Robot Trucks on I‑35? International & PlusAI Just Hit the Gas on Driverless Freight

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

🤖 Intro – Self-Driving Trucks Just Got Real in Texas

You’ve heard the rumors. You’ve seen the YouTube clips. And now it’s official — autonomous semi trucks are rollin’ on one of the busiest freight corridors in the country: I‑35 through Texas.

In a partnership that’s got folks buzzing (and some drivers sweating), International Trucks and PlusAI have teamed up to pilot self-driving LT Series tractors across key stretches of highway.

But before we all throw our CDL in the trash, let’s break down what’s really happening — and what it means for the men and women behind the wheel.

🔑 What You Need to Know About the Pilot

1. This ain’t science fiction anymore
These trucks are already running test routes along the I‑35 corridor, one of the most heavily used freight lanes in the U.S. That’s right — you could be riding next to a robot truck right now in Texas.

2. The trucks are "supervised autonomous"
That means they still have a safety driver behind the wheel — for now. But the long-term vision is a truck that can handle highway driving without human input.

3. Focus is on middle-mile freight
These pilot runs are testing autonomy on hub-to-hub long-haul routes — not city deliveries. Think Dallas to Austin or San Antonio to Laredo, with a human taking over near exits or ramps.

4. Powered by PlusAI's tech**
Plus is bringing its Level 4 autonomous driving system to the table — sensors, LiDAR, cameras, radar — all layered together to help the truck “see” its environment and react in real time.

5. International brings the muscle**
The platform is built on the International LT Series — a popular model known for long-haul comfort and fuel efficiency. Now, it’s packing an AI brain under the hood.

🧠 What Does This Mean for Truckers?

Alright, let’s get into the real talk...

Is this gonna take your job tomorrow?
Nope. This tech still has a long road ahead. Regulations, public trust, weather conditions, and complex driving scenarios all present major obstacles.

Is this a sign of where things are headed?
Absolutely. Big money is being poured into autonomous freight. If you’re planning to

retire in the next 5–10 years, you might beat the bots. But if you’re 25 and just got your CDL? You better have a backup plan in your back pocket.

What will still need humans?

Local delivery & final mile

Hazmat & special freight handling

Customer service and load securement

Emergency driving & inclement weather

Even the smartest robot doesn’t know how to chain up on an icy grade in Colorado… yet.

🚛 Multiple Perspectives on the Highway Takeover

Trucker POV:

“It’s always ‘how do we replace the driver?’ Never ‘how do we treat the driver better?’ That tells you everything.”

Tech Company POV:

“Autonomy will make highways safer and more efficient. It’s not about replacement — it’s about evolution.”

Industry Expert POV:

“The smart money is on mixed fleets — human and machine working together. But expect big disruption over the next decade.”

📊 Industry Impact: This Isn’t Just a Test

This pilot isn’t about collecting data — it’s about laying the groundwork for the future of freight. Trucking companies are watching this closely. Shippers are already asking, “When can I cut costs by going driverless?”

But here’s the catch: tech still breaks.
Battery dies. Sensors glitch. Weather rolls in. And when that happens, who’s grabbing the wheel?

That’s why the human element isn’t disappearing. Not now. Not soon. Maybe not ever.

💥 Bottom Line – Trucking Ain’t Dying… But It Is Changing

Autonomous trucks on I‑35 are real. They’re here. And they’re not going away.

That doesn’t mean the driver is dead — but it does mean you need to adapt. Whether it’s moving into niche freight, learning new tech, or building a side hustle, you can’t afford to sit still.

Truckers who learn, pivot, and stay sharp will always be valuable — even in a world full of sensors and software.

✅ Call to Action

Don’t wait until a robot is riding your route to figure out what’s next.
Start learning AI, online income, and business tools now — while you still have time and flexibility.

👉 Visit RetireFromTrucking.com
— and start building your Plan B before the industry forces your hand.
👉 Want the real about trucking life? Hit LifeAsATrucker.com