Embark Provides First Embark-Powered Truck to Knight-Swift as Part of Industry-First Truck Transfer Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Embark Trucks and Knight-Swift Transportation have initiated a pivotal partnership with the launch of the Truck Transfer Program, integrating Embark's autonomous technology into Knight-Swift's operations. This marks the first instance where a carrier owns and operates an Embark-powered truck. The program aims to enhance safety and efficiency in trucking, with the truck beginning operations between Los Angeles and Phoenix. Embark also focuses on improving system reliability and maintainability, including training for Knight-Swift drivers and technicians.

Positive

• First truck transfer program involving Embark's autonomous technology with a major carrier.
• Knight-Swift will gather data on safety and operational performance from Embark-powered trucks.
• Enhanced reliability and maintainability of Embark's systems for commercial fleet operations.

Negative

• None.

Embark and Knight-Swift’s Truck Transfer Program marks a significant milestone, as a carrier begins to integrate Embark’s technology into existing operations for the first time

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Embark Trucks, Inc. (“Embark”), a leading developer of autonomous technology for the trucking industry, and Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KNX, “Knight-Swift”), one of North America’s largest and most diversified freight transportation companies, have announced that Embark has initiated handover of the first Embark-powered truck as part of the Truck Transfer Program (“TTP”). TTP marks the first public initiative where a carrier will directly own and operate a truck with select features of Embark’s automated driving software, allowing Embark to gain valuable insight from having its system components operating in a carrier customer’s duty cycle.

Customer Owned and Dispatched, Embark Powered

For the first time, a carrier – Knight-Swift – will place its own drivers behind the wheel of an Embark-powered truck, allowing Knight-Swift to collect data regarding system safety and operational performance. The first Embark-powered truck will begin integrating into Knight-Swift’s daily operations to move loads for large shippers on the Los Angeles to Phoenix lane.

Reliability in Customer Fleet Operations

To meet the uptime requirements of a commercial fleet, Embark has focused on hardening its Embark Universal Interface and Embark Driver software. This system hardening includes improvements in calibration and maintainability of the system, enabling quick troubleshooting so that trucks can get back on the road.

Maintainability in Customer Fleet Operations

Embark and Knight-Swift have been jointly working on several operational initiatives to prepare for the handoff of Embark-powered trucks into Knight-Swift’s daily operations. These initiatives include developing maintenance procedures for AV systems, pre- & post-trip inspections, training and certifying Knight-Swift drivers, and escalation policies for maintenance issues. Embark is also training Knight-Swift technicians on how to service and interact with the trucks

While on the road, Embark-powered trucks will be monitored and supported by Embark Guardian, a combination of cloud-based fleet management software and personnel, which together will monitor the health of the Embark system while enhancing safety on the road.

This outside perspective and collaboration with Knight-Swift drivers brings critical insights to Embark’s system as the company continues to execute on its commercialization effort and go-to-market strategy.

“I am excited to take delivery, so our drivers and customers can provide direct feedback on the technology as we use it in day-to-day operations to enable new safety and efficiency in trucking,” said Knight-Swift CEO, Dave Jackson.

Embark CEO Alex Rodrigues said, “Handing over the first Embark-powered truck to the Knight-Swift team tops off a year in which Embark has made critical strides to close the gap between testing our autonomous technology and scaling it across customer fleets. The Truck Transfer Program will be a model for the industry as we move from the R&D and pilot phase toward commercialization.”

About Embark
Embark Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: EMBK) is an autonomous vehicle company building the software powering autonomous trucks, focused on improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the approximately $730 billion a year U.S. highway truck freight market. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA since its founding in 2016, Embark is America’s longest-running self-driving truck program and partners with some of the largest shippers and carriers in the nation.

Embark’s mission is to realize a world where consumers pay less for the things they need, drivers stay close to the homes they cherish, and roads are safer for the people we love. To learn more about Embark, visit embarktrucks.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Embark’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Embark’s expectations with respect to future performance. These forward-looking statements also involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) ability to expand into new markets; (2) changes in the applicable laws or regulations; (3) the possibility that Embark may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (4) the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic; and (5) other risks and uncertainties separately provided to you and indicated from time to time described in filings and potential filings by Embark with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including those discussed in the registration statement on Form S-4 and definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC from time to time. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward looking statements. Embark cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, including projections, which speak only as of the date made. Embark undertakes no obligation to and accepts no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Media Contacts:
Misha Rindisbacher for Embark
press@embarktrucks.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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A video accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4bce0acd-b548-4828-a0a2-05dbda6ea7e6

FAQ

What is the significance of the Truck Transfer Program for EMBK?

The Truck Transfer Program marks the first integration of Embark's autonomous technology into a carrier's fleet, allowing for real-world data collection and improved operational insights.

When will the first Embark-powered truck start operations?

The first Embark-powered truck is set to begin operations in December 2022, focusing on routes between Los Angeles and Phoenix.

What improvements has Embark made for the Truck Transfer Program?

Embark has strengthened its Universal Interface and Driver software, ensuring better reliability and quick troubleshooting for its autonomous trucks in commercial fleet operations.

How does Knight-Swift contribute to the Truck Transfer Program?

Knight-Swift will operate the Embark-powered truck with its own drivers, providing direct feedback and data regarding system performance and safety.