PepsiCo Expands Autonomous Truck Fleet with Gatik Across North America PepsiCo has entered into a multi-year agreement to increase the deployment of Gatik autonomous trucks throughout its North American supply chain, as detailed in a company press release. Fleet Expansion Details PepsiCo has partnered with Gatik since 2022 and currently runs a fleet of 41 autonomous trucks across Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas, Gatik confirmed to Supply Chain Dive via email. The company noted that autonomous trucking, especially on short, repeatable routes, can support more consistent operations and reduce variability, helping to provide a more reliable service experience. Modernization Strategy Integrating autonomous trucks is part of a deliberate initiative by PepsiCo to modernize product movement across its transportation network, the company stated. The agreement with Gatik focuses on adding capacity where it is needed most, such as in high-demand regional networks that are difficult to staff and essential for keeping store shelves stocked, according to the release. Gatik emphasized that deploying driverless trucks in a supply chain as complex as PepsiCo's requires a nuanced and carefully orchestrated approach. The company stated that safety is its guiding principle, so it took the necessary time to complete extensive safety assessments and integrate into PepsiCo's supply chain in a reliable and safe manner. Operational Capabilities Gatik's driverless trucks are capable of end-to-end deliveries on highways and surface streets. They can also adjust routes as needed for complex regional logistics networks and reach hundreds of pickup and drop-off locations, per the release. This allows PepsiCo to modify route plans based on daily operational needs, including adding or removing stops, responding to demand shifts, and adapting to activity levels at distribution centers. Such flexibility enables PepsiCo to improve on-time performance and increase capacity without altering its existing operations. Broader Fleet Technology Initiatives PepsiCo has been testing