Driverless semi-trucks to expand operations on Phoenix roads by end of 2026

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Driverless semi-trucks are expected to expand operations on Phoenix roads by the end of this year, according to a spokesperson for Aurora Innovation Inc., a Pittsburgh-based autonomous vehicle company.

Aurora launched its driverless trucks in Texas last year and has logged more than 250,000 driverless miles with zero collisions attributed to Aurora drivers, a company spokesperson said in a statement. By the end of 2026, the company plans to deploy more autonomous trucks to Phoenix and expand its fleet to 200 semis covering multiple states.

Jason Bowen, owner of Truck Driving Schools of America in Phoenix, trains drivers for commercial semi-trucks. He said demand for drivers exists, but recruitment has been a challenge.

“We need more drivers, more drivers that want to drive cross country,” Bowen said.

Bowen said he is cautiously optimistic about the technology. “Part of me is excited for the innovation that’s gonna happen but then the other part worries me,” he said.

Current and aspiring drivers express mixed views.

“Well it’s good and it’s bad, but it’s gonna take a lot of jobs out of the industry,” said Gilbert Lerma, a truck driver.

Carlos Padilla, a student learning to drive cross-country, said safety is a primary concern. “It’s 50/50 for me. Hopefully it’s safe for the people,” he said.

“I’ve been through blizzards. I’ve been through different type of weathers and I can’t imagine one of them driving through there knowing to be able to read and understand what’s going on,” said Bowen.

We are proud to be the first autonomous trucking company to haul freight in Phoenix, a critical logistics hub that connects the West Coast to the Southeast. Since launching in Texas last year, the Aurora Driver has maintained a perfect driverless safety record with zero Aurora Driver-attributed collisions over 250,000 driverless miles.

Trucking is the backbone of our economy. By moving goods around the clock with autonomy, we are giving our customers cutting-edge technology that can help offset the chronic challenges they face, including high-driver turnover, while making the roads we all share safer for everyone.

Editor’s Note: Aurora followed up with Arizona’s Family, saying, "We currently have 30 trucks driving the corridor between Phoenix and Fort Worth."

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