Driverless freight plans move forward

A Teesside-based project is exploring how autonomous freight could reshape supply chains and drive growth.

Cenex and the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (iC4DTI) have launched a six-month feasibility study to assess the potential for a driverless freight service within the Teesside Freeport. 

Known as Project TACTIC (Teesside Autonomous Corridor for Trade Integration and Clearance), the study will examine how connected and automated mobility technology could operate along the Teesport to Teesside International Airport corridor.

The project is part of the UK Government’s Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder programme, which supports the development of investment-ready business cases for near-commercial deployment.

Teesside has been identified as a strong testbed due to its large, secure industrial sites, including Teesworks, Wilton International and Teesside International Airport. 

These locations allow for early off-highway testing, helping to establish operational models before any future expansion onto public roads.

A key focus of the study is improving freight compliance. 

By integrating real-time vehicle data with digital trade documentation, the project aims to enable checks to be completed while vehicles are in transit, reducing delays and improving reliability.

Cenex will lead the economic analysis, assessing commercial viability, costs and potential revenue, alongside identifying opportunities for UK supply chains.

Nick Davies, director of iC4DTI, said: “If successful, TACTIC will show both industry and government the benefits that can flow from trade digitalisation, and how this can contribute to the growth agenda everyone is prioritising.”

The study will also explore regulatory and safety considerations, including the potential for vehicles to operate without a driver.

If successful, the project could position Teesside at the forefront of autonomous freight innovation, supporting faster and more efficient trade while strengthening the UK’s role in next-generation transport technologies.

Mark Cracknell, programme director at Zenzic, added: “CAM solutions have the potential to unlock new business opportunities and wider economic growth. 

“Through the CAM Pathfinder programme, these feasibility studies will help to articulate the impact that market ready CAM technologies can have in all corners of the country.

“Along with the Department for Business and Trade, and Innovate UK, we are excited to start working with the organisations delivering each of the eight projects to further develop their businesses cases, demonstrate the commerciality of their solutions and paint a clearer picture of the viable CAM solutions coming down the road.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.