Charger Logistics USA plans to buy up to 500 driverless trucks equipped with Aurora Innovation’s self-driving technology over the next few years, the companies announced Oct. 26, 2026.
The plan is a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU), so it is a statement of intent rather than a firm order. Truck deliveries are expected between 2027 and 2028.
How the deal works
Under the arrangement, Charger would own the trucks and subscribe to Aurora’s “driver-as-a-service” model, paying Aurora for the autonomous driving system. Aurora calls this approach asset-light: customers own the equipment, and Aurora supplies the technology.
The deal expands an existing partnership. In July, Charger began running driverless capacity with Aurora between Dallas and Laredo, Texas. Charger plans to put the new trucks on current and new high-volume routes near the U.S.-Mexico border and across the country.
Charger President Andy Khera said Aurora’s plans to open more long-haul routes would let the company grow into new regions.
Aurora’s bigger goals
- Aurora aims to have more than 200 driverless trucks operating by the end of 2026.
- Its long-term goal is 30,000 driverless trucks on the road by 2030.
- Earlier this year, Aurora announced a similar 500-truck expansion with Hirschbach Motor Lines.
Charger is not betting on just one technology provider. In October it also launched a 435-mile autonomous lane between Dallas and Laredo with Kodiak AI.
What it means for truck drivers
Driverless trucks are still a small slice of freight, and deals like this one are spread over several years and are not yet binding. For now, the autonomous runs are concentrated on long, predictable highway lanes in Texas and the Sun Belt.
That said, the direction is clear: large carriers are lining up autonomous capacity on major interstate lanes. Drivers who want to stay ahead may want to look at work that is harder to automate, such as local, regional, specialized and first- and last-mile freight. Browse current openings on our trucking jobs page.
We will keep following the rollout of autonomous trucks in our trucking industry news coverage.
