In Tucson, Phoenix, the trucking sector took a huge step forward in the evolution of the logistics industry. The first-ever semi-truck completed its first public route, an 80-mile drive that took 80 minutes without human oversight. This is a huge game changer in the industry, cutting costs, increasing profitability, and even safety. However, with such a progressive and new process, how else does it impact the industry? Are there negatives?
The Case for Autonomous Semi-Trucks
Autonomous semi-trucks offer so many advantages, especially when it comes to their operational environment. Let’s look at a few:
Highway Suitability
It’s no surprise that semi-trucks primarily operate on the highways, but this is a positive as it brings less complexity to routes, unlike urban routes. What does this mean? It means autonomous systems have fewer variables to consider, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and other traffic issues when driving on urban routes.
Capacity for Advanced Technologies
The sheer size of semi-trucks means there is simply room to install advanced systems. Remember the first-ever computer? It filled an entire room; similarly, with autonomous systems, there is some way to refine the design, but with semi-trucks being their size, there’s less focus on that and more on how the system performs.
Commercial Benefits
It doesn’t take a genius to know that driving an autonomous truck will have commercial benefits. The operational efficiencies alone will save companies hundreds of thousands in costs. Though the initial investment may be eye-watering, the long-term savings will be too high to turn your back on.
Job Security and Trucking’s Evolution
It’s inevitable that autonomous trucks will replace jobs, but is there room for job creation, too?
Gradual Automation Integration
The industry currently focuses on achieving level 2 and 3 automation, which means vehicles still require human supervision. These small steps to automation parallels developments in aviation, where pilots are still crucial despite advanced autopilot systems.
Diverse Duties of Truck Drivers
Driving a truck involves more than just steering the vehicle; it requires load management, freight security, and maintenance—areas that are not fully automated yet. So, there is still definitely a need for humans to take out specific roles.
Specialization in Long Hauls
This technology primarily targets long-haul trucking, a market segment representing a part of overall trucking operations. This generally means that while autonomous truck driving will take the long routes, it frees people to do those more complex urban routes. This will generally mean that delivery will increase to customers.
Regulatory and Infrastructure Challenges
Currently, regulations and road infrastructure in the US provide specific barriers for autonomous trucks, so there’s a long way to go before they’re implemented country-wide. However, like all things, these barriers will be overcome; it’s just a question of when.
Navigating New Compliance and Efficiency Frontiers
Understanding regulation and compliance will be one thing, but there are services out there which can help. Utilizing electronic filing services for necessary documentation, such as 2290 e-filing services, simplifies compliance and enhances operational efficiency.
Workforce Shifts
Employees will evolve along with the industry; roles will become available in overseeing and interacting with these autonomous systems. Training programs will be developed and updated to prepare the workforce for the change. The emphasis will shift toward technology management and logistical coordination.
The Path Forward
Rolling out autonomous truck driving will be a game changer for the industry, with more benefits than negatives. Although there are many challenges to the final result, the industry will continue to develop and evolve.
