Tennessee to Test Driverless Trucks on I-40 Freight Corridor

The state's new autonomous vehicle pilot raises safety concerns among some drivers.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:43pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of the chassis and internal components of a semi-truck, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the cybernetic hardware, conceptually representing the autonomous freight technology being tested on a major Tennessee highway.Tennessee's pilot program for autonomous freight trucks on I-40 raises safety concerns but also promises new transportation efficiencies.Memphis Today

Tennessee has announced plans to begin testing driverless freight trucks on a 40-mile stretch of Interstate 40 between Memphis and Blue Oval City. The state has partnered with Cavnue, LLC to develop the "Smart Freight Corridor" pilot project, which aims to embrace new transportation technology and support economic growth. However, the prospect of autonomous trucks sharing the road has sparked safety worries among some drivers and observers.

Why it matters

The rise of self-driving vehicle technology, including for commercial freight, has raised significant public concerns about safety and the potential impact on human drivers. 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.

The details

Tennessee's Department of Transportation has selected Cavnue, LLC, a company focused on autonomous vehicle infrastructure, to help develop and test driverless freight trucks along a 40-mile stretch of I-40 between Memphis and the new Ford "Blue Oval City" manufacturing complex. State officials say the "Smart Freight Corridor" pilot will strengthen a critical freight route and support continued economic growth in West Tennessee.

  • Tennessee announced the autonomous truck pilot on April 3, 2026.
  • The testing on I-40 is expected to begin in the coming months.

The players

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for overseeing transportation infrastructure and initiatives in Tennessee.

Cavnue, LLC

A company focused on developing autonomous vehicle infrastructure that has been selected by Tennessee to help test driverless freight trucks.

Governor Bill Lee

The current governor of Tennessee who touted the state's leadership in embracing new transportation technology through the autonomous truck pilot.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee continues to lead the nation in building an innovative and efficient transportation network. This pilot strengthens one of our most important freight corridors and supports continued economic development in West Tennessee. By embracing new technology, we're ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of Tennesseans and the industries that drive our economy.”

— Governor Bill Lee

What’s next

The autonomous truck pilot on I-40 is expected to launch in the coming months, with Tennessee officials monitoring the testing and safety performance of the driverless freight vehicles.

The takeaway

Tennessee's embrace of autonomous truck technology on a major freight corridor highlights the ongoing debate over the safety and viability of self-driving vehicles. While proponents argue driverless trucks could improve efficiency and safety, the prospect of sharing the road with unmanned commercial vehicles raises valid concerns that will need to be carefully addressed.