Uber Says It Has Been Sending Self-Driving Trucks On Delivery Runs

Uber announced Tuesday that it has been sending self-driving trucks on delivery runs across Arizona since November, the first step in what could be a freight transportation revolution that could leave long-haul truckers in the cold.

After testing its technology earlier in 2017, Uber began contracting with trucking companies to use its own autonomous Volvo big rigs to take over loads as they traverse the state. Uber did not disclose what items it is transporting for which companies.

"The big step for us recently is that we can plan to haul goods in both directions, using Uber Freight to coordinate load pickups and dropoffs with local truckers," says Alden Woodrow, who leads Uber's self driving truck effort. "Keeping trucking local allows these drivers to make money while staying closer to home," he said.