San Antonio TX, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Steves & Sons, Inc. is trialing autonomous trucking in collaboration with Bot Auto and J.B. Hunt. This four-month pilot aims to address the driver shortage in logistics, enhancing supply chain efficiency. Operating six trucks, with two retrofitted, the program connects San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, reflecting industry shifts towards innovative transportation solutions.
San Antonio, Texas – Steves & Sons, Inc. Partners with Bot Auto and J.B. Hunt to Pilot Autonomous Trucking
Steves & Sons, Inc., a leading door and millwork manufacturer, has launched a pilot program to incorporate autonomous trucking into its logistics operations. This collaboration involves the autonomous trucking startup, Bot Auto, with logistics support from J.B. Hunt Transport Inc.. The initiative focuses on freight transportation across key routes connecting San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.
The pilot program commenced in March and will last for a minimum duration of four months, during which goods will be transported without a driver present in the truck. This program signals a significant step towards innovation in the logistics sector, with the aim of enhancing supply chain efficiency and meeting evolving customer demands.
Bot Auto, which currently operates six autonomous trucks from its Houston base, is also retrofitting two additional vehicles to participate in this endeavor. The trucks are designed for streamlined plant-to-customer transfers, improving logistical planning and execution processes within the company. The pilot program is a response to a critical driver shortage in the trucking industry, which saw over 78,000 positions unfilled by last summer. Predictions indicate this number could surge past 170,000 by 2030 if current trends continue.
Industry Context and Logistics Challenges
The shortage of truck drivers is influenced by factors such as long working hours, extended time away from home, and inadequate pay. The collaboration between Steves & Sons and Bot Auto reflects a broader cultural shift towards investing in smarter and safer supply chain systems. Autonomous trucking is being explored as a viable solution to some of the pressing challenges faced in transportation logistics.
As the trucking industry grapples with these challenges, many companies are investigating the potential of autonomous vehicles. The American Trucking Associations believes that these innovations could enhance safety while also supporting the trucking workforce. However, there remains an ongoing debate surrounding the effects of this technology on employment prospects and safety standards within the industry.
Bot Auto’s methodology emphasizes a cautious approach to growth and scaling, ensuring that the integration of autonomous systems does not compromise safety or workforce stability. Currently, more than 35 states in the U.S. permit the testing or deployment of autonomous trucks, although some others retain restrictive regulations.
Summary of Pilot Program and Statistics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Steves & Sons, Inc. |
| Partner | Bot Auto |
| Logistics Support | J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. |
| Duration of Pilot | Minimum 4 months |
| Operating Trucks | 6 (8 after retrofitting) |
| Primary Routes | San Antonio, Dallas, Houston |
| Current Driver Shortage | 78,000 unfilled positions |
| Projected Driver Shortage by 2030 | 170,000+ unfilled positions |
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| March 2023 | Launch of pilot program | Ongoing |
| Summer 2023 | 78,000 trucking positions unfilled. | Reported |
| 2030 | Projected driver shortage could exceed 170,000 positions | Predicted |
What is the goal of the pilot program between Steves & Sons and Bot Auto?
The goal is to enhance logistics operations by using autonomous trucks for transporting goods and streamlining supply chain processes.
How many trucks does Bot Auto operate currently?
Bot Auto currently operates six autonomous trucks, with two additional units undergoing retrofitting.
What routes are involved in the pilot program?
The pilot will focus on key routes connecting San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston in Texas.
What is driving the industry towards autonomous trucking?
The shift towards autonomous trucking is largely driven by the ongoing shortage of truck drivers and the need for more efficient transportation solutions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Fatal Collision in San Antonio Requires Investigation
North Texas Emerges as Leader in Autonomous Trucking
Dallas Welcomes Driverless Truck Operations
Texas Launches Commercial Self-Driving Truck Service
Aurora Innovation Launches Driverless Trucking Service in Dallas
Additional Resources
- Trucking Dive: Bot Auto Expands in Texas
- Wikipedia: Autonomous truck
- GovTech: Self-driving Trucks on Texas Highways
- Google Search: autonomous trucking Texas
- iHeart: Fully Autonomous Trucks in Texas
- Google Scholar: autonomous trucking innovation
- Transport Topics: Bot Auto Driverless Pilot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: autonomous trucks
- ACT News: Autonomous Momentum in Trucking
- Google News: autonomous trucking pilot
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
