Episode 296 | Autonomous Trucking Is Reviving Local Communities, One Route at a Time

Earl Adams Jr., Vice President for Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Plus joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss how autonomous trucking is poised to transform local communities, economically, socially, and operationally. 

In Texas, Plus is actively working to deploy fully autonomous trucks in partnership with International by 2027. As part of the preparation for launch, Earl is meeting with community leaders, elected officials and community colleges in an effort to build transparency and trust with the local communities. 

When autonomous trucks are deployed, they will make our roads safer and they will have a positive economic benefit on society. The economic benefits of autonomous trucking will be felt in local communities as they will strengthening local businesses through increased spending in local communities.

Autonomous trucking isn’t just about moving freight, it’s about creating opportunity without debt, while revitalizing communities, one route at a time.

Episode Chapters

0:00 Autonomous Trucking Policy

4:20 Economic Impact of Autonomous Trucking

5:58 Public Trust

10:51 Community Colleges

12:28 Impact on Society

17:29 California DMV Autonomous Trucking Rulemaking 

22:48 Hours of Service 

27:57 Building & Maintaining Trust

35:21 Autonomous Trucking Industry 

40:35 Key Takeaways 

Recorded on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

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