Uber and Google’s autonomous automobile unit Waymo on Tuesday stated they’re becoming a member of forces to get driverless vehicles hauling cargo on roads throughout the United States.

Due to the huge distances between American cities and with truck transport key to the financial system, corporations see self-driving as a strategy to reduce prices and cut back danger.

Waymo will enable its expertise to mesh with an Uber Freight platform that connects truckers with masses in a spin on how Uber lets individuals summon rides utilizing smartphone apps.

“Uber Freight’s network of shippers, carriers, and marketplace technology is a great match for the Waymo Driver,” Waymo head of commercialization for trucking Charlie Jatt stated in a press release.

Carriers that purchase vehicles outfitted with Waymo methods will have the ability to choose in to having the autos deployed as “autonomous assets” on the Uber Freight community, the businesses stated.

The corporations may even discover collectively the potential for creating hubs the place cargo is definitely handed off from self-driving vehicles to human truckers.

“Both companies envision a future where autonomous trucks tackle the long-haul portion of driving, easing some of the burden of the increasing demand for freight while also enabling drivers to shift into short-haul jobs,” they stated within the launch.

Before driverless vehicles are allowed onto roads and highways, nonetheless, a number of exams should nonetheless be performed to make sure they’re protected.

Waymo has been testing self-driving vehicles in a handful of US states.

“Uber Freight’s extensive, efficient, and reliable digital network is essential to making autonomous trucks a reality,” stated unit head Lior Ron.

The Freight unit has been steadily rising, based on quarterly earnings releases.