Loblaw Partners with Gatik to Launch Self-Driving Truck Network

Loblaw has entered into a multi-year agreement with the global autonomous vehicle company Gatik to develop a self-driving truck distribution network in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This initiative aims to deploy 50 autonomous trucks from Gatik’s fleet over the next year, with plans to have 20 trucks operational by the end of this year and an additional 30 deployed throughout 2026. The rollout marks what Loblaw describes as the largest planned deployment of autonomous trucks in North America, set to service over 300 grocery stores in the region.

The collaboration between Loblaw and Gatik began in 2022, when they introduced Canada’s first driverless commercial fleet. As part of this new phase, the autonomous vehicles will initially have safety drivers on board before transitioning to fully autonomous operations, referred to as “Freight-Only” operations. These trucks will utilize the Gatik Driver AI platform, enabling them to safely transport temperature-controlled goods across Loblaw’s distribution networks in the GTA.

Regulatory Support and Safety Measures

Loblaw has emphasized that Gatik has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to establish the Automated Commercial Motor Vehicle (ACMV) Pilot Program. This provincial regulatory framework is designed to ensure safety in the operation of autonomous vehicles. Both companies assert that this partnership will enhance the safety and efficiency of their self-driving fleet.

Despite the ambitious plans, the press release did not address the potential implications for human drivers currently employed by Loblaw. According to Loblaw’s Q2 2025 report, the company employs over 220,000 full- and part-time staff across more than 2,800 locations. However, it remains unclear how many of these positions are specifically designated for drivers.

Public Sentiment and Future Outlook

Loblaw has faced significant public scrutiny in the past year, particularly over rising grocery prices, which led to widespread boycotts among consumers frustrated with the increasing costs. Should the company’s transition toward autonomous driving result in layoffs, it could provoke further dissatisfaction among the Canadian public.

The deployment of self-driving trucks represents a significant step forward in logistics and distribution for Loblaw, but it also raises questions about the future of employment within the company. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the balance between technological advancement and workforce stability will be a critical issue to watch.