Aurora to help haul frac sand ‘around the clock’ using autonomous trucks on public roads in the Permian Basin
Aurora is moving forward with plans to use autonomous trucks to haul frac sand on public roads in the Permian Basin, aiming for near-continuous operations without a human driver in the cab.
The companies involved have requested a five-year arrangement tied to the autonomous trucking work. The setup described relies on autonomous driving hardware mounted on the truck cab, with the goal of avoiding the need for human drivers during these runs.
For working drivers, the significance is straightforward: frac sand hauling is high-volume, repeatable work that often runs on tight schedules. Deploying autonomous trucks in this lane highlights where the technology is being positioned first—steady freight on set routes, operating “around the clock.”
Aurora’s broader autonomy push includes established industry partnerships. In April 2023, Aurora partnered with Continental to deliver autonomous driving systems for the trucking industry, signaling that the company is building toward scaled deployment rather than one-off demonstrations.
Regulation remains a major factor in where autonomous trucking can operate. The eventual allowance of autonomous trucks in California is expected to expand the national autonomous trucking network and enable more efficient long-haul routes. Testing permits could be available by late 2026, which would matter for carriers and drivers because California is a key link in many long-distance freight corridors.