South Korea Approves Paid Autonomous Freight Service

In a major step toward the future of logistics, South Korea has granted its first-ever approval for paid autonomous freight transport. The decision allows local self-driving technology firm RideFlux Inc. to officially begin commercial operations, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Under the approved plan, RideFlux will roll out its parcel delivery services in June. The company will deploy an autonomous truck capable of reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h along a 112-kilometer stretch of the Jungbu Expressway.

The initiative will be carried out in partnership with Lotte Global Logistics, with both companies expected to finalize a commercial freight agreement before the launch. The service will initially operate three times a week on weekdays, specifically during off-peak hours to ensure safety and efficiency.

For the pilot phase, RideFlux will use a 25-ton Maxen truck manufactured by Tata Daewoo Mobility Co. The rollout will follow a phased safety approach. In the first stage, a test driver will remain seated behind the wheel to monitor operations. In the second phase, expected to begin next year, the driver will shift to the passenger seat, allowing for increased autonomy. The final stage will see the truck operating fully unmanned.

Officials say the approval represents a significant milestone in advancing autonomous driving technology within the logistics sector. It also highlights South Korea’s commitment to embracing innovation and modernizing its transportation infrastructure.

As the project progresses, it is expected to pave the way for wider adoption of self-driving freight solutions, potentially transforming the logistics industry both domestically and globally.