Hirschbach plans 500 Aurora autonomous trucks as long-haul labor model shifts

Hirschbach Motor Lines signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to deploy 500 Aurora Innovation (AUR) Driver-equipped autonomous trucks beginning in 2027, targeting long-haul refrigerated routes that carriers say are increasingly difficult to staff. The Iowa-based carrier will use Aurora’s Driver-as-a-Service model across high-volume Sun Belt lanes. CEO Richard Stocking said autonomous trucks would handle “longer, less desirable routes,” allowing human drivers to focus on shorter hauls with more home time. The deal highlights pressure in truckload labor markets despite disputed claims of a broad driver shortage. An October 2024 National Academies study found wage trends did not support a chronic long-distance driver shortage. Large truckload carriers averaged 92.7% annualized turnover from the third quarter of 1996 through the first quarter of 2023, compared with 11.8% for less-than-truckload carriers and 15% for private fleets. Aurora says its system could nearly double truck utilization by providing stable driver supply.