ITOCHU and Gatik Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Autonomous Middle-Mile Logistics

ITOCHU Corporation, one of Japan's largest general trading and investment companies, has announced a strategic partnership and investment with Gatik, the market leader in autonomous middle-mile logistics, to accelerate the deployment and scaling of Gatik's autonomous delivery network across North America. This collaboration aims to further transform the B2B middle-mile logistics sector by leveraging Gatik's proven autonomous vehicle technology and ITOCHU Corporation's extensive automotive resources and expertise.

This partnership is the latest in a series of strategic alliances that Gatik is leveraging to revolutionize the North American logistics landscape through the large-scale deployment of Freight-Only. By working directly with industry leaders, Gatik is addressing the logistics sector’s mounting pressures, including surging e-commerce demands, critical driver shortages, and rising operational costs. These partnerships are reshaping the industry to meet the increasing expectations of end-consumers while alleviating the strain on traditional logistics infrastructure. Gatik's collaboration with ITOCHU underscores the industry's growing confidence in Gatik's technological leadership and its commitment to addressing the increasing demands of the logistics sector.

Philip Reinckens, Senior Vice President of Commercialization and Operations at Gatik, stated, “We’re thrilled to strengthen our relationship with ITOCHU, further solidifying Gatik's position as the leading provider of autonomous transportation as a service for the middle mile. This partnership is another example of the growing momentum and investment behind our technology and operations and a testament to the increasing demand for safe, reliable autonomous logistics. Together with our growing list of partners, we’re looking forward to continuing to transform the sector for the benefit of our Fortune 500 customers and their end consumers.”

Atsushi Kuromi, General Manager of ITOCHU Corporation, added, “Gatik's cutting-edge autonomous technology aligns perfectly with our goal to expand our downstream presence in the US automotive market and revolutionize logistics services. With their demonstrated safety record and methodical approach to scaling, we see immense potential in Gatik's ability to further optimize middle-mile delivery, address driver shortages, and ultimately create a more sustainable and efficient supply chain for the benefit of consumers. This strategic partnership not only strengthens our existing operations but also opens doors for innovative solutions across our global network.”

About Gatik

Gatik, the leader in autonomous middle-mile logistics, is revolutionizing B2B logistics with autonomous transportation-as-a-service (ATaaS). The company prioritizes safe, consistent deliveries and streamlines freight movement by reducing congestion. Gatik focuses on short-haul, B2B logistics for Fortune 500 retailers and launched the world’s first fully driverless commercial transportation service with Walmart in 2021. Gatik's Class 3-7 autonomous box trucks are commercially deployed in multiple markets including Texas, Arkansas, and Ontario. Gatik partners with industry leaders including Ryder, Goodyear, and Isuzu. Founded in 2017 by veterans of the autonomous technology industry, the company has offices in Mountain View, Dallas Fort Worth, and Toronto.

By leveraging its strategic partnerships and advanced autonomous technology, Gatik continues to pave the way for a new era in middle-mile logistics. The company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency is evident in its ongoing efforts to meet the evolving needs of the logistics sector and deliver superior service to its clients. As Gatik and ITOCHU join forces, the future of B2B logistics looks promising, marked by enhanced operational efficiency and a robust, sustainable supply chain.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in the evolution of autonomous logistics, highlighting the potential of technology-driven solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today. With the combined strengths of Gatik and ITOCHU, the landscape of middle-mile logistics is set to undergo a transformative shift, bringing new levels of efficiency and reliability to the sector.