Rideflux Secures Approval for Paid Cargo Transport with Autonomous Trucks

Paid Cargo Transport to Begin on 112 km Seoul–Jincheon Route in First Half of the Year
B2B Revenue Model to Be Fully Launched

Rideflux, an autonomous driving software startup, announced on April 16 that it has obtained the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's approval for "paid cargo transport using autonomous vehicles" on long-distance routes, including general urban roads.

With this approval, Rideflux can officially begin commercial cargo transport using autonomous driving technology over a 112-kilometer section connecting the Southeast Songpa Logistics Complex in Seoul and the Jincheon Logistics Center in North Chungcheong Province. Rideflux plans to sign regular transport contracts with relevant logistics companies within the first half of this year and launch paid cargo delivery services for parcels along this route.

Rideflux autonomous trucks are running on the road. Rideflux

Last month, Rideflux released a "fully intervention-free" driving video showing a 25-ton large robo-truck carrying 11 tons of cargo completing the same route without a single instance of manual intervention. This was recognized as a case that proved the technical completeness of Rideflux's Level 4 autonomous driving software—developed through robotaxi pilot programs—by successfully adapting it to middle-mile cargo transport operations.

For safety, the paid transport service will initially operate with a safety operator on board. However, leveraging its proven technological capabilities, including permits for unmanned trial operations, Rideflux plans to fully implement unmanned (driver-out) operations between logistics hubs by 2027, with a phased transition to "fully unmanned autonomous driving."

During the approval process, Rideflux demonstrated its safety by conducting more than 60 days of prior operations and completing 11-ton cargo load tests, passing all 13 safety criteria. This achievement marks a turning point for Rideflux, as its business direction shifts from B2G (government-targeted pilots) to B2B (business-to-business transactions), paving the way to establish a sustainable revenue model.

The company also plans to expand its service coverage nationwide within this year. Paid cargo transport services will be launched on routes such as Gunsan Port–Jeonju–Daejeon, as well as in Gangneung and Jeju, to secure a stable revenue structure. In addition, by prioritizing the deployment of autonomous driving technology on long-distance, repetitive routes and during late-night hours—when it is difficult to secure drivers—Rideflux aims to provide a practical solution to the labor shortage in the conventional cargo transport ecosystem and enhance efficiency in the logistics industry.

Park Junghee, CEO of Rideflux, stated, "This paid transport approval indicates that Rideflux's autonomous driving technology has moved beyond the research stage and has entered a commercialization trajectory that creates real business value," adding, "We will prove profitability through innovation in the middle-mile market and use this as a foundation for a successful IPO this year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.