Kodiak AI has begun hauling perishable freight for Fresno-based DTL Transport on an approximately 225-mile route between Fresno and a Los Angeles distribution center, the first deliveries under the company’s new California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) heavy-duty autonomous vehicle testing permit. According to Kodiak, the DTL Transport pilot began September 22 and runs mostly on California State Route 99 and Interstate 5. A human safety driver remains behind the wheel during the companies’ initial work together.
Highlights
- Route: Approximately 225 miles between Fresno and a Los Angeles distribution center, mostly on SR 99 and I-5.
- Pilot start: September 22, 2026, with a human safety driver aboard.
- Permit: Kodiak received its heavy-duty Autonomous Vehicle Testing permit on August 13, 2026, the first step in the DMV’s phased permitting approach.
- Next milestone: Kodiak plans to launch driverless operations on public highways in Texas by the end of 2026.
What the Fresno–Los Angeles Pilot Covers
Kodiak’s autonomous trucks are carrying time-sensitive, perishable commodities for DTL Transport, a California trucking company that specializes in cross-country team runs hauling produce for several of the nation’s largest grocers. Kodiak says the collaboration extends to work in and beyond California.
“California’s comprehensive autonomous vehicle regulations are a major unlock for freight innovation in our home state,” said Don Burnette, founder and CEO, Kodiak. “We are pleased to be testing Physical AI in our home state with our permit. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits of this transformative technology with DTL Transport and the impact it can have on grocery distribution.”
How Does California’s Heavy-Duty AV Permit Process Work?
The California DMV approved new regulations on April 28, 2026, that allow heavy-duty autonomous vehicles to be tested on the state’s public roads for the first time. Kodiak’s August permit marks the first step in the DMV’s phased approach, which progresses from driver-in testing to driver-out testing and, ultimately, to driver-out deployment.
State economic development officials framed the pilot as a supply chain test case.
“As the home of global technology innovation and one of the world’s largest logistics economies, California is a natural testing ground for the next generation of freight technologies,” said Trelynd Bradley, Deputy Director of Innovation & Emerging Technologies at the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). “This pilot highlights the potential for autonomous trucking to be another tool to strengthen California supply chains, support California agriculture, and improve the efficiency of goods movement across the state.”
Why DTL Transport Is Testing Autonomy
DTL, which operates a fleet of more than 100 trucks hauling dry and refrigerated full truckload freight, is headquartered in Fresno and reports growing freight volumes. The company is exploring how autonomy can complement its existing fleet and team of professional drivers. According to the release, autonomy would let DTL grow capacity when demand exceeds available fleet assets.
“In a constantly evolving freight market, DTL is always looking for ways to leverage new innovations that drive efficiency and value in our operations,” said Lucky Dosanjh, President & CEO, DTL Transport. “Our work with Kodiak helps us understand how embracing this cutting-edge technology improves safety, increases margins, and affirms our leadership position in the industry.”
What Comes Next
The two companies say they will study how autonomy may affect transit times, shipping costs, and produce shelf life, which they describe as a potential way to relieve pressure on rising food costs. Kodiak and DTL say pilot results will inform further opportunities in California and beyond.
Separately, Kodiak plans to launch driverless operations on public highways in Texas by the end of 2026.
