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McLane Deploys Aurora Trucks Across Sun Belt Freight Routes

McLane, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, is advancing its logistics capabilities by piloting autonomous trucking technology from Aurora Innovation. The current program operates two daily round-trips between Dallas and Houston, focusing on automating the 'middle mile' of supply chains. By year-end, McLane intends to expand these self-driving routes across the U.S. Sun Belt to serve its restaurant and retail clients. While current operations require a human observer in the cab, Aurora plans to deploy fully driverless fleets soon. These efforts position McLane to enhance supply chain efficiency by automating long-haul transport between distribution centers and final delivery points.

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McLane Deploys Aurora Trucks Across Sun Belt Freight Routes

Berkshire Hathaway's distribution giant, McLane, is advancing autonomous logistics by deploying self-driving freight trucks with Aurora Innovation across the U.S. Sun Belt. The pilot program aims to automate the 'middle mile' of supply chains, connecting distribution centers to restaurants and retailers.

Current Autonomous Operations

The initial pilot program, launched in 2023, has established consistent autonomous routes:

  • Route: Two daily round-trips between Dallas and Houston.
  • Frequency: Operating seven days a week.
  • Technology: The current operation utilizes 'supervised' autonomous technology for the long-haul segment.

Expansion Plans and Scope

McLane plans to significantly expand these autonomous freight routes by the end of the year, covering additional business across the U.S. Sun Belt. The technology will be used to transport supplies, including perishables, to various restaurant brands.

Key operational details include:

  • Middle Mile Focus: The automation targets the 'middle mile'—moving goods between centralized distribution facilities and final delivery points.
  • Last Mile Separation: Human McLane drivers remain responsible for the 'last mile' local delivery using separate trucks.
  • Past Performance: Since 2023, the technology has logged 280,000 autonomous miles in Texas, facilitating 1,400 loads delivered to restaurants.
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Technological Oversight and Future Deployment

While current routes require a human observer in the cab, Aurora Innovation has plans for fully driverless operations in the future.

  • Supervision: Currently, a human observer remains in the cab, though Aurora Driver is responsible for all driving tasks, including safe pull-overs.
  • Future Fleet: Aurora plans to deploy a new fleet of trucks from Volkswagen subsidiary International LT this quarter, which are expected to operate without observers by the end of the year.
  • Partnership: Aurora remains McLane's sole current self-driving truck partner.

Industry Context and Market Trends

Autonomous freight trucking is expected to scale rapidly, with Texas serving as a primary deployment hub due to its high freight volume and favorable regulatory environment.

  • Industry Interest: Automating the middle mile is a key focus for major distribution networks, including Amazon.
  • Aurora's Expansion: Aurora has recently demonstrated capability on longer routes, including a 1,000-mile autonomous run between Fort Worth, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona, and a new 200-mile route between Dallas and Oklahoma City.

McLane Company, founded in 1894, serves convenience stores, mass merchants, and chain restaurants, with Walmart being one of its major clients after acquiring the company in 2003.

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