Midland, Texas, December 9, 2025
Aurora Innovation has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Detmar Logistics to autonomously transport frac sand in the Permian Basin. This initiative marks the first autonomous frac sand hauling on public roads in the region. The operations will begin with supervised autonomy and will transition to fully driverless services by 2026, utilizing 30 Aurora Driver-powered trucks. The move aims to enhance efficiency and safety in an area known for its traffic hazards.
Midland, Texas – Aurora Innovation Partners with Detmar Logistics to Launch Autonomous Frac Sand Hauling
Midland, Texas – Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ: AUR) has entered into a commercial agreement with Detmar Logistics to autonomously transport frac sand for a major energy producer in the Permian Basin. This initiative marks the first time frac sand will be hauled autonomously on public roads and highways in the region.
Deployment Details
The partnership involves supervised autonomous operations between Detmar’s facility in Midland, Texas, and Capital Sand’s mining site in Monahans, Texas, starting early next year. These operations will transition to fully driverless, no-operator-onboard service in the second quarter of 2026, coinciding with the deployment of Aurora’s second fleet of driverless trucks. The route includes high-speed driving on Interstate 20 as well as local and private roads surrounding the facilities. Notably, Aurora’s technology will autonomously navigate overhead filling silos for proppant loading at the mining site.
Operational Impact
Under the initial contract, Detmar commits to using 30 Aurora Driver-powered trucks in 2026, with each unit hauling sand for over 20 hours a day. This deployment aims to double Detmar’s asset utilization, enhancing efficiency and safety in the Permian Basin, which experiences a higher rate of severe and fatal crashes than the rest of Texas.
About Aurora Innovation
Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ: AUR) is a leader in self-driving freight technology. The Aurora Driver is a self-driving system designed to operate multiple vehicle types, from freight-hauling trucks to ride-hailing passenger vehicles, and underpins Aurora’s driver-as-a-service products for trucking and ride-hailing. Aurora is working with industry leaders across the transportation ecosystem, including FedEx, NVIDIA, PACCAR, Ryder, Schneider, Toyota, Uber, Uber Freight, Volvo Trucks, and Werner.
About Detmar Logistics
Detmar Logistics is a transportation company specializing in frac sand last-mile logistics. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Detmar Logistics operates cutting-edge technology and equipment to provide customers with an efficient, environmentally friendly approach to transportation and logistics.
Key Features of the Autonomous Hauling Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Deployment Area | Permian Basin, Texas |
| Start Date | Early 2026 |
| Number of Trucks | 30 Aurora Driver-powered trucks |
| Operational Hours | Over 20 hours per day per truck |
| Route Details | High-speed driving on Interstate 20 and local/private roads; autonomous navigation of overhead filling silos at mining site |
| Transition to Fully Driverless | Second quarter of 2026 |
FAQ
- What is the significance of Aurora’s partnership with Detmar Logistics?
- Aurora’s partnership with Detmar Logistics marks the first time frac sand will be hauled autonomously on public roads and highways in the Permian Basin, enhancing efficiency and safety in the region.
- When will the autonomous operations begin?
- Supervised autonomous operations are scheduled to begin early next year, with a transition to fully driverless operations planned for the second quarter of 2026.
- How many trucks will be involved in the deployment?
- Under the initial contract, Detmar commits to using 30 Aurora Driver-powered trucks in 2026, each operating over 20 hours a day.
- What is the role of Aurora’s technology in this deployment?
- Aurora’s technology will autonomously navigate the route, including complex maneuvers such as overhead filling silos for proppant loading at the mining site.
- Who are the partners involved in this initiative?
- The initiative involves Aurora Innovation, Inc., Detmar Logistics, and Capital Sand, with Aurora’s technology supporting autonomous hauling operations for a major energy producer in the Permian Basin.
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