Aurora Ramps Up Driverless Trucking Operations
Aurora Innovation is expanding its driverless trucking operations, building on the success of its commercial launch. The company plans to introduce night driving and expand its routes.
Night Driving and Adverse Weather Operations
Starting in the second half of 2025, Aurora will begin deploying its self-driving trucks at night and in adverse weather conditions, such as rain and heavy wind. This expansion is detailed in their first-quarter shareholder letter.
Route Expansion
The company also intends to extend its driverless trucking routes beyond Dallas to include Houston, El Paso, and Phoenix. This will significantly broaden Aurora’s operational footprint.
Current Operations and Milestones
Aurora already operates freight routes with self-driving trucks, but currently with a human safety operator behind the wheel. They have completed over 4,000 miles without a driver in a single truck for launch customers Hirschbach Motor Lines and Uber Freight.
Since the commercial launch, Aurora has expanded to two driverless trucks operating daily and expects to have “tens of trucks” in operation by the end of 2025. This rapid scaling underscores the company’s commitment to autonomous freight solutions and demonstrates how Aurora is revolutionizing Aurora driverless trucking.
Company Developments
Alongside these expansions, Aurora is experiencing changes, including the resignation of co-founder and chief product officer Sterling Anderson.
Financial Performance
Aurora’s pilot revenue from drivered commercial freight runs increased by 22% quarterly and 54% year-over-year, according to CFO Dave Maday.
The company projects modest revenue in 2025, in the mid-single-digit millions, with revenue building sequentially throughout the year. While figures were NULL, this shows the potential for more revenue with their driverless trucking capabilities.
Strategic Partnerships
Aurora plans to own, operate, maintain, and insure its trucks initially, utilizing the Uber Freight network. They are collaborating with Paccar and Volvo Trucks to develop self-driving trucks at scale. By 2027 or earlier, Aurora anticipates customers will purchase trucks directly from manufacturers, shifting to a driver-as-a-service model.
