International Motors has teamed up with Ryder System to launch a daily 600-mile round trip along the Interstate 35 corridor, running between Laredo and Temple. The route is already producing measurable results, with early data showing a 100% on-time delivery rate and 92% autonomous route coverage. Each run is still overseen by a human safety driver.

From Testing Grounds to Active Operations

This program stands apart from earlier trials that relied heavily on controlled environments or dedicated terminals. Instead, the focus here is simple: run the equipment through the same facilities, schedules, and pressures that define everyday freight movement.

Ryder becomes the first participant in International’s autonomous fleet trial, putting the technology directly into a high-demand logistics network rather than isolating it from real-world variables.

“Operating an AV in an active logistics network… allows us to validate the technology where it matters most—on a real lane, moving real freight, for a real customer,” said Seth deVlugt, senior director of RyderVentures at Ryder.

Equipment Built for Integration

At the center of the pilot is International’s second-generation autonomous tractor. The unit is based on the LT Series platform and paired with the S13 Integrated Powertrain. It also features the PlusAI SuperDrive system along with factory-integrated lidar, radar, and camera technology.

The emphasis is not just on autonomy itself, but on how seamlessly it fits into existing fleet operations without requiring major infrastructure changes.

James Cooper, head of autonomous solutions at International, said the partnership is focused on delivering a “factory-ready” solution that mirrors the reliability of traditional trucks.

What Early Performance Data Shows

Initial results suggest the system is holding up under real scheduling demands. Pre-trip inspections are averaging under 30 minutes, aligning with standard fleet expectations rather than adding extra downtime.

Fuel efficiency has also improved compared to traditional manual driving, pointing to potential cost advantages if performance holds over time.

Beyond those metrics, uptime and serviceability are key areas being tracked as both companies look to understand how the technology performs over longer periods.

Why This Matters for the Road Ahead

Long-haul routes like the I-35 corridor offer a controlled but demanding environment, making them a practical starting point for scaling autonomous operations. Consistent highway driving, well-defined lanes, and high freight volume create conditions in which the technology can be tested thoroughly.

The broader goal is not just to prove that autonomy works, but to determine where it works best. That includes identifying lanes where efficiency gains are strongest and refining the equipment for wider deployment.

What Comes Next

International and Ryder plan to continue collecting operational data as the pilot progresses. The long-term objective is to move from trial runs to scalable, commercial-ready solutions that can be integrated into everyday freight networks.

For now, the Texas route provides a working snapshot of what autonomous trucking looks like when it leaves the test track and starts handling real loads on a real schedule.

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The new site spans 20000 square feet and sits just south of Atlanta in a logistics corridor that sees heavy daily truck traffic. For drivers moving regional or port freight, this location is positioned to reduce downtime and make routine maintenance easier to schedule around tight delivery windows.

“This expansion reflects Ryder’s investment in high-growth regions where evolving logistics needs demand flexible and tech-enabled solutions,” said Tom Havens, president of Fleet Management Solutions, Ryder. “McDonough’s proximity to Atlanta’s strong infrastructure and thriving industrial base makes it an ideal location for extending our service footprint.”

Why McDonough Matters to Drivers

South Atlanta has become a major crossroads for freight tied to distribution centers, manufacturing, and port traffic. McDonough sits near I-75, which connects drivers directly to Atlanta, Florida, and the Midwest. That makes access to repairs, leasing, and rentals especially important when equipment issues threaten to disrupt a run.

“Strategically positioned near I-75 and major distribution hubs, the facility advances Ryder’s port-to-door logistics service model with rental maintenance and fleet solutions,” Ryder said. “This new location follows Ryder’s recent Nashville area expansion, reinforcing a broader strategy to meet rising demand across high-growth regions. With five full drive-through maintenance bays, the facility will also feature RyderGyde integration for real-time fleet visibility and shop status updates.”

For drivers leased to Ryder or operating Ryder equipment, that means clearer communication around shop status and potentially shorter wait times when trucks need attention.

A Growing Inland Port Means More Freight and More Support

Ryder points to McDonough’s role in Georgia’s expanding logistics network as a key reason for the investment. Henry County has seen steady growth in industrial parks and distribution centers as freight volumes rise across the Southeast.

“This growth complements the Port of Savannah’s record-setting expansion now recognized as the fastest growing port on the U.S. East Coast,” Ryder said. “According to the Georgia Center of Innovation, Georgia’s logistics sector employs more than 250000 people and generates over 83 billion dollars in annual economic impact. McDonough’s industrial parks and distribution centers continue to attract investment, fueling demand for fleet management and transportation services. These factors make it an ideal location for Ryder’s Southeast expansion.”

For drivers, this growth typically translates into more consistent freight lanes but also heavier competition for shop space. Facilities like this one are designed to keep trucks moving as volumes increase.

What Drivers Can Expect at the New Facility

The McDonough location offers services that directly impact time on the road, including commercial truck maintenance, leasing, and rentals. Ryder also expects the site to create local jobs, particularly for technicians, which can help improve service turnaround times.

Facility Details

• Address
  105 Constitution Drive
  McDonough Georgia 30253
• Phone
  678 446 3010
• Hours of Operation
  Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Maintenance Bays
  5 total service bays
• Services Offered
  Commercial truck maintenance
  Truck leasing
  Commercial truck rentals

To learn more about Ryder’s fleet maintenance solutions, click here.

As freight continues to flow through Georgia at record levels, having more service options close to major routes can make a real difference in keeping loads on schedule and drivers earning.

Source: The Trucker

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