Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation, a self-driving technology company, and Texas-based Detmar Logistics, a transportation company specializing in frac sand last mile logistics, recently signed a commercial agreement to autonomously transport proppants for one of the world’s largest multinational oil and gas companies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Detmar will use 30 Aurora Driver-powered trucks in 2026 with each unit hauling sand for more than 20 hours daily. This will allow Detmar to grow its business with key customers. The company plans to own and operate an expanded fleet of Aurora Driver-powered trucks in the future once the technology is broadly deployed. The Aurora Driver is a self-driving system designed to operate multiple vehicle types.
“Launching autonomous highway operations for Detmar is a great example of how we’re delivering immediate customer value,” Chris Urmson, Aurora co-founder and CEO, said. “With the Aurora Driver, Detmar can achieve nearly 24/7 asset utilization and effectively double its capacity to move sand for a leading energy producer.”
In early 2026, supervised autonomous operations will begin between Detmar’s facility in Midland, Texas, and Capital Sand’s mining site in Monahans. Detmar will transition to driverless operations during the second quarter. The route combines high-speed driving on Interstate 20 with local and private roads.