By
Richard Murch
Chief Partner
The Future Technology Institute
INTRODUCTION
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a major topic of our research here at the Institute where we have been researching and reporting on developments in the industry over five years as it is such a significant factor in our society.
Today is the turn of the Trucking Industry in the United States and globally as it moves towards AI autonomous, self-driving trucks towards acceptance and implementation for haulage companies to address driver shortages, safety, reduce costs and other issues.
DISCUSSION
The advent of autonomous truck vehicles has been a major development in the transportation industry. Autonomous truck vehicles are self-driving trucks that are capable of navigating roads and highways without the need for a human driver. Autonomous truck vehicles are seen as a potential solution to the shortage of truck drivers in the industry, as well to reduce the cost of transportation.
However, the status of autonomous truck vehicles and the impact on truck drivers’ employment is still uncertain. The development of autonomous truck vehicles has been driven by the need to reduce the cost of transportation and to address the shortage of truck drivers. The cost of transportation is a major factor in the profitability of the transportation industry, and autonomous truck vehicles are seen to reduce these costs.
Autonomous truck vehicles are also seen to address the shortage of truck drivers, as they can be used to supplement or replace human drivers. The development of autonomous truck vehicles has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. On the one hand, autonomous truck vehicles are seen as a potential solution to the shortage of truck drivers and a way to reduce the cost of transportation. On the other hand, there are concerns about the safety of autonomous truck vehicles and the impact on truck drivers’ employment.
TRUCK SAFETY
The safety of autonomous truck vehicles is a major concern. AI Autonomous truck vehicles are still in the early stages of development, and there are still many technical and safety issues that need to be addressed before they can be used on public roads. In addition, there are concerns about the potential for autonomous truck vehicles to cause and have caused accidents
TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE
The truck driver shortage in the United States and Europe is a growing problem that is causing a ripple effect throughout the entire economy. The American Trucking Association estimates that the industry is currently short 50,000 drivers, and that number is expected to grow to 175,000 by 2024. The primary cause of the shortage is the aging population of truck drivers. The average age of a truck driver is 49, and many are retiring or leaving the industry due to health issues. This is compounded by the fact that there are not enough younger drivers entering the industry to replace them. The trucking industry is also facing a shortage of qualified drivers due to the stringent regulations and qualifications required to become a truck driver.
The cost of obtaining a commercial driver’s license is high, and the process is lengthy and complex. Additionally, the long hours and low pay associated with truck driving can be a deterrent for potential drivers. The truck driver shortage is having a significant impact on the economy, as it is causing delays in the delivery of goods and services. This is resulting in higher costs for businesses and consumers alike. The impact on the US economy and food distribution industry is significant and has contributed greatly to the large increase in inflation. To address the shortage, the trucking industry is looking to attract more young drivers, as well as offering incentives such as higher wages and better benefits. This must be a priority for the trucking industry.
The impact of driver shortages is not only felt by transport operators and in the services they provide. Knock-on effects ripple quickly throughout supply chains, affecting consumers and businesses. Truck driver shortages is not just a US problem, but globally. Over 2.6 million truck driver jobs globally were unfilled in 2021 in surveyed countries, and the shortage is set to soar in 2024 and beyond.
All these factors are driving the global trucking industry towards AI autonomous, self-driving trucks to help in part with these significant shortages and reduce costs.
EXAMPLES
There are many examples of autonomous truck vehicles that are developed and are already being used in the transportation industry. For example, in the United States, Uber has been testing autonomous truck vehicles in Arizona since 2017 with much success. In addition, Daimler has been testing autonomous truck vehicles in Germany since 2018. Another manufacturer, Volvo, has been developing self-driving trucks for some time. These examples demonstrate that autonomous truck vehicles are already being used in the transportation industry, and that the technology is advancing rapidly and will continue.
CONCLUSIONS
We see AI Autonomic, self-driving truck development as a significant and positive step forward for the global industry, despite the current concerns over safety. It will significantly increase the productivity for Truck Haulage companies and reduce costs and help with the continuing drive shortage.
This rapid technology is being developed and implemented by over 60 truck companies around the world. These companies are investing heavily in research and development to create autonomous trucks that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. They are using a variety of sensors, cameras, and other technologies to enable the trucks to navigate roads and highways without the need for a human driver.
The trucks are also equipped with advanced safety features such as lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The autonomous truck industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth will be driven by the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions. Autonomous trucks are also expected to reduce the number of accidents on the roads, as they can react quickly to changing conditions and avoid potential hazards, in many cases faster than human drivers can.
Overall, the development of autonomous trucks is a positive step forward for the trucking industry. These trucks will help to reduce costs, improve safety, and increase efficiency. With over 60 truck companies investing in this technology, the future of autonomous trucks looks bright.