The COVID-19 shows us that truck driving is one of the most important industries in the nation. Now there’s a lot of talk surrounding the truck driving industry. Americans want to thank truck drivers for the great work they’ve been doing. Such a tag #ThankATrucker is famous in Twitter where you can see hundreds of examples of gratitude! However, with that gratitude, people often wonder, “What is the future of truck driving?”
This question has appeared in part because of the pandemic and the hot topics of electrification and automation. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, Argo AI, GM Cruise, and others have been searching for ways to implement these changes into our everyday lives.
What do truck drivers need to worry about? Will they lose their jobs to driverless trucks? What technologies will truck drivers see in the immediate future? What new technologies do we see today?
Let’s look at new technologies that truck drivers can wait for in the immediate future.
Is Driverless Technology The Future Of Truck Driving?
Autonomous vehicles will change truck driving industry completely. They mean taking drivers out of the driver’s seat.
As we know today, many Tesla models have an autopilot feature that allows them to navigate interstates without driver input. Companies like Waymo has started to test driverless semi-truck prototypes.
Truck drivers can worry about such changes. However, we have the good news—automation of this industry is still too young, and truck drivers likely won’t see any real implementation of automation for a long time due to such factors:
- Liability law – If an accident happened between a manned truck and a driverless car, where would the liability lie? There is no regulations for automated driving. It would require a significant overhaul to liability law for autonomous vehicles.
- Automation technology is expensive – There must be systems in place that streamline production on a scale that makes it affordable that’s why we won’t see a widespread implementation during a long time.
- Little public trust – Such technologies as driverless cars will need to be vetted a lot before being widely trusted by everyday citizens.
What Technologies Do Truckers Have Now?
Times of stress bring changes, and coronavirus has showed the need for new technologies in the cab. Now we can notice there is more remote work at truck driving companies. Some companies have provided their truck drivers with tech that helps them limit contact on deliveries and drop offs. Some technologies help truckers find meals since many restaurants and truck stops are closed. Many of these changes will be used for some time, if not permanently.
Some of the more advanced models include ACC (adaptive cruise control). It automatically regulates the truck’s speed and senses the car in front, and applies brakes and gas if it is necessary.
Now many truck driving technologies are beginning to show their age. Soon we will be able to see improved navigation software, communication devices, and other overhauls for truck drivers soon, such as Haul that is an app designed to match drivers with hauls.
Future of the Truck Driving Industry
Electric trucks are technologies that don’t seem likely within our lifetimes. We can see several completely electric vehicles on the road and they have massive amount of public backing in general.
Tesla continues to develop their vision of an all-electric truck while their competitor Nikola is growing support and funding. Nikola wants to power semi-trucks with a hydrogen fuel cell in place of a battery.
Now plenty of transport companies use electric vans and other vehicles.
Start Your Truck Driving Career With New Sound Truck Driving School!
As we understand, the future of truck driving will come soon. Truck drivers can look forward to improved technologies behind the wheel, making their trucking jobs more controlled. You don’t need to worry about automation that can eliminate the need for human drivers.
Today the nation is experiencing a shortage of drivers. Are you ready to keep America moving? Contact us today to learn more about New Sound Truck Driving School, and how we can get you your CDL in just several weeks!