From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-15 17:09:00

Aurora expands its pilot program with Werner, introducing a new Fort Worth-to-Phoenix lane for self-driving trucks. The new route covers over 1,000 miles and aims to cut transit time in half. Werner sees autonomous trucking as a key part of future growth, enhancing freight transport along crucial lanes.

Cass Information Systems reports a positive year-over-year increase in its Freight Expenditures Index, the first in over 28 months. Despite a 3.6% decline in shipments, higher rates led to a 3.3% monthly rise in expenditures. Analysts attribute the boost to the recent U.S./China trade deal, anticipating a rebound in Q3 freight volumes.

The dry van segment sees spot market rate declines, while outbound tender rejection rates show a slight uptick. The U.S. and China’s trade agreement includes tariff reductions, potentially boosting domestic trucking rates in the coming months. Despite the annual International Roadcheck, spot rates have yet to show a sustained increase, with capacity conditions remaining favorable.

Werner and Aurora’s collaboration on autonomous trucking continues to evolve with the introduction of a new pilot route. The expansion aims to enhance freight transport efficiency and safety along critical lanes. The partnership highlights the potential for autonomous technology to augment the existing driver community and increase asset utilization for carriers.

Read more: Werner and Aurora expand driverless pilot with new route