Tennessee will test driverless trucks on interstate freeway

The autonomous trucks will operate on a 40-mile stretch of Interstate 40 connecting Memphis and an upcoming Ford production center.

1 minute read

April 6, 2026, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Red big rig truck driving down freeway in Tennessee.

The project raises concerns among truck drivers and road safety advocates. | CK Foto / Shutterstock

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has partnered with a private freight operator to test driverless trucks on a 40-mile stretch of Interstate 40 between Memphis and Blue Oval City. According to an article in Memphis Today, "Tennessee's pilot project represents the latest effort by a state to integrate autonomous vehicles into its transportation infrastructure, a trend that will likely continue to raise debate over the merits and risks of this emerging technology."

Blue Oval City is a major planned manufacturing complex that is slated to produce Ford vehicles, and state officials say the "Smart Freight Corridor" pilot program will strengthen this critical freight route.

Friday, April 3, 2026 in Memphis Today

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A gray building partially obscured by trees, behind a four way intersection.

A ‘shady’ deal: Chicagoans rally against planned Amtrak maintenance facility

The $900 million facility would allow Amtrak to maintain entire trains in one building, which the company says will reduce delays.

30 minutes ago - Block Club Chicago

Zohram Mandami gesturing at one of the new public restrooms, a small, square shaped building with a green floral design.

NYC releases high-tech public restrooms — with a 10 minute time limit

The $4 million pilot program aims to make it easier for people to find public restrooms in New York City.

1 hour ago - Gothamist

A rendering of the planned bridge over a large river. The bridge has two main support beams that form diamond shaped arches over the bridge.

Alabama scores up to $2.5 billion federal loan for largest infrastructure project in state’s history

The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project aims to ease congestion at Alabama’s worst bottleneck.

September 20 - NBC 15