Humans still ride shotgun as self-driving trucks hit Highway 99 test route

A company is testing self-driving trucks to transport food along Highway 99 between Fresno and Los Angeles, though a human remains in the driver’s seat for now.

Fresno-based DTL Transport Inc. and autonomous driving technology company Kodiak AI began an autonomous trucking pilot on September 22nd, hauling perishable goods between Fresno and a distribution center in Los Angeles.

Kodiak described the runs as the first autonomous trucking deliveries under California’s new regulations, according to a Kodiak news release.

The pilot follows Kodiak’s receipt of a heavy-duty Autonomous Vehicle Testing permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles in August.

They also plan to study how autonomy could affect transit times, shipping costs, and produce shelf life, with the potential to ease pressure from rising food costs.