Autonomous Trucks & AI in Specialized Freight: What Flatbed & Oversize Haulers Need to Know

The trucking industry is on the verge of a technological revolution. Autonomous trucks and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer futuristic concepts—they’re being tested on American highways right now. In May 2025, Aurora Innovation announced that its fully driverless trucks had already logged over 1,200 miles between Dallas and Houston. Industry experts project that autonomous trucks could generate over $600 billion in revenue by 2035. But what does this mean for specialized carriers like flatbed and oversize haulers?

What’s Happening Now

Companies such as Aurora, TuSimple, and Kodiak Robotics are pioneering the rollout of autonomous heavy-duty trucks, focusing on long-haul routes across predictable highway corridors. These trucks are designed to operate around the clock, potentially cutting delivery times and boosting efficiency.

For specialized carriers, the question isn’t whether autonomous technology is coming—it’s how it will fit into operations that require precision, flexibility, and human expertise.

Why It Matters for Flatbed & Oversize Freight

Unlike dry van or reefer freight, flatbed and oversize hauling involves complex loading, securement, permits, and routing. While autonomous trucks may soon dominate highway stretches, specialized freight still demands skilled drivers who can:

• Oversee safe loading and securement of irregular or heavy cargo.

• Manage state-by-state permit requirements for oversize and overweight loads.

• Navigate construction sites, city streets, and job sites that aren’t “autonomy-ready.”

  
  

This means the human element remains critical—but automation could support efficiency by handling repetitive long-haul miles, freeing drivers to focus on specialized parts of the journey.

Challenges & Considerations

While the hype is real, several hurdles remain before autonomous trucks become mainstream:

• Regulation: Federal and state governments are still defining safety standards for driverless operations.

• Safety: Public acceptance and accident liability are open questions.

• Practicality: Flatbed freight often requires situational awareness that technology isn’t yet capable of.

  
  

For now, autonomous trucks will likely complement—not replace—experienced drivers in the specialized freight sector.

Opportunities for Open Way Inc.

At Open Way Inc., we already leverage modern technology—GPS tracking, in-house dispatch, and 24/7 support—to keep freight moving safely and efficiently. Autonomous technology may open up new opportunities such as:

• Partnering with autonomous fleets for highway segments of long-haul routes.

• Reducing downtime by letting autonomous trucks handle night runs.

• Offering shippers faster turnaround while maintaining human oversight where it matters most.

  
  

This hybrid approach could enhance service without sacrificing the safety and reliability that flatbed and oversize freight demands.

The Human Element: Drivers & Clients

Drivers are—and will continue to be—the backbone of this industry. While technology may take on certain tasks, drivers will remain essential for:

• Supervising complex load handling.

• Ensuring compliance with safety and permit regulations.

• Providing customer service and problem-solving that machines cannot replicate.

For clients, this means you can expect faster, more efficient service in the future—but with the same human expertise overseeing your freight.

Looking Ahead

Autonomous trucks are no longer a distant possibility—they’re here, and they’re scaling fast. But for specialized carriers like Open Way Inc., the future will be partnership, not replacement. By embracing innovation while valuing the irreplaceable role of drivers, we can offer shippers the best of both worlds: cutting-edge efficiency and human expertise.

What do you think? Would you trust a driverless truck with your freight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!