Refrigerated truckload carrier Hirschbach Motor Lines today announced a plan in which it will soon operate 500 autonomous trucks controlled by self-driving vehicle technology from Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation Inc.Hirschbach’s expansion strategy anchors on a hybrid network where autonomous trucks handle long-haul routes, allowing traditional drivers to focus on shorter hauls that get them home daily.Iowa-based Hirschbach currently operates a fleet of 3000+ trucks, 5,500+ trailers, and multiple terminal locations. Under the new plan, it will obtain 500 units of Aurora’s “Aurora Driver” systems to operate some of those trucks, with delivery beginning in 2027.The carrier will subscribe to Aurora’s Driver as a Service (DaaS) model, which delivers mutual value for customers and Aurora. Customers have control and ownership over assets in DaaS, allowing them to maximize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings while Aurora benefits from an expected high-margin and capital-efficient business.”The Aurora Driver will provide consistent 24/7 service to our customers, making it an important growth lever for our business,” said Richard Stocking, CEO of Hirschbach Motor Lines. “But autonomy isn’t just a business move – it’s a quality-of-life investment for our people. The Aurora Driver will handle the lengthier, less desirable routes, providing our drivers with greater flexibility. It’s a win-win.”The deal expands on an existing relatiipnship between the two companies, as Aurora recently transitioned to driverless deliveries to Laredo, Texas, to support one of Hirschbach’s key customers. The carrier itself is also a key customer on Aurora’s 1,000-mile route between Fort Worth and Phoenix, a critical link…
