Aurora, the autonomous trucking company, is testing its driverless heavy-duty trucks on public highways in Texas, per Axios. The initial fleet will focus on a well-known freight route between Houston and Dallas. Other states, including California and Arkansas, are experimenting with automated trucks. McKinsey predicts they will make up 13% of U.S. trucks by 2035. Supporters argue they will reduce operating costs and address driver shortages, while critics cite safety oversight and job cut concerns.
A Class 8 truck. On a public highway.
Aurora just launched their commercial driverless trucking service in Texas.
The first route? Dallas to Houston - completely autonomous.
But this didn’t happen overnight.
Here’s a 6-year journey at Aurora, compressed into 6 lines:
🛞 2019: Acquires Blackmore for advanced LiDAR
🚛 2020: Begins supervised testing with Class 8 trucks
📦 2021–2024: Runs 10,000+ supervised deliveries across 3M miles
🤝 April 2024: Final supervised runs with partners like Uber Freight
🚚 May 1, 2025: First driverless truck hits the road — no humans aboard
📈 May 2025: Over 1,200 miles run driverless — 10,000+ total loads delivered
And they’re not slowing down: By year-end, Aurora plans to expand routes to El Paso and Phoenix.