<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3g5Te0_1FRVbMjc00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3g5Te0_1FRVbMjc00" width="1294" height="728" ><figcaption>Parallel Systems' autonomous intermodal railcar. (Photo: Parallel Systems)</figcaption></figure>Parallel Systems has advanced its autonomous battery-electric railcar program from an initial two-mile demonstration to a broader second testing phase on Genesee &amp; Wyoming short lines in Georgia.The operational milestone comes as part of the company’s effort to establish a lower-cost rail alternative for short-haul container freight.The Los Angeles-based company completed the first phase of its Federal Railroad Administration-approved test program on a two-mile segment of G&amp;W’s Heart of Georgia Railroad, then began a second phase over 30 miles between Vidalia and an area east of Helena, Georgia. The second-phase territory includes 43 public grade crossings, protected by flaggers during the tests.“This phase introduces a major unlock: Remote supervision as opposed to line-of-sight supervision in the field, opening the door to centralized operations across rail networks,” the company said on social media. “We’re also significantly extending the distance of our automated runs, while expanding operations across more complex infrastructure, including diamond crossings.” Parallel’s self-propelled vehicles are designed to carry containers individually or operate in digital platoons, a model intended to give railroads an economic way to pursue smaller-volume and shorter-distance freight lanes that are generally served by trucks.Rival Intramotev has already put its autonomous railcar systems in commercial service, with a mining operation in Pennsylvania, and with short line operator R.J. Corman.Seven-stage programGeorgia is the first U.S. commercial pilot for Parallel’s technology, but it remains a testing and approval program rather than unrestricted freight service.The program is structured in seven phases across a 160-mile corridor on the two G&amp;W lines. Each phase is intended to increase operating complexity, and FRA must determine that a phase has met its requirements before the participants can proceed to the next one, Trains reported earlier.The approved territory extends from near Cordele, Ga., on the Heart of Georgia Railroad eastward through Vidalia and onward on Georgia Central toward Pooler, near the Port of Savannah. FRA said the program is intended to evaluate the technology and its operational approach for short-haul container movements.The company reportedly said in 2025 it had a backlog exceeding 300 vehicles and expected initial commercial operations in 2026, subject to test outcomes and regulatory approval.Parallel closed a $38 million Series B financing round alongside the Georgia-pilot announcement, saying the capital would support commercialization of its Generation 3 vehicle and autonomous rail system. The company said its cumulative fundraising then stood at about $100 million.Subscribe to FreightWaves’ Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox.Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.Upcoming FreightWaves EventsComplianceBrokerage Compliance SymposiumThe day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.October 26, 2026The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TNAwardsF3 Awards DinnerThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.October 26, 2026The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TNFreightTechF3: Future of Freight FestivalIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN</div></body>

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Parallel Systems has advanced its autonomous battery-electric railcar program from an initial two-mile demonstration to a broader second testing phase on Genesee & Wyoming short lines in Georgia. The operational milestone comes as part of the company’s effort to establish a lower-cost rail alternative for short-haul container freight. The...

Next phase for autonomous railcar technology in commercial service testing

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Parallel Systems has advanced its autonomous battery-electric railcar program from an initial two-mile demonstration to a broader second testing phase on G

Next phase for autonomous railcar technology in commercial service testing

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