Why it matters: Autonomous trucking companies have been testing their fleets on Texas highways for several years, but always with backup safety drivers in the cab.

• Now, one company, Aurora Innovation, says it's ready to go completely driverless, a key milestone that promises to reshape the trucking industry.

Driving the news: After years of development, Pittsburgh-based Aurora is launching commercial driverless operations this month on a popular freight route between Dallas and Houston.

• The first autonomous truck is expected to roll down I-45 in the coming days, although Aurora officials declined to share any details.

• The company has said it will begin slowly, with one truck, and will gradually expand the fleet over time.