UPS is testing self-driving cars in the United States. The cars do not bring orders to consumers' front doors, but drive parcels to from UPS shops to sorting centres.
The self-driving car comes from Waymo, a sister company of Google. It involves a Chrysler Pacifica, an MPV. The Chryslers, equipped with self-driving software, will be deployed in Phoenix, Arizona. Businesses and individuals can take their shipments to a UPS shop. The self-driving cars then take them to a UPS sorting facility outside the city. To ensure safety, there is always a driver in the car. It is unclear how many parcels are carried per trip.
"UPS and Waymo are exploring automated and autonomous technologies to improve service," said Scott Price, UPS chief strategy and transformation officer. "Getting parcels to our sorting facilities faster and more often, while creating the opportunity for later drop-offs for next-day delivery, can add tremendous value for our customers." The tests will start soon and last for several months.
