Self-driving vehicles are no longer science fiction. In 2016, six convoys of self-driving trucks arrived in the Netherlands’ Rotterdam harbor. They traveled from different locations in formations called truck platoons.

Truck platoons consist of two or three self-driving trucks. The trucks connect through a wireless network. The lead truck sets the speed and route. The trucks traveled close together, thus saving time and fuel.

This experiment proves that autonomous vehicle technology is evolving. Global economic systems are connecting more than ever before. And, the shipping industry is keeping up with the demand.

Though, what does driverless technology mean for the trucking industry? What happens to the millions of truck driver jobs?

Why the Trucking Industry Is Exploring Autonomous Technology

Much of the United States’ geography spreads out and, in some areas, underpopulated. Thus, industries depend on trucks to deliver goods from ports to factories. From there, they deliver products to the customer.

Costs connected to overhead and maintenance are concerns for the shipping industry. Autonomous or driverless cars promise economic benefits.

For example, say it costs about $4,500 to get a truckload from New York to Los Angeles. Seventy-five percent of that cost pays for labor, in both insurance for and salary to the drivers. It also goes toward the maintenance of the vehicle.

Autonomous vehicles don’t need human drivers. Thus, shipping companies would save a considerable amount in labor costs. There are other benefits as well.

Improved Safety and Reduced Human Errors

Truck drivers are human beings. They experience fatigue and need to adhere to the laws in place to keep them from driving too long without a break.

Truckers and the shipping companies they work for must follow the restrictions. Drivers should not drive for more than 11 hours without taking at least an eight-hour break.

Regulations Raise Operating Costs

These laws protect truck drivers. Though, they also raise operating costs. Using autonomous technology would mean trucks could operate 24-hours a day, nonstop.

Autonomous trucks mean no driver fatigue. Autonomous technology in shipping trucks would lower operating costs by an estimated 25%.

Self-Driving Technology Lowers Operating Costs

Shipping companies and their truck drivers could work together with autonomous systems. This would maximize productivity while reducing accidents at the same time.

Shipping companies can increase fuel efficiency with autonomous technology. For example, cruising at speeds between 45-65 miles per hour saves fuel. Truck drivers don’t always keep to that range for any number of reasons.

Shipping companies would no longer have to rely on inefficient driving speeds. Nor would they underpay their drivers to offset costs. Self-driving technology will enable companies to balance paying drivers and maximizing fuel savings.

Reduced Traffic Accidents

When the driverless technology matures, commercial truck fleets may all use it. By doing so, they will also be improving safety.

Commercial vehicles share the road with smaller, personal vehicles. Any accident with a truck usually involves other cars. The results are often damages and even deaths to truckers as well as others on the road.

Each year, there are more trucks as well as people on the road. More people are dying in traffic accidents involving trucks. In fact, driving a truck is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States.

The Human Element and Autonomous Technology

People assume that self-driving technology will cut truck driver jobs. It’s true that autonomous technology will reduce the need for human workers. But, it does not mean removing humans from the equation altogether.

“Autonomous” doesn’t mean the same thing as “driverless.” Autonomous technology can reduce human error. But, it doesn’t remove human drivers.

When the trucking industry uses autonomous technology right, drivers are critical. They operate trucks along with autonomous technologies. By working with the technology, drivers improve safety, reduce risks, and boost efficiency.

The positive results are that drivers will make more money. Roads also become safer, and of course, shipping companies benefit.

Here are ways American trucking companies can incorporate self-driving technology into their fleets.

Retrofit Existing Fleets for Automation

Otto is a startup company under Uber. Otto created a kit equips trucks already in service with autonomous technology. They are testing this technology on highways. It has even undergone an autonomous demo on a public street.

Cruising Mode

Otto’s goal is for drivers to be able to set their vehicles in “cruising” mode. Drivers can then sign off to get some sleep without having to worry about losing time or risk breaking the law.

While the truck is driving itself, the driver will still be on the clock. After all, the vehicle remains in transit.

Driver Oversees the Route

The driver is still needed even though the truck is navigating without a driver for periods of time.

The driver oversees the driving. He or she is also needed to take manual control on off-ramps, on-ramps, and driving on narrower city streets. Thus, these trucks would self-driving, but not driverless.

Improved Communication

Uber plans to create an app like their taxi app. The app would improve communication between companies and shippers handling their freight moves.

Self-Automated Technology for the Trucking Industry

Some feel that self-driving technology will evolve into entirely driverless trucks. But, a company called Embark sees the importance of retaining the human element.

Embark hopes to assist drivers with self-driving technology. They want trucks to handle all highway driving, including exits. And leave the city driving to humans.

Embark’s system works through the use of onboard radar, cameras, and LIDAR sensors. LiDAR works like radar but uses light. These components watch, collect, and upload real-time data.

The data report road conditions, environment, driver behavior, and road hazards. The system communicates with a military-quality GPS. The GPS which monitors the vehicle’s position and movement.

Autonomous Trucks for the Future

The push for autonomous technologies means less congestion on roadways and safer highways. Currently, more than 30 companies around the world are working on driverless technology.

Experts predicted that platooning trucks would happen by 2017 or 2018. And here we are. By 2020, we will see many more autonomous trucks on the road.

The economic and safety benefits are obvious. Though, so is the fact that, at least at first, truck driver jobs will decrease as the need for drivers decreases. We hope that the trucking industry continues to recognize the value of truck drivers.

The trucking industry should invest in training drivers on self-driving technology. If you have any questions about becoming a truck driver, please contact us.