Driverless Trucks on I-45: Kodiak and IKEA Plan Houston-Dallas Runs

What happened

Driverless trucks are coming to I-45 in Texas. Kodiak, a self-driving truck company, says IKEA will be its first partner for trucks with no one in the cab.

The plan is to start later in 2026. The driverless part of the trip is 219 miles on Interstate 45, between Houston and Dallas. The full route is 292 miles. It goes from IKEA's warehouse in Baytown to its store in Frisco.

The two companies have tested this lane for four years. During those tests, a safety person rode in the truck. Kodiak says they moved more than 1,300 loads and drove more than 750,000 miles.

Kodiak says it is still finishing its safety case. That is the proof it uses to show the trucks are ready. The news did not say how many trucks will run. It also did not name a specific government approval.

CDLLife reported the news on Sept. 30.

What it means for owner-operators

I-45 is one of the busiest freight roads in Texas. If you run Houston to Dallas, you may share the road with trucks that have no driver.

These trucks must follow the same traffic laws as you. Drive like you would around any big rig. Give space and stay predictable.

This is one company and one lane for now. Most freight in Texas still moves with a driver behind the wheel. Owner-operators who keep their paperwork clean stay ready for the loads that need them.

What to do next

• Watch for marked self-driving trucks on I-45 later this year.
• Keep safe following distance and signal early, like always.
• Keep your USDOT, MC and other filings current so you never miss a load.
• New to running your own authority? Read our trucking authority filing guide.
• Getting ready for your first audit? See our new entrant safety audit guide.
• Questions about your file? Call us.