with shippers and carriers over the years has helped us shape this new business model, and we are excited to announce it today.”

As part of the program, carriers will work alongside Embark to test and refine various facets of the overall operating model, including remote vehicle monitoring, vehicle maintenance procedures, teleoperations, AV dispatching rules, and transfer hub logistics. Werner Enterprises, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Bison Transport, and other leading carriers bring a nationwide network for testing and decades of operational, regulatory, and safety experience. 

“While Werner has always been a first mover in the transportation industry, we continue to invest in new technology and solutions that enrich the experience for drivers, shippers, and carriers, while optimizing the entire ecosystem,” says Werner’s Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Derek Leathers. “By working with Embark, we amplify the voice of our drivers and our customers, allowing them to be an important part of the conversation around the innovation that impacts the future of our industry.”

AB InBev and several other F500 shippers from across key industry verticals, who together spend billions on freight annually, have also joined the Embark Partner Development Program to provide an end-customer voice and advise on the integration and scaling of autonomous trucks within their supply chain networks.

In addition to preparing carriers to operate autonomous trucks, the program is engaging OEMs, real estate developers, and maintenance providers to coordinate the set of products and services carriers will need to operate a nationwide network of autonomous freight lanes.

As the Embark Partner Development Program progresses, Embark aims to bring on additional carriers, shippers, and freight ecosystem partners to bolster learnings and provide additional scale.

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