Self-driving big rigs roll into California as driverless future comes into focus

Kodiak AI and Fresno-based DTL Transport launched the pilot Sept. 22, using autonomous trucks to move perishable loads from Fresno to a Los Angeles distribution center.

The roughly 225-mile run takes the trucks along major California arteries, including State Route 99 and Interstate 5.

A human safety driver must remain in the cab, and the company is not currently allowed to operate fully driverless commercial trucks.

Autonomous trucking companies must rack up at least 500,000 miles with a safety driver before they can apply for fully driverless commercial deployment.

“California’s comprehensive autonomous vehicle regulations are a major unlock for freight innovation in our home state,” Kodiak founder and CEO Don Burnette said.