Artificial intelligence-powered self-driving trucks are no longer a distant concept. They are quickly becoming a real solution to some of the logistics industry’s biggest challenges. As supply chains face growing pressure and the driver shortage deepens across the U.S. and Europe, Plus Automation is stepping up with bold ambitions and powerful AI.
Recently, the Santa Clara, California-based startup announced it will go public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX. The combined company will operate as PlusAI, which describes itself as a Physical AI company commercializing AI-based virtual driver software for autonomous trucks.
While the SPAC merger is a major milestone, at the heart of this deal is Plus’ goal of driving the future of autonomous freight and reshaping the trucking industry, even as concerns around safety, regulation and driver jobs continue to spark debate.
Trucking is a $2 trillion freight market in the U.S. and Europe alone, and it faces some serious headwinds. There is a growing shortage of drivers, rising costs, and relentless demand for faster deliveries. Plus’s SuperDrive software is designed to address these pain points by enabling safe, scalable autonomous trucking. The technology is not just theoretical. It has already been tested over five million miles across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, gathering real-world data to make its AI smarter and more reliable with every trip.
Founded in Silicon Valley in 2016 by engineers and entrepreneurs with deep roots in AI and machine learning, Plus has always aimed to do things differently. Instead of relying on hand-coded rules, Plus uses advanced AI models to create a ‘driving intelligence’ that learns and adapts from every mile on the road. This AV 2.0 approach helped Plus achieve a major safety milestone in April 2025, when its SuperDrive system successfully completed ‘driver-out’ validation. The truck operated autonomously without a human behind the wheel. Plus is currently running public road tests in Texas and Sweden, with more fleet trials coming soon.
One of Plus’s biggest strengths is its deep integration with top truck manufacturers, including TRATON GROUP, Hyundai, and IVECO. These companies are working closely with Plus to factory-build, validate, and support autonomous trucks powered by SuperDrive. This OEM-led strategy means that fleet operators will receive autonomous trucks ready for the road, complete with support from trusted manufacturers.
Plus is not working in isolation. The company has formed strategic partnerships with several logistics providers and technology firms to enhance its capabilities and streamline the adoption of autonomous systems. These collaborations are crucial in addressing industry concerns and ensuring the technology meets safety and efficiency standards.
In addition to these partnerships, the company has also engaged with policymakers and regulatory bodies to navigate the complex landscape of vehicle automation. By participating in discussions and working with legislators, Plus aims to shape the future of autonomous trucking and ensure that the industry is prepared for the changes that lie ahead.
Despite the progress made in developing autonomous technology, there are still significant challenges to overcome. Regulatory uncertainty remains a major hurdle, with many policymakers cautious about the implications of fully autonomous vehicles. Questions about safety, liability, and insurance in the event of an accident continue to be topics of debate. These concerns are not only from regulators but also from industry stakeholders, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which has raised alarms about the potential impact on jobs and workers’ livelihoods.
However, the potential benefits of autonomous trucking are substantial. If successfully implemented, the technology could significantly reduce delivery times, increase efficiency, and lower operational costs for logistics companies. The ability to operate 24/7 without the limitations of human fatigue could also enhance the overall capacity of the freight transportation system.
As the industry moves forward, the collaboration between technology developers, regulators, and industry stakeholders will play a critical role in shaping the future of autonomous trucking. The success of companies like Plus Automation will depend not only on the advancement of their technology but also on their ability to address the concerns of all parties involved. As the landscape of logistics continues to evolve, the integration of AI and autonomous systems may be a pivotal step in transforming the industry into a more efficient and sustainable model of transportation.