Tyson Foods, Springdale, Ark., recently kicked off a new pilot program to ship temperature-controlled products using self-driving trucks from Kodiak Robotics and refrigerated trailers from C.R. England. Although the program only includes a single route from Dallas to San Antonio, Texas, more widespread usage of autonomous trucks could provide a “huge benefit” to an industry plagued by driver shortages, according to Kodiak officials. Other advantages include improved safety, reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.
“The potential benefits of Kodiak’s technology are far-reaching — for shippers whose reputations are built on the freshness of their products, to end consumers who rely on companies like Tyson Foods to provide products they can trust,” says Kodiak founder and CEO Don Burnette.
