SAN ANTONIO — Steves & Sons Inc., a forward-thinking woodworking company that invests in cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and product quality, is bringing that investment-in-technology philosophy to its trucking needs.

The company, which recently opened a new 100,000-square-foot plant, has entered into a strategic partnership with Bot Auto, a pioneer in autonomous logistics technology, to start a pilot program.

In a statement, the company said that this collaboration, made possible through its managed logistics provider J.B. Hunt Transport Inc., represents a "major leap forward in advancing innovative, technology-driven solutions to strengthen and modernize the millwork supply chain," the company said.

The collaboration aims to enhance supply chain efficiency, reliability, and scalability by aligning Steves & Sons’ commitment to excellence in customer service and on-time delivery with J.B. Hunt’s dedication to operational excellence, and Bot Auto’s state-of-the-art automation capabilities.

“We’re proud to be working with J.B. Hunt and Bot Auto to drive innovation and stay at the forefront of technology,” said Scott Lovett, chief operating officer at Steves & Sons. “This collaboration is about more than improving logistics—it’s about reimagining how our industry operates to meet the evolving needs of our customers and communities.”

Pilot programs incorporating autonomy into Steves & Sons’ managed logistics will focus on streamlining plant-to-customer transfers and improving logistical planning and execution. J.B. Hunt will advise Steves & Sons in integrating autonomous trucking into its comprehensive transportation solution, initially among routes to/from San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.

As the leading provider of Steves & Sons’ managed logistics service, J.B. Hunt brings decades of experience and expertise in freight optimization. What began as a private fleet conversion for Steves & Sons in 2019 has grown into a transportation solution that incorporates brokerage, truckload, LTL, international, and last-mile delivery services.

“This is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a cultural shift,” Lovett added. “We’re investing in the future of American manufacturing by building smarter, safer, and more adaptive supply chain systems that support our employees, our partners, and the customers we serve.”

New plant completed

Steves & Sons’ recently completed a 100,000-square-foot expansion of its Utah facility, which employs 135 people and features a new state-of-the-art robotic prime line. The project increases manufacturing capacity, enhances warehouse space, and improves material flow. These improvements will optimize operations, reduce lead times, and boost the company’s ability to meet growing demand in the region.