DHL has started working with autonomous vehicle (AV) start-up Zelostech, to operate fully electric, driverless vehicles to move goods within the grounds of its logistics hub in Singapore.

The Singapore hub has become the first DHL location globally to take a Zelostech vehicle from innovation challenge to live, operational use, and now handle daily point-to-point transport between DHL-managed sites.

DHL explains the system using an AV to handle the hub-to-hub journey autonomously is simple. An employee loads shipments, dispatches the vehicle via a mobile app, and tracks its progress in real time. 

Each vehicle travels point-to-point, navigating traffic and obstacles using sensors, mapping data and artificial intelligence. At the destination, another employee unloads the goods.

Each autonomous vehicle can carry up to three pallets – as much as 1.5 tons per trip – and operates around the clock, making on average 40 trips daily to and covering 28km. 

DHL adds “a small fleet” now moves dozens of pallets at its Singapore hub daily, freeing up manpower for more challenging work.”

“When it comes to AVs, the idea of going driverless on public roads is what captures most people’s imagination,” DHL states. “But for us at DHL, some of the most tangible impacts happen on the grounds of our logistics campuses. 

“Between warehouses, sorting centers and distribution hubs, thousands of transfers happen every day – often within tightly timed windows. 

“That middle layer of the supply chain may be largely invisible to customers, but it plays a critical role in keeping goods moving efficiently. 

“Even small delays caused by congestion, staffing constraints, or missed transfer windows can impact the wider flow of operations.”

Zelostech was founded in China in 2021 and specialises in producing autonomous vehicles for short- and medium-distance logistics routes, tackling repetitive and predictable journeys between hubs, sorting centres and warehouses.

Zelostech currently has some 4,000 fully electric autonomous vehicles on roads and warehouse grounds across more than 300 cities in China and Singapore.

DHL explains it first noticed Zelostech through its DHL Fast Forward Challenge, a program which supports young companies offering innovative solutions to meet the future needs of logistics and supply chains. 

The startup’s autonomous delivery vehicle was recognised for its potential to transform urban logistics, efficiency, and sustainability. 

DHL says it partnership with Zelostech reflects a larger trend. 

“The global autonomous truck market size is projected to grow from USD46.58 billion in 2026 to USD107.7 billion by 2034, a compound annual growth rate of 11.04%, according to Fortune Business Insights,” DHL states.

“North America and Asia Pacific are leading this growth.”