Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) inked a multi-year collaboration pact with middle-mile logistics firm Gatik AI, Inc. for deploying autonomous refrigerated box trucks to bolster routes in Northwest Arkansas.

The deployment will introduce Gatik trucks' commercial-grade autonomous technology to the Tyson supply chain. 

The partnership will provide Tyson Foods with increased asset utilization within its short-haul logistics network, assist with inventory objectives, and support transitioning to a high-frequency approach to goods movement. 

Also Read: Tyson Foods To Divest China Poultry Business: Report

The trucks will operate 18 hours a day and deliver Tyson, Jimmy Dean, and BallPark products to the distribution and storage facilities in the Rogers and Springdale, Arkansas, areas. 

"At Tyson Foods, we are innovating and using automation throughout our business, including in transportation," said Patrick Simmons, vice president of transportation for Tyson Foods. "This partnership allows us to strategically place our drivers where they are needed most while still reliably and safely transporting protein from the plant to distribution centers."

The collaboration, which begins this week, will include multiple trucks with the potential for future expansion at other Tyson locations.

Price Action: TSN shares closed lower by 0.84% to $52.15 on Tuesday.