Pilot, Flying J travel centers planning for autonomous trucks

Pilot Co. and Kodiak Robotics are partnering to bring autonomous truck services to Pilot and Flying J travel centers.  (Courtesy photo)

National travel center operator Pilot Co. has partnered with self-driving trucking company Kodiak Robotics Inc. to develop autonomous truck services at Pilot and Flying J travel centers.

According to a release, the companies are developing a truckport in the Atlanta area for autonomous over-the-road rigs. Among other things, it will provide accommodations for pickup and drop-off of autonomous truck loads; spaces for vehicle inspections and maintenance; capacity for refueling trucks; and abilities to transfer mapping and other data for processing.

Earlier this year, Kodiak announced a new autonomous truck route between Dallas and Oklahoma City with CEVA Logistics. It also has established routes between Dallas and Atlanta with U.S. Xpress. The company has been delivering freight commercially since 2019 and currently has six routes that run regularly between Dallas and Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Atlanta, Oklahoma City and Jacksonville, Florida.

Combining Pilot Co.’s nationwide network of travel centers and services with Kodiak’s technology could play a crucial role in the deployment of autonomous trucks nationwide, Pilot Co. Vice President John Tully said.

“In making this strategic investment, we understand that our customers have a need for real solutions that help address the growing demand to move goods and Kodiak is a strong leader in the autonomous trucking space,” he said.