Tyson Foods takes part in self-driving truck test

Tyson Foods is partnering with C.R. England and Kodiak Robotics to pilot autonomous trucks in the transport of poultry and meat products between Dallas and San Antonio, Texas, a more than 274-mile trek via Interstate 35.

The companies said the program begins this month and will include safety drivers in the self-driving trucks. Kodiak developed the technology that helps carriers like C.R. England establish autonomous freight operations for its customers like Tyson Foods.

C.R. England CEO Chad England said perishable foods require the most reliable, on-time delivery possible. He said partnering with Kodiak is a great way to introduce autonomous service into its operation. Tyson Foods said it continues to pursue all aspects of technology across its business, especially in transportation.

“Autonomous trucks are just one piece of the puzzle in this innovation journey to use technology to operate more efficiently and to help ensure our transportation loads are delivered in a timely fashion,” said Patrick Simmons, vice president of transportation at Tyson Foods.

Tyson Foods has invested more than $1.3 billion in automation over the past few years in its processing plants. The partners said this pilot comes as self-driving trucks can provide increased safety and reliability and help to bridge the shortage of drivers in the future.