The next time you’re driving down the highway, it’s possible you might see a self-driving truck.

Waymo, the self-driving unit of Google parent Alphabet, next week launches a pilot program in Atlanta to use a self-driving truck for deliveries to Google's data center. There will be drivers in the cabs "to monitor systems and take control if needed," the company said.

Could they be the future of transportation?

The company has already put self-driving technology onto trucks for testing in California and Arizona over the past year, but Atlanta as a major logistics hub is the "perfect environment for our next phase of testing Waymo's self-driving trucks," the company said -- prompting a welcome message from Gov. Nathan Deal. Waymo said it believes self-driving technology could make trucking safer.

MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

AJC Business reporter Kelly Yamanouchi keeps you updated on the latest news about Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Air Lines and the airline industry in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

Never miss a minute of what's happening in local business news. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Hyundai says it plans to hire 3,000 more workers in Georgia and increase production to 500,000 units annually at the 16 million-square-foot factory it calls the Metaplant by 2028. (Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group)

Credit: Hyundai Motor Group

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com