Since the beginning of the automotive industry, the act of driving has been a significant aspect of transportation. People love to drive cars and trucks, but this can change as autonomous technologies evolve. Self-driving trucks will be the future of driving- with enhancements and improvements transforming the industry as we know it.

Autonomous trucks are already being developed by companies like TuSimple, Daimler, and Embark. These companies are working on a wide range of autonomous trucks, ranging from Class 8 tractor-trailers to medium-sized delivery trucks. As these autonomous technologies improve, trucks running on diesel will be phased out, and electric will become the standard. This change will be due to the need to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions.

As autonomous trucking technologies become more advanced, truck drivers may find that their jobs are becoming redundant. However, it will not be the final elimination of drivers’ jobs altogether. Drivers will play a vital role in the transportation industry in the short term, such as monitoring the vehicle’s operation from a remote location or overcoming potential glitches during a long trip.

Not only will autonomous trucks be better for the environment, but they will also be safer than traditional trucks. According to a report by Transport Systems Catapult, autonomous trucks could reduce the number of accidents on the road by up to 90%. Additionally, improved safety will reduce freight insurance premiums, increasing cost savings for companies, and being attractive to investors.

Due to the rise in e-commerce, the need for transportation and deliveries has dramatically increased. Autonomous trucks can help accommodate this increase and make transportation more efficient. These self-driving trucks can operate twenty-four hours a day and have the potential to significantly reduce transportation time and costs.

As autonomous trucking becomes more dominant, there will be changes in the transportation industry’s workforce. A need for trained technicians and engineers to maintain and repair these vehicles will develop. Likewise, the shift from the traditional trucking industry to the automated sector will open up new job opportunities.

The future of driving with autonomous trucks comes with benefits and challenges. While these self-driving trucks may be better for human safety and environmental protection, it’s imperative to prepare for how the automation of the trucking industry can change the existing workforce landscape. Governments, companies, and individuals must work together to ensure the benefits of technology are balanced against necessary societal concerns.