Nussbaum Deploys Three Automated Trucks in Ohio-Indiana Pilot Program

Key Details Three trucks equipped with advanced automation technology began operating between Ohio and Indiana on March 9, 2026, as part of the DriveOhio initiative. The deployment partners the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to test real-world performance of the vehicles hauling commercial freight for Nussbaum Transportation. Technology Features The trucks are outfitted with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, 360-degree sensor detection, advanced blind spot technology, and emergency medical response systems. A professional driver remains in the seat at all times during all operations and deliveries. Why It Matters The $8.8 million DriveOhio project aims to accelerate automation adoption in trucking and transform regional logistics. Testing these systems in Midwest conditions including rain and snow is critical for proving safety and reliability before wider deployment. Transportation officials emphasize that advanced safety features represent a fundamental shift toward eliminating roadway fatalities. Official Position ODOT Director Pam Boratyn stated that technology is an essential partner with infrastructure in reaching zero deaths on Ohio roads. INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist called the features an innovative step forward for highway safety in the region.