Will Self-driving trucks take over?

Several technology companies have been testing self-driving trucks in real-world conditions for several years. Drivers are in the vehicles now, but the switch could flip to full autonomous mode as early as 2023, experts say.

Are self-driving trucks the future?

Most experts agree that over time, driverless trucks will revolutionize the shipping market in a way that will benefit shippers but likely eliminate most of the 3.5 million truck driver jobs in America. The technology will not develop overnight, so the number of truck driver jobs will slowly diminish over time.

Are self-driving trucks a good idea?

Autonomous trucks could more easily travel during off-peak hours, helping to reduce traffic congestion during the busiest times of the day. They also don’t need to take breaks to rest like human truckers do, avoiding issues like drowsy driving truck accidents. Autonomous trucks could also bring big benefits in safety.

Is the trucking industry profitable?

The trucking business can be very profitable, but it is incredibly competitive. Many truckers try to get into the business every year and end up failing. Knowing how to run and grow your trucking business takes more than knowing how to drive a truck or choose a route.

What is the future of truck drivers?

As reported by Redwood Logistics, trucks carry about 70\% of all goods shipped in the U.S., and this is expected to grow by 3.4\% annually until at least 2023. This heightened demand, coupled with fewer young people choosing truck driving as a career, has caused a shortage of 51,000 truck driving jobs across the country.

Is the trucking industry growing?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a five percent growth in trucking industry employment over the next several years, making it one of the industries that is fortunate to be benefiting from the expansion of technology.

How will self-driving trucks affect the economy?

Morgan Stanley estimated that the freight industry would save $168 billion annually with the use of autonomous technology. This would assume, then, that autonomous trucking should cause the freight industry to skyrocket in net revenue. It is estimated that $70 billion of this would come from reducing labor costs.