UPS and Waymo have partnered to test picking up packages using an autonomous vehicle in the Metro Phoenix area.

Through the pilot, packages will be shuttled from The UPS Store locations via Waymo’s Chrysler Pacifica minivans to a local UPS sorting facility for processing.

“UPS and Waymo are exploring automated and autonomous technologies to enhance network operations,” says Scott Price, UPS chief strategy and transformation officer.

“Getting packages to our sortation facilities sooner and more frequently, while also creating an opportunity for later drop-offs for next-day service, can add enormous value for our customers.”

UPS and Waymo will use the pilot to examine how autonomous ground vehicles improve customer service and network efficiency. Their goal is to jointly develop a long-term plan for how they can work together.

During the pilot, the vehicle will drive autonomously, but a Waymo-trained driver will be onboard to monitor operations.

“Waymo’s mission is to make it safe and easy for people and things to get where they’re going, and our partnership with UPS allows us to continue developing how our Waymo Driver can facilitate pickups,” says Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo chief operations officer.

“We look forward to working alongside the UPS team to safely and efficiently deliver packages starting in Metro Phoenix.”