Advancing Automation with Strategic Cooperation

This initiative stems from a partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)’s DriveOhio program and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The goal? Pave the way for broader adoption of automation in the American Midwest’s logistics sector.

Historically, testing for automated vehicles has been concentrated in regions with stable, predictable weather. However, ODOT emphasizes the necessity of validating these systems under harsher conditions to ensure safety and reliability, particularly in environments like the Midwest, which is prone to adverse weather patterns.

How Platooning Works

The two Ease Logistics trucks are equipped with advanced platooning technology from Kratos Defense. This system electronically links the two vehicles, allowing the lead truck’s driver to manage both speed and steering for its partner vehicle. During stretches of the trips, the follower truck will automatically handle essential functions like steering, braking, and adjusting speed.

Despite the automated capabilities, professional drivers always remain in the driver’s seats of both trucks. These drivers can take complete control of their vehicles if needed by disabling the automated systems.

“At Kratos, we have adapted advanced automated truck platooning technology — originally developed for the U.S. military — to address critical challenges facing commercial logistics, agriculture, energy, and mining sectors, all vital to national security,” said Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development at Kratos Defense. “This project offers a real-world opportunity to demonstrate how proven automated driving systems can increase safety, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure economic vitality.”

Factor also highlighted the value of demonstrating these systems along the Columbus-to-Indianapolis corridor, noting the importance of testing in complex, variable weather conditions. “to showcase performance in complex, all-weather conditions essential to Midwest freight operations and accelerates readiness for broad adoption.”

Smarter Trucks for Safer Roads

The trucks are also outfitted with cutting-edge sensors and cameras that allow the following vehicle to detect objects and adjust speed or stop if anything enters the space between the two trucks. Unlike traditional truck formations, the closely-platooned follower truck maintains a much shorter gap than usual. To ensure transparency, a purple light on the cab indicates when the platooning mode is engaged, alerting law enforcement and nearby drivers that the trucks are digitally connected.

Funding and Broader Goals

This deployment is just one element of a multi-year, $8.8 million endeavor funded partly by a U.S. Department of Transportation grant. The overarching aim is to integrate platooning and other automation technologies into regular freight-hauling workflows, experimenting with various automation levels to uncover their full potential in trucking fleets.

Source:  Commerical Carrier Journal
Source Image: SAE International

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Several states have already updated their legislation in recent years to address the rise of self-driving trucks. For instance, South Dakota created a framework enabling fully autonomous trucks to operate without an onboard human operator in 2024. Similarly, Arkansas and Mississippi revised their rules in 2023 to permit truck platoons—without human drivers in trailing vehicles.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), while acknowledging the potential of autonomous technologies, has voiced concerns regarding their implications for highway safety and commercial transportation.

Delaware

Lawmakers in Delaware are tackling the issue of testing autonomous trucks without human safety operators. A similar bill introduced in the 2024 session aimed to ban autonomous trucks over 10,000 pounds from public roads. Although it passed the Senate unanimously, it failed to gain traction in the House.

Fast forward to 2025, Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, D-Newport, has introduced SB46, an almost identical bill. This version raises the weight limit to 26,000 pounds and includes provisions that prohibit autonomous trucks from testing, transporting goods, or carrying passengers without a human driver present. It also allows testing with a driver onboard and requires the Delaware Department of Transportation to submit a report evaluating this technology by 2030, which could lead to rule adjustments.

Unsurprisingly, some in the autonomous vehicle industry argue this legislation “preemptively and prematurely” restricts progress in Delaware.

Indiana

Indiana lawmakers are also discussing autonomous trucking with measures aimed at putting clear guidelines in place. Currently, Indiana law does not specify whether a human driver is required in automated vehicle platoons.

A proposed bill, HB1057, would mandate that autonomous tractor-trailers used for goods or passenger transport must have a qualified human driver physically in the vehicle. Sponsors of the bill, such as Rep. Cindy Ledbetter, R-Newburgh, have emphasized safety concerns, stating automated trucks without drivers could lead to accidents caused by technological failures.

HB1057, along with a similar bill, HB1377, is currently under review in the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

Maryland

Maryland legislators are discussing similar restrictions on autonomous vehicles. HB439, introduced in the House, proposes banning autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds from operating on state highways for testing, goods transport, or passenger services—unless a human driver is present. The bill also outlines a requirement for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to report by 2030 on the technology’s safety, impacts on jobs, and infrastructure, as well as whether the restrictions should be maintained, modified, or removed.

HB439 will be reviewed by the House Environment and Transportation Committee during a scheduled hearing on February 6, while the Senate will concurrently consider SB405.

Montana

Montana lawmakers are initiating discussions on regulating autonomous truck platoons. Currently, no rules exist for platooning in the state.

Rep. Zack Wirth, R-Wolf Creek, has introduced HB97, which seeks to authorize truck platooning on Montana highways under specific conditions. For instance, the lead vehicle “conductor” must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and be able to take manual control if necessary. Platooning would be limited to three trucks in a group and restricted primarily to interstate highways or within a short distance from interchanges for loading and unloading.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would be tasked with creating safety-focused rules and coordinating with stakeholders, including trucking industry representatives. The department could also impose limitations on platooning during hazardous road conditions and issue special permits based on the finalized safety standards. The MDT highlights that while truck platooning offers economic and transportation benefits, it also introduces significant challenges.

Virginia

Virginia lawmakers are also considering policies for fully autonomous trucks. Legislators have proposed HB2627, a bill allowing autonomous vehicles, including those over 62,000 pounds, to operate in the state. However, the legislation mandates that a human driver with proper credentials must be physically present and capable of taking control if necessary.

The bill is currently under review by the House Transportation Committee.

Source: Land Line

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One of the future implications of this technology is an updated approach to the age-old practice of truck platooning, which historically involves a group of trucks traveling closely together in a convoy. With the introduction of autonomous vehicles, the practice of truck platooning has undergone substantial changes, promising numerous benefits while also posing certain challenges.

Evolution of Truck Platooning

Truck platooning, also known as cooperative adaptive cruise control, involves a group of trucks traveling closely together in a convoy, typically with the help of advanced technologies. This practice has evolved significantly over the years, driven by advancements in vehicle automation and communication systems.

Initially, truck platooning relied on human drivers maintaining a close distance between vehicles, benefiting from reduced air resistance and improved fuel efficiency. However, this method had limitations due to variations in human reaction times and driving behaviors. To overcome these limitations, the introduction of autonomous vehicles brought about a paradigm shift in truck platooning.

With autonomous truck platooning, the convoy is led by a self-driving truck equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and communication systems. These technologies enable the vehicles within the platoon to communicate with each other, synchronize their movements, and maintain a safe and consistent distance. Autonomous systems can make real-time adjustments, taking into account factors such as traffic conditions, road obstacles, and weather conditions.

The evolution of truck platooning has been supported by advancements in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication systems. These technologies facilitate the exchange of data and enable the platoon to react swiftly to environmental changes. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms has enhanced the decision-making capabilities of autonomous systems, making truck platooning safer and more efficient.

Advantages of Autonomous Truck Platooning

There are several advantages to autonomous truck platooning, ranging from increased fuel efficiency to an enhanced driver experience.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
Autonomous truck platooning optimizes fuel consumption by reducing aerodynamic drag and enabling precise speed and distance control between vehicles. This efficiency leads to significant cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.

Improved Safety
With autonomous vehicles leading the platoon, the theory is that human error can be minimized.  Advanced sensors and real-time communication between trucks enable faster reaction times, enhancing overall safety on the road.

Increased Traffic Flow
This is, once again, purely theoretical, but some feel that by utilizing advanced technology and maintaining close proximity, autonomous truck platooning optimizes road space utilization. This allows for better traffic flow, reducing congestion and improving overall transportation efficiency.

Enhanced Driver Experience
Instead of focusing on long hours behind the wheel, truck drivers can take on supervisory roles, monitoring the autonomous systems and ensuring a smooth operation. This transition offers an opportunity to improve the quality of work-life balance for truckers.

Challenges of Autonomous Truck Platooning

Just like there are advantages to this evolution in trucking, there are also disadvantages, including the reliability of the tech and limited flexibility.

Technological Reliability
The successful implementation of autonomous truck platooning relies heavily on the reliability and performance of advanced technology systems. Any technical malfunction or system failure can disrupt the entire platoon and potentially lead to accidents.

Regulatory Framework
The widespread adoption of autonomous truck platooning demands comprehensive regulations to address safety standards, liability issues, and potential legal complications. Policymakers and industry stakeholders must collaborate to establish a robust regulatory framework that ensures public safety while promoting innovation, and at this time, many are still working through what this looks like. For example, California recently moved a bill forward that would require all self-driving vehicles over 10,000 pounds to always have a human operator behind the wheel.

Infrastructure Requirements
Autonomous truck platooning necessitates the deployment of smart infrastructure, including advanced sensors, communication systems, and dedicated platooning lanes. Significant investments and infrastructure upgrades will be required to support the widespread implementation of this practice, and we’re still a long way from making this a reality.

Limited Flexibility
Platoon operations rely on a coordinated group of vehicles following a predetermined route and schedule. This lack of flexibility may pose challenges in adapting to unexpected events, changing routes, or accommodating different types of cargo.

The Future of Truck Platooning

As technology continues to advance, this new way of truck platooning may be attractive to some fleets. Here’s what some experts believe the future holds for truck platooning, though this future is still looking to be pretty far on the horizon, with many obstacles to overcome before it can be achieved.

Increased Automation
Further advancements in autonomous vehicle technology will likely lead to higher levels of automation within truck platoons. This would enable platoons to operate with less human intervention, reducing the need for drivers in the same capacity as what we are accustomed to.

Integration with Smart Infrastructure
The integration of autonomous truck platooning with smart infrastructure systems, such as intelligent traffic management and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, will facilitate seamless operations and optimize traffic flow.

Expanded Industry Adoption
As the benefits of autonomous truck platooning become more evident, industry-wide adoption is expected to accelerate. Fleets and logistics companies will embrace this technology to enhance their operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the evolving market.

Collaboration and Standardization
Stakeholders from the trucking industry, technology providers, and regulatory bodies must collaborate to establish standardized practices, protocols, and safety regulations. This collaboration will ensure a harmonized and efficient implementation of autonomous truck platooning across different regions and jurisdictions.

Autonomous truck platooning represents a significant change to an existing concept, promising numerous benefits such as improved fuel efficiency, enhanced safety, and increased traffic flow. However, challenges related to technology reliability, regulations, infrastructure, and flexibility must be addressed for its successful integration into mainstream transportation. As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, truck platooning will continue to evolve, and so will the industry, transforming the way goods are transported and shaping the future of the trucking industry.

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