MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Kodiak AI Inc. is announcing a historic agreement with DTL Transport Inc., (DTL) a California long-haul freight company, to deploy the Kodiak Driver, Kodiak’s autonomous driving system, in 75 driverless trucks owned and operated by DTL.
“This represents a major new chapter in the central role Physical AI now plays in strengthening the U.S. supply chain,” said Don Burnette, founder and CEO, Kodiak. “This binding agreement reinforces what I have said from the beginning: The Driver-As-A-Service business model is tailor-made for commercial trucking. Kodiak is executing on that vision and we are thrilled to continue growing our relationship with DTL.”
A Historic First
The agreement marks the first-ever publicly announced definitive agreement by an interstate trucking company to operate driverless trucks within their own fleet as part of the Driver-As-A-Service business (DAAS) model. DTL will pay a per-mile fee for using the Kodiak Driver.
DTL specializes in cross-country team runs and hauls produce for several of the nation’s largest grocers. The landmark agreement comes as the logistics industry considers autonomy as a catalyst for expanding business opportunities, enhancing supply-chain reliability and improving safety, according to Kodiak.
Agreement Spurred by groundbreaking California Pilot
In September, DTL and Kodiak completed another historic milestone. As part of a pilot program, the Kodiak Driver autonomously hauled perishable goods for DTL 225 miles along the I-5 and CA-99 freight corridors between Fresno, California and Los Angeles.
These were the first commercial goods ever autonomously hauled by a Class 8 truck in the state, and the deliveries occurred under the purview of Kodiak’s new heavy-duty Autonomous Vehicle Testing permit granted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles earlier this summer. Now the companies are embarking on a new journey.
“Working with Kodiak underscores our commitment to affirming our leadership position in the industry,” said Lucky Dosanjh, president, CEO, DTL. “By integrating this technology into our fleet, complementing our experienced, professional workforce, we can expand capacity, enhance safety and drive innovation forward.”
Driverless Service Begins on Long-Haul Sun Belt Routes
DTL will deploy its Kodiak Driver-equipped driverless trucks on two routes on which Kodiak has already conducted testing, operating on Interstate 10 between Dallas and El Paso, Texas, and along Interstate 20 between Dallas and Atlanta.
Importantly, these two routes provide DTL with the opportunity to operate beyond current service hour limitations. Additional lanes will be added over time.
Commercial Work with DTL Builds on Kodiak’s Experience
Kodiak plans to launch driverless highway service by the end of this year, carrying goods on behalf of IKEA on Interstate 45 between Dallas and Houston.
The company has previously achieved an industry first by launching a Driver-As-A-Service offering in an industrial application in December 2024. As of June 30, the Kodiak Driver is already integrated on 35 driverless trucks that are owned and operated by Atlas Energy Solutions. Kodiak has committed to growing the Atlas fleet to 100 trucks by mid-2027.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe.
