NEWS

January 15, 2024 AIM retains the Bohlin Group of Hoboken, NJ who are focused on the development of the next generation of Infrastructure.  Led by their Managing Partner Tiffany Bohlin, they have raised $1 Billion in funding for Infrastructure Projects.  AIM is partnering with the Bohlin Group to fund the development and testing of our prototype equipment.  For more information go to www.bohlingroup.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: James T. Wilson, President & CEO at jim.wilson@autonomousintermodal.com

Autonomous Intermodal LLC Announces Launch

Houston, Texas – June 14, 2023 – Autonomous Intermodal LLC, a new provider of rail intermodal equipment and autonomous technology applications, today announced its launch. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas and is led by a team of experienced professionals with a proven track record in the transportation industry.

Autonomous Intermodal’s mission is to revolutionize the rail transportation industry by developing and deploying new rail intermodal equipment and autonomous operations technology that are safe, efficient, secure, and cost-effective.

The company’s technology is focused on delivering higher capacity intermodal trains over the same footprint as today, turning assets faster, and improving first/last mile in and out of terminals and ports.  AIM will do this with new higher capacity double stack container carrying platforms, new autonomous traction platforms, and a new autonomous drayage and terminal yard operations system, while the containers and trailers stay the same.

“We are excited to launch Autonomous Intermodal and to bring our innovative technology to the transportation industry,” said Jim Wilson, President and CEO of Autonomous Intermodal. “We believe that our technology has the potential to revolutionize the way containers and trailers are transported across the global rail intermodal networks, and we are committed to working with our partners to make that happen.”

For more information, please visit www.autonomousintermodal.com

Trains Magazine Article by Bill Stephens, June 15, 2023

By Bill Stephens | June 15, 2023

Autonomous Intermodal LLC proposes integral train sets that would be an improvement over current well cars

Autonomous Intermodal LLC aims to build integral double-stack trains that can operate autonomously.

HOUSTON — The race to develop autonomous freight railroad systems has another entrant: Autonomous Intermodal LLC on Wednesday announced that it’s working on a new intermodal system that would automate trains and terminals.

The backbone of AIM’s system is an integral 4,000-foot double-stack train and 9,000-horsepower locomotive. Each 4,000-foot double-stack platform can be combined into trains of up to 16,000 feet, with the locomotives distributed every 4,000 feet through the train.

AIM’s well-car design closes the gap between cars, allowing each train to carry up to 23% more containers than standard equipment, with improved aerodynamics helping to reduce fuel consumption. The cars also will be 25% lighter than conventional well cars.

The autonomous locomotive would use dual 4,500-horsepower engines to power 12 AC traction motors. The locomotives would meet federal emissions standards as well as the more strict rules in California. AIM envisions one ATP handling up to a 4,000-foot double-stack platform.

The company’s proposed drayage system includes an autonomous yard/dray tractor and an adjustable length chassis to handle containers of any size. It’s envisioned for use in ports and terminals, as well as over-the-road operations.

AIM also will develop an “intelligent rail intermodal system” that would manage the customer shipment process, provide location tracking, and tie together autonomous operations.

AIM’s management team includes CEO Jim Wilson, who rose from brakeman to assistant vice president of operations for the Santa Fe during a 46-year railroad career. Its engineering technical advisor is Mike Diluigi, who has four decades of experience in the engineering, design, and construction of rolling stock with Thrall Railcar, Trinity Industries, and Brandt.

“There’s got to be a next iteration” of intermodal equipment that can speed up trains and increase terminal throughput, Wilson says.

AIM is just getting started pursuing financial backing from potential investors, Wilson says, and also will seek grants from the Department of Transportation and the Energy Department.

Other companies seeking to develop new autonomous trains include Parallel Systems and Intramotev. Both are focusing on self-propelled autonomous railcars.

From Progressive Railroading, June 16, 2023 by Pat Foran

Autonomous Intermodal LLC has launched in Houston to provide rail intermodal equipment and autonomous technology applications. Autonomous Intermodal’s mission is to "revolutionize the rail transportation industry by developing and deploying rail intermodal equipment and autonomous operations technology that are safe, efficient, secure and cost-effective," company officials said in a press release.