Coupang tests self-driving trucks for Rocket Delivery scale

Coupang has begun testing autonomous driving systems for trucks moving cargo between logistics centers in South Korea.

Working with local firms including RideFlux as it explores middle-mile automation amid the absence of a standardized system for autonomous freight.

The project covers cargo transport between facilities as well as automated loading work.

The tests come after South Korea expanded autonomous driving pilot programs on expressways last year, and as Coupang pushes to expand Rocket Delivery nationwide by 2027.

Coupang operates 228 logistics centers in Korea, making it the country’s largest warehouse operator among major logistics firms.

🔗 Source: The Korea Herald

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

South Korea expanded autonomous freight-truck highway trials nationwide

Coupang’s trials follow a government move that widened autonomous freight-truck pilot zones from parts of four highway routes to all 44 national highway routes in March 2025, increasing coverage from 332 to 5,224 kilometers 1.
The wider access covers test runs. Paid autonomous cargo delivery on highways is expected after more safety checks plus permit approvals 2.
The government is funding autonomous driving with about 3 billion won (US$2.08 million) to grow self-driving services plus pilots, including new freight trials meant to speed commercial rollout over the next few years 3.

Autonomous trucking steers AV firms toward logistics

Coupang is testing middle-mile automation and working with local firms, including RideFlux, a South Korean autonomous driving startup, according to industry sources. The work continues amid a lack of a standardized system for autonomous freight 4.
RideFlux’s CEO said the company plans to move its revenue model to business-to-business (B2B) to build a sustainable revenue structure 4.
Highways offer a more predictable setting than regular roads since they lack pedestrians or traffic signals, which helps keep trial conditions consistent 1.
South Korea’s transport ministry says autonomous freight fits middle-mile routes with repetitive driving patterns, where truck drivers face a higher risk of fatigue 3.