TFI International accelerates autonomous semi deployment plans for U.S. LTL operations

TFI International is pushing ahead with autonomous truck rollouts for its U.S. less-than-truckload (LTL) linehaul operations, targeting 2027 for initial deployment. Speaking to analysts on July 27, 2026, CFO David Saperstein confirmed the Montreal-based carrier is collaborating with an undisclosed autonomous truck developer to integrate self-driving semis into its LTL fleet. The move follows a 7.5% year-over-year surge in LTL shipments, which climbed to 1.97 million in Q2 2026 from 1.83 million in Q2 2025. Saperstein highlighted the operational benefits of autonomous trucks, including extended operating hours, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced driver turnover. If tests prove successful, TFI plans to expand autonomous truck usage beyond linehaul duties within its LTL operations. The executive also suggested that widespread adoption of autonomous trucks could reshape the trucking industry, potentially accelerating consolidation among large carriers. TFI, ranked No. 6 on Transport Topics’ Top 100 for-hire carriers list, operates a majority of its U.S. LTL business through the unionized TForce Freight fleet, with additional Canadian LTL operations. The autonomous trucking sector is poised for significant growth in 2027, with multiple developers—including Aurora Innovation, PlusAI, Torc Robotics, and Tesla—ramping up commercial-scale deployments.