On February 21, 2023, Ascend LLC, a truckload carrier that provides middle-mile supply chain solutions, announced a commercial partnership with (V.A.S.) Volvo Autonomous Solutions. Ascend is the first asset based truckload carrier to reserve capacity for V.A.S's hub-to-hub autonomous transportation offering on the first route scheduled for operation.
Ascend Dedicated is a newly established company division being developed based on the solid foundation of Dedicated Transportation Solutions L.L.C. (D.T.S.), which was acquired by the company last year. The primary responsibility of Ascend Dedicated is to collect customer loads and carry them to V.A.S. hubs located in Dallas and Houston, Texas. After that, the onward linehaul movement to the destination hub will be completed by V.A.S., while Ascend Dedicated drivers will transport the loads to their respective final destinations.
Modern drivers look for jobs that accommodate their lifestyle preferences, such as family time, healthy meals, and regular exercise, which can be difficult to achieve while working as long-haul drivers. To address these concerns, integrating autonomous linehaul solutions with expert drivers at the origin and destination of shipments can be a potential solution. The collaboration seeks to boost the development of autonomous driving technology by working with V.A.S. and maintaining the real-world development of this technology.
Scott Stowers, President of Ascend Dedicated, said, "We are excited to begin testing autonomous, long distance linehaul options within our network." He also said, "This partnership with V.A.S. closely aligns with Ascend's continued efforts to transform the regional truckload sector by leveraging technology, building density, and offering driver-friendly routes and policies, all with the goal of providing unparalleled service to our customers."
(Source: Globe Newswire)
About Ascend
Ascend provides logistics services to customers in collaboration with its subsidiaries, Ascend L.L.C., Ascend Transportation L.L.C., Ascend Trucking L.L.C., and Ascend Distribution L.L.C. The company was established in 1969 and is headquartered in Jackson (Tennessee). It has operations based on assets in the South, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, with volume and capacity in important regional areas where there is an increased demand for improved performance short-haul shipping, serving the truckload shipping needs of customers in the retail, e-commerce, packaging, fast-moving consumer goods, and industrial supply sectors.