RideFlux and Hanjin Launch Korea’s First Paid Autonomous Truck Freight Service

Autonomous driving software startup RideFlux has launched Korea’s first commercial paid freight service using autonomous trucks, marking a milestone shift from government-led pilot programs to revenue-generating B2B operations. The service, in partnership with logistics giant Hanjin, began operating on June 1 on a real delivery route.

The route covers 116 kilometers one-way, departing from the express cargo customs clearance center in Gunsan, passing through Hanjin’s Jeonju delivery center, and arriving at the Daejeon Mega Hub Center. Trucks run twice a week during daytime hours using a Tata Daewoo Maxen 25-ton heavy-duty vehicle. Each truck carries up to 11 tons of parcel cargo at speeds reaching 90 km/h, with a trained safety operator on board.

The launch comes just months after RideFlux became the first company in Korea to secure a permit for paid autonomous truck freight operations from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in April. It represents a pivotal moment for the domestic autonomous driving industry, signaling a transition from demonstration-focused B2G projects to higher-margin commercial contracts.

In May, RideFlux earned an ‘A’ grade from both technology evaluation agencies designated by the Korea Exchange, validating its technical capabilities. With the company preparing to file for a preliminary KOSDAQ listing review in the second half of this year, the addition of commercial B2B revenue strengthens its positioning ahead of the public debut.

RideFlux plans to expand its paid freight service nationwide within the year, including routes in Chungbuk, Gangneung, and Jeju, and aims to achieve fully driverless operations in the middle-mile segment next year.

CEO Junghee Park said the company intends to lead innovation in the middle-mile market alongside Korea’s top-tier logistics firms and to complete its KOSDAQ listing in the second half of the year, cementing its position as Korea’s leading autonomous driving technology company.

RideFlux has been building toward this milestone for some time. Late last year, the startup raised $13.9 million in pre-IPO funding from investors including Atinum Investment to accelerate the commercialization of its autonomous trucks. It also previously demonstrated a fully hands-off autonomous freight run, releasing video of the achievement.

The move intensifies competition in Korea’s autonomous trucking sector, where rival Mars Auto is pursuing full driverless freight operations across both Korea and the United States.