Self-driving trucks are heading to Atlanta's roads soon.

Governor Nathan Deal welcomes Waymo, the pioneer of Google's self-driving car technology test here in Atlanta.

“We are excited to partner with Waymo, the leader in self-driving technology, in testing self-driving trucks here in the No. 1 state for business,” Governor Deal said in a statement, adding, “The transport of freight and cargo is a critical driver for the American economy.

“Nowhere is this economic development tool more apparent than in Atlanta, the nation’s leading logistics hub. As we look to the future of innovation and efficiency, self-driving vehicles are at the forefront of enhancing roadway safety and making the transportation of American goods more feasible.”

Waymo spokesman Cody Nichelson told WSB Radio’s Michelle Wright the big rig will be on Metro-Atlanta streets soon, explaining, “Starting next week, the self-driving truck will be traveling on public roads in Metro Atlanta, delivering cargo bound for Google’s data center.

“Development of Waymo’s self-driving trucks has had a significant head start.”

Nichelson adds, “They use the same suite of custom-built sensors that power Waymo’s self-driving minivan, and they benefit from the same advanced self-driving software that has enabled Waymo cars to go fully driverless in Arizona.”