Tina Bellon

(Reuters) – Aurora Innovation Inc said Wednesday it launched a pilot project with Uber Technologies (NYSE 🙂 Inc’s freight unit to transport goods to Texas and incorporate autonomous trucking in Uber Freight’s shipping system.

Aurora announced that it has been autonomously moving loads between Dallas and Houston for Uber Freight customers since last week. The company intends to begin its autonomous trucking commercial business in Texas before the end 2023.

Uber invested in Aurora last year after buying Uber’s autonomous vehicle division ATG. Uber now owns 26%.

Uber Freight connects shippers and drivers looking to transport goods.

Aurora states that shippers who have subscribed to the self-driving program will be eligible to book autonomous trucks using Uber Freight when commercially self-driving trucks are available.

Aurora explained that shippers can increase their use of autonomous trucks and move more cargo between terminals by using them. Drivers of trucks are restricted from driving more than 11 hours per hour. These restrictions do not apply for self-driving trucks.

Pilot program uses so-called “drop-and-hook loads”, which is an industry term for a driver who drops off full containers at terminals and immediately grabs a new container.

Uber Freight Network provides human-operated trucks that can be booked via Uber. These trucks then take the final mile to their destination where they will unload the goods, according to companies.