Supply chain leaders looking to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability can now point to a live production deployment at DHL's Advanced Regional Center in Singapore as a proof point. DHL has transitioned autonomous vehicles from its Fast Forward Challenge into daily hub operations, partnering with Zelostech to run fully electric, driverless shuttles between logistics facilities on campus.
Operational Details and Technology
According to FreightWaves, these shuttles handle repetitive hub-to-hub movements that require tight coordination, where delays from congestion or staffing can quickly affect shippers' timelines. Employees load up to three pallets or 1.5 tons per vehicle and dispatch it via a mobile app with real-time tracking. The vehicles navigate autonomously using sensors, mapping, and artificial intelligence, managing traffic and obstacles on their own. They operate 24/7. Each vehicle averages 40 trips and covers 28 kilometers daily, with staff handling unloading at the destination. A small fleet moves dozens of pallets each day.
Cost and Sustainability Benefits
The vehicles deliver consistent performance at roughly half the operating cost of diesel trucks. They also cut emissions to support customers' sustainability goals, according to DHL. Sensors improve safety in busy zones.
| Metric | Autonomous Shuttle | Diesel Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Operating cost | ~50% of diesel | Baseline |
| Daily trips | 40 per vehicle | Varies |
| Emissions | Reduced | Standard |
| Safety | Sensor-enhanced | Manual |
Workforce Transformation
The deployment allows teams to shift from driver supervision to system and data management, according to FreightWaves.
Executive Perspective
"We're excited to see autonomous technology in full-scale operation here in Singapore and explore how it can transform the way we move goods between sites. It's an important step in strengthening our ability to deliver smarter, greener logistics solutions for our customers," said Wei Kieng Eunis Hew, managing director of DHL Supply Chain Singapore.
Industry Implications for Procurement Teams
For procurement and logistics directors, this deployment offers a real-world benchmark for autonomous shuttle adoption. The 50% cost savings versus diesel trucks, combined with 24/7 uptime and emissions reduction, provide a clear ROI case for similar hub-to-hub routes. The technology — sensors, mapping, AI, mobile dispatch — is now validated in live operations at DHL's Advanced Regional Center. Companies evaluating autonomous vehicles for campus logistics can reference DHL's pilot-to-production progression from the Fast Forward Challenge. The shift in workforce roles — from driving to system oversight — also highlights a change in skill requirements that operations leaders should plan for.
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