Automated Trucks and the Future of Trucking: Myth or Reality?

The debate over the future of trucking has heated up, with some people predicting that fully automated trucking will become a reality. However, is this shift as inevitable as many believe? Let's examine the key points that highlight the challenges and potential hurdles.

Are Fully Automated Trucks on the Horizon?

The idea that we will ever have trucks roaming the highways with no human on board is highly unlikely. Even if autonomous trucks become a prominent feature of the industry, a human driver will still be necessary for several critical tasks. These responsibilities go beyond mere safety in emergencies; they encompass a wide range of activities that an automated system cannot handle. For example, a truck cannot fuel itself, process paperwork, conduct a pre-trip inspection, connect or disconnect a trailer, or open and close doors.

The Role of Humans in Automated Trucking

Automated trucks will still require a human presence for a multitude of tasks. Here are just a few examples:

Fuel the truck. Process documents at the linehaul office, including picking up or dropping off bills of lading. Perform pre-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. Connect and disconnect trailers. Open and close trailer doors. Apply seals as required.

These tasks are essential to the functioning of a truck and cannot be automated. The human driver acts as a safety net and ensures that all procedures are adhered to, thereby making the trucking operation smoother and more efficient.

Cost Factors and Fleet Management

Another significant factor hindering the widespread adoption of automated trucks is the cost. Even if we assume that automated trucks are no more expensive than conventional trucks, the additional costs associated with maintenance and fuel can be substantial. Currently, in owner-operator fleets, drivers are responsible for at least part of the fuel and maintenance costs since the truck is owned by the driver. However, if the truck is owned by the company, it will bear the full responsibility for these costs. This is why large shipping companies like FedEx are moving towards owner-operator fleets to reduce these expenses.

The financial incentive for companies to invest in automated trucks is significantly reduced when maintenance and fuel costs are entirely their responsibility. Additionally, automated trucks do not come without their own set of challenges. If an accident occurs, the blame often falls on the driver. In contrast, if an automated truck is involved in an accident, the fault lies with the company that owns it. This places a significant risk on companies that do not yet know if automated trucks are safer than conventional trucks.

Liability and Safety Concerns

Another crucial concern is liability. If an automated truck is involved in an accident, the burden of responsibility falls squarely on the company that owns it. This is a substantial risk, given that the safety of automated systems is still being evaluated. Large shipping companies might be hesitant to adopt an automated system that can potentially expose them to significant financial and legal liabilities.

From a practical standpoint, it is clear that the road to fully automated trucking is still long. There are multiple hurdles to overcome, from the necessity of human oversight to the financial and legal implications of adopting such technology. As the industry continues to evolve, the role of the human driver will likely remain an integral part of trucking operations for the foreseeable future.