Identifying suitable routes for automated freight

Development of automated trucks that are able to drive without a human driver, is currently under way. Testing of automated trucks have mostly taken place in closed off areas, but as development progresses, their readiness towards deployment on public roads increases. The introduction of automated trucks on public roads will have a major effect on society, especially on the road infrastructure as the way these types of vehicles are operated differs from conventional vehicles controlled by humans. In order to prepare for the changes caused by automated trucks, it is of interest to look at where these vehicles initially will be introduced. The goal of this thesis specifically is to identify which factors are relevant for deciding suitable routes, as well as identifying a set of routes in Sweden. The thesis has been conducted with a litterature study and interviews with relevant people in the field. Based on the information gathered from this work, it could be stated that there are four factors that will influence where the first automated trucks will be introduced: the complexity of the road, the flow of goods and traffic on the road, the physical standard of the road, as well as the size of the points that the truck would be driving between. A suitable set of routes identified includes Nynäshamn port – Västerhaninge, Rosersberg terminal – Arlanda airport, Helsingborg port – ICA central warehouse, Luleå port – Luleå terminal