trucking
FW Desk News
FreightWatch.News
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
PepsiCo is ramping up its use of autonomous trucks through a multiyear partnership with Gatik, targeting transportation corridors that have proven difficult to staff. The deal aims to bolster capacity across segments of the beverage and snacks maker's distribution network while addressing ongoing labor constraints in trucking. The expansion reflects broader industry trends as carriers and logistics providers invest heavily in automation and infrastructure upgrades to support long-term supply chain growth. Companies across the sector increasingly turn to technological solutions to optimize operations and maintain productivity while navigating staffing challenges. PepsiCo's move signals confidence that autonomous vehicle deployments can provide meaningful relief in high-demand regional lanes, particularly where driver availability remains a persistent obstacle to scaling operations.