International Motors has teamed up with Ryder System to launch a daily 600-mile round trip along the Interstate 35 corridor, running between Laredo and Temple. The route is already producing measurable results, with early data showing a 100% on-time delivery rate and 92% autonomous route coverage. Each run is still overseen by a human safety driver.

From Testing Grounds to Active Operations

This program stands apart from earlier trials that relied heavily on controlled environments or dedicated terminals. Instead, the focus here is simple: run the equipment through the same facilities, schedules, and pressures that define everyday freight movement.

Ryder becomes the first participant in International’s autonomous fleet trial, putting the technology directly into a high-demand logistics network rather than isolating it from real-world variables.

“Operating an AV in an active logistics network… allows us to validate the technology where it matters most—on a real lane, moving real freight, for a real customer,” said Seth deVlugt, senior director of RyderVentures at Ryder.

Equipment Built for Integration

At the center of the pilot is International’s second-generation autonomous tractor. The unit is based on the LT Series platform and paired with the S13 Integrated Powertrain. It also features the PlusAI SuperDrive system along with factory-integrated lidar, radar, and camera technology.

The emphasis is not just on autonomy itself, but on how seamlessly it fits into existing fleet operations without requiring major infrastructure changes.

James Cooper, head of autonomous solutions at International, said the partnership is focused on delivering a “factory-ready” solution that mirrors the reliability of traditional trucks.

What Early Performance Data Shows

Initial results suggest the system is holding up under real scheduling demands. Pre-trip inspections are averaging under 30 minutes, aligning with standard fleet expectations rather than adding extra downtime.

Fuel efficiency has also improved compared to traditional manual driving, pointing to potential cost advantages if performance holds over time.

Beyond those metrics, uptime and serviceability are key areas being tracked as both companies look to understand how the technology performs over longer periods.

Why This Matters for the Road Ahead

Long-haul routes like the I-35 corridor offer a controlled but demanding environment, making them a practical starting point for scaling autonomous operations. Consistent highway driving, well-defined lanes, and high freight volume create conditions in which the technology can be tested thoroughly.

The broader goal is not just to prove that autonomy works, but to determine where it works best. That includes identifying lanes where efficiency gains are strongest and refining the equipment for wider deployment.

What Comes Next

International and Ryder plan to continue collecting operational data as the pilot progresses. The long-term objective is to move from trial runs to scalable, commercial-ready solutions that can be integrated into everyday freight networks.

For now, the Texas route provides a working snapshot of what autonomous trucking looks like when it leaves the test track and starts handling real loads on a real schedule.

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