Today’s Pickup: Canadian cargo drone firm lands a big customer, DSV

“Our strong partnership with Air Canada Cargo and now DDC will offer our current and potential partners best-in-class solutions and service excellence that is scalable and futureproof,” said DSV Managing Director Martin Roos.

DDC operates drones remotely from its operations near Toronto using a property flight system, charging C$10,000 (a Canadian dollar equals US$0.76) per route or drone per month. 

Did you know?

Deaths in accidents involving large trucks increased by 0.9% to 4,951 people in the U.S. in 2018, according to a research note from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those include 885 deaths of truck occupants, a 0.8% percent increase.

Quotable:

“The beauty of this is that Scorpio Bulkers shareholders love Scorpio Tankers’ stock.”

— Scorpio Bulkers President Robert Bugbee on the separation of the two parts of the Scorpio shipping family.

In other news:

Amazon’s growing pains in Germany

Amazon is expanding quickly in its largest international market, Germany, but it faces headwinds including finding enough delivery drivers. (Reuters)

Carriers looking to immigration programs to draw truck drivers

U.S. trucking companies are turning to immigration programs to recruit truck drivers. (Fleet Owner) 

Chemical leak prompts hazmat response to XPO facility

A calcium chloride leak at an XPO Logistics facility in West Fargo, North Dakota, led to a hazmat response. (KFGO Radio) 

Germany’s Loxx Logistics adds Ireland’s Toga Freight to network

Freight-forwarder Toga Freight Services said deal reflects efforts by European firms to redirect supply chains from the U.K.  (SHD Logistics)

Trucker charged with manslaughter, DUI charges in fatal Oklahoma wreck 

A semi-driver has been charged with manslaughter and two counts of a driver under the influence in connection with a crash that killed a woman and injured two others in Oklahoma. (News on 6)

Final thoughts:

The deal between DSV and Drone Delivery Canada is the latest sign that autonomous aerial vehicles will become an important part of the supply chain. 

The fact that DSV is using its first drone system within its Toronto-area facility suggests it wants to test out the technology before deploying it more broadly. It also could suggest that DSV sees potentially usefulness internally, and not simply as a final-mile solution.

Hammer down everyone!