Driverless Trucks in Texas: What Small Fleets Should Know
By iAgency
Driverless trucks took another step forward this week, and the first lanes run right through Texas. On Oct. 28, autonomous truck developer Kodiak AI signed a binding deal to put its self-driving system in 75 trucks run by DTL Transport, a family-owned carrier based in Fresno, California. According to FreightWaves, the trucks will start on Dallas to El Paso and on Interstate 20 from Dallas to Atlanta. If you run freight in Texas or the Southeast, here is what the news means for your business, your safety plan and your insurance.
Key takeaways
A real carrier deal. DTL Transport, a carrier with more than 100 trucks, plans to run 75 trucks with the Kodiak Driver and pay Kodiak a fee per mile.
Texas lanes come first. The first routes are Dallas to El Paso and I-20 from Dallas to Atlanta. No start date for driverless runs has been shared.
It is still early. Kodiak has not yet run a driverless truck on a public highway, per FreightWaves. It plans to start driverless service on I-45 between Dallas and Houston by the end of 2026.
Texas has rules. Since May 28, 2026, companies that run commercial automated vehicles in Texas need an authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Your plan stays the same. Safe driving, good records and the right coverage still win loads and protect your business.
What the Kodiak and DTL deal includes
DTL Transport has hauled dry and refrigerated freight for more than 36 years, including cross-country team loads for grocers. Under the deal, DTL will own and run the trucks. Kodiak supplies the self-driving system as a service and charges by the mile. The per-mile rate, the length of the contract and the date of the first driverless run were not disclosed.
DTL's CEO, Lucky Dosanjh, said the technology will "expand capacity, enhance safety and drive innovation forward." Kodiak already runs driverless trucks for a sand-hauling customer in the Permian Basin of West Texas. It reported 35 customer-owned driverless trucks in that work as of June 30.
Why team freight is the first target
Federal hours-of-service rules let a property-carrying driver drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour window, after 10 hours off duty. That is why carriers use driver teams to keep urgent freight moving around the clock. A truck that does not need rest could, in time, do some of that work. FreightWaves noted that DTL cannot use the trucks this way until Kodiak completes its long-haul safety case and launches on public highways.
For most owner-operators and small fleets, that means change will be slow and limited to certain long, straight highway lanes at first. Local delivery, specialized freight and customer service still depend on skilled people.
Texas rules for autonomous trucks
Texas passed Senate Bill 2807 in 2025 to set a statewide framework for commercial automated vehicles. Under that law, TxDMV began enforcing its authorization requirement on May 28, 2026. TxDMV issues and oversees the authorizations, while the Texas Department of Public Safety and local police enforce traffic laws on the road. Anyone can check whether a company is authorized, or report a serious safety concern, through TxDMV's Automated Motor Vehicle Lookup page.
How to share the road with driverless trucks
Treat an autonomous truck like any other heavy truck:
Keep your space. Leave a safe following distance and avoid cutting in close. A truck with no driver still needs room to stop.
Run a dash cam. Video is one of the best tools to show what happened in any crash. See our guide to AI dash cams for small fleets.
Document everything after a crash. Take photos, note the company name and USDOT number on the truck, get a police report and call your agent right away.
Report unsafe behavior. If an automated truck acts in a way that worries you, TxDMV offers a public complaint process.
What it means for your insurance
Who pays after a crash still depends on the facts and on each party's policies. A crash with a driverless truck may involve the carrier, the technology company and their insurers, which can make claims more complex. That is one more reason to carry solid commercial auto liability insurance and to report any accident quickly. Our claim services team can help you through the process.
New technology also raises the bar on safety records. Tools like dash cams, collision warning systems and driver coaching can help you show you run a careful operation. Our risk control services can help you build that plan.
Smart moves for small fleets now
Know your lanes. If you run Dallas to El Paso, I-20 or I-45, expect to see more autonomous test trucks over time.
Lean into your strengths. Flexibility, local knowledge and reliable service are hard to automate.
Review your coverage. Make sure your liability limits and physical damage values fit the freight and lanes you run today.
Want a second look at your coverage? Start an online quote and we will help you match your policy to the way you run.
Frequently asked questions
Are driverless trucks running on Texas highways now?
Kodiak plans to start driverless highway service on I-45 between Dallas and Houston by the end of 2026. FreightWaves reported that it has not yet run a driverless truck on a public highway. Its current driverless work is in the Permian Basin.
Do autonomous trucks need a permit in Texas?
Yes. Since May 28, 2026, companies that run commercial automated vehicles in Texas must hold an active authorization from TxDMV.
Who pays if a driverless truck hits me?
It depends on the facts of the crash and the policies involved. Document the scene, get a police report and contact your agent as soon as possible.
Will driverless trucks replace owner-operators?
Not soon. The first uses target long highway lanes and team freight. Many loads still need a skilled driver and a business owner who knows the customer.
About iAgency
iAgency is a commercial trucking insurance agency for owner-operators, small fleets and the partners who support them. Call or text 469-501-1071, email coi@iagency.biz for certificates, or get an online quote.
Source: FreightWaves, Fresno carrier DTL to run 75 Kodiak driverless trucks (Oct. 29, 2026). Also: TxDMV, Texas Begins Enforcement of Commercial Automated Vehicle Requirements (June 2, 2026).
Photo: Daphne Fecheyr on Unsplash.
This article is general information, not coverage or legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy terms.