The Latest on the DOT and Automated Trucking

A big point of conflict in trucking industry news today is trucking driving automation.

You may have heard that less than a month ago, on September 18th, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that they were funding research groups and state transport departments who are exploring vehicle automation projects.

This funding, in the amount of $60 million, was made possible through the Department of Transportation Automated Driving System Demonstration grant program.

This program supports the development of automated driving systems.

For truckers, it means the possible advent of automated trucks. Here’s what you need to know about automated trucks and the trucking industry.

Trucking Industry News

Automated Trucking

Truck drivers around the world have mixed feelings about automated semi-trucks, making it a huge topic at GATS this year, where there were a variety of educational sessions addressing automated trucking, including a session called “The Driver’s Role with Driverless Trucks”.

The truth of the matter is that truck driving automation offers a huge opportunity to increase roadway safety, which is the main focus of the DOT.

While many truck drivers express fear regarding AI and automated semi-trucks, the more immediate impact of automated trucks on the industry is positive.

Automated trucking increases efficiency on the back end and decreases human error.

The DOT

This goal is made apparent by how the DOT chose to delegate its money.

Of the $60 million of DOT grant money, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute received the most at $15 million split between two grants.

The first will support the development of Fleet Concept of Operations, intended to provide the trucking industry with guidelines on how to implement and benefit from automated trucking systems.

The second will support a project for demonstrating scenarios for the safe interaction of automated vehicles in northern Virginia.

What Does Truck Driving Automation Mean For You?

A report by MarketsandMarkets estimates that the AI market for transportation is projected to grow nearly 18% from 2017 - 2030.

With this increased focus on truck driving automation comes increased value for human skills.

As more jobs or activities become automated, people are freed from routine and predictable tasks, and the attention shifts to things that are uniquely human.

This is a positive change, involving the extinction of boring mundane tasks and the addition of challenging processes like managing new technologies and exercising greater critical thinking skills on a regular basis.

Growing truck driving automation in the trucking industry means growing human skills like communication, empathy, trust, and judgement.

TSNAmerica knows trucking. We’re here for you in every aspect of the industry you love.

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