Loblaw companies is expanding delivery options from their various banners at more than 1,100 stores including Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart. Customers will now be able to order from the DoorDash Marketplace app in addition to the Loblaw’s PC Express app.  The goal is to provide a seamless experience for customers who are seeking a higher degree of convenience.

In what is thought to be a first in Canada, Loblaw will partner with American autonomous logistics company Gatik and deploy fully driverless trucks in the GTA – Greater Toronto Area. Ontario has had a pilot program testing the use of automated vehicles since 2019 on public roads following specific requirements.

Loblaw has been testing driverless deliveries over the past 18 months. After 150,000 trips it has achieved a 100% safety level with a safety driver on board.

The plan includes having five refrigerated trucks transport goods seven days a week twelve hours a day, from the Loblaw distribution facility to five retail locations within the Toronto area. The routes will be fixed and predictable.  They hope to improve supply chain efficiency, moving more orders, more frequently. Although there is no driver, there will continue to be someone sitting in the passenger seat for the time being as a precaution.