Autonomous trucking is a slow but steady shift in how freight moves. While it’s far from replacing every driver on the road, the companies pioneering this technology are already carving out lanes, running live freight, and changing expectations around cost, speed, and availability. For freight brokers, that matters. Your job depends on understanding the tools and trends shaping the supply chain. If autonomous trucks can shave hours off delivery times, operate on tight night schedules without fatigue, or reduce per-mile costs on specific lanes, shippers are going to ask about it. And if you can’t give them a straight answer, they’ll find someone who can.
Keeping up with the reality (not the rumors) of autonomous trucking helps brokers:
- Identify which lanes and customers could benefit from autonomous operations.
- Negotiate rates and timelines with a full understanding of what’s possible.
- Position themselves as trusted advisors rather than order-takers.
What Is Autonomous Trucking?
Autonomous trucking refers to trucks that can operate with varying levels of human involvement, guided by advanced GPS, sensors, and onboard computer systems.
The industry uses the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) scale of autonomy, with Level 4 being the point where a truck can drive itself under defined conditions without human input. However, most laws still require a safety driver in the cab.
Common Operational Modes
- Semi-autonomous: A human driver is actively involved, but the system assists with navigation and control.
- Teleoperation: A remote operator controls the truck using live video and sensor feedback.
- Remote control: The truck is operated from a distance without real-time sensory feedback, typically within line of sight.
Right now, real-world deployments use a hybrid approach with autonomous driving for long, predictable highway stretches, and humans taking over in urban or complex environments. Industry projections suggest fully autonomous highway trucking could emerge commercially by 2027, but it will likely roll out in stages, starting with hub-to-hub freight lanes.
Autonomous Trucking News
The hype isn’t baseless. Real progress is happening, though not at the “driverless trucks everywhere” pace some headlines suggest.
- Aurora Innovation: Aurora recently expanded driverless commercial operations in Texas, adding nighttime runs between Dallas and Houston. The company reports over 20,000 driverless miles and a growing terminal network, including Phoenix. Night operations are a milestone, with 37% of fatal large truck crashes occurring at night, often tied to fatigue and low visibility. Aurora’s lidar system detects obstacles over 450 meters away, giving it a notable safety advantage.
- CreateAI: TuSimple, now CreateAI, has been running autonomous routes for UPS since 2019 and claims terminal-to-terminal operation without human intervention, though a safety driver is still required under current law. Their camera-based perception tech can detect objects up to 1,000 yards away, supporting safe stopping distances and consistent performance.
- PlusAI & Goodyear Collaboration: PlusAI announced a partnership with Goodyear to integrate tire intelligence into its SuperDrive™ system. Goodyear’s SightLine technology monitors tire health, road conditions, and friction in real time, feeding data directly to the autonomous system for improved braking, performance, and reduced downtime. PlusAI partners with global truck makers like TRATON Group, Hyundai, and IVECO, with plans for factory-built autonomous trucks launching in 2027.
Where Autonomous Trucking Is Allowed
- Texas
Texas has taken a permissive, pro-business approach to AV testing through:
- Senate Bill 2205 (2017): Allows AV operation on public roads without a human driver, as long as the vehicle meets safety standards, is registered/insured, and has a recording device. Preempts local restrictions.
- Senate Bill 2807 (2025): Introduces a permit system, requires federal safety compliance and data-recording equipment, and gives the DMV authority to revoke permits for violations.
- Arizona
Arizona built a structured but open testing pathway with:
- Executive Orders 2015-09 & 2018-04: Support AV testing with a public safety focus and state oversight.
- ARS Title 28-9702: Allows fully driverless operation if the operator submits a Law Enforcement Interaction Plan and certifies safety compliance, minimal-risk fallback ability, and proper registration/insurance.
What This Means for Freight Brokers
At a glance:
- Hub-to-Hub Efficiency: Long interstate runs by autonomous trucks, with local drivers handling pickup/delivery.
- 24/7 Utilization: Near-continuous operation, potentially shortening delivery windows.
- Cost Shifts: Possible per-mile cost reductions on select lanes, tempered by insurance, regulatory, and infrastructure factors.
- Route Planning: Identify driverless-friendly states for potential new lanes.
- Negotiation Clarity: Factor regulations and tech limitations into pricing and scheduling.
- Positioning: Present informed, fact-based guidance to clients considering autonomous freight options.
Partner with First Star Logistics
At First Star Logistics, we focus on what works now and what’s next. We embrace emerging technology while maintaining the human expertise that keeps freight moving. Even as autonomous trucking advances, someone still needs to:
- Negotiate rates
- Match loads to the right carriers
- Handle exceptions and curveballs
- Maintain strong carrier/shipper relationships
Our team monitors autonomous trucking developments and integrates new capabilities without disrupting service. Whether your freight moves on a traditional tractor-trailer or an autonomous rig, we deliver the same attention to detail and reliability.
If you want a freight partner that deals in current best practices with an eye on the future, First Star Logistics is ready to work with you. Let us quote a load for you or apply to join our team.
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References:
- https://ir.aurora.tech/
- https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/self-driving-truck-startup-tusimple-rebrands-createai-shifts-gaming-tech-2024-12-19/
- https://plus.ai/news-and-insights/plusai-and-goodyear-collaborate-to-enhance-the-safety-and-efficiency-features-of-autonomous-trucks
- https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/SB02205F.pdf
- https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2807
- https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/professional-services/autonomous-vehicles-testing-and-operating-state-arizona
- https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/09702.htm