Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have moved from aspiration to game-changing innovation. From California to Texas to Minnesota, more and more self-driving vehicles are taking to the road — and not just cars.Autonomous trucks are poised to be part of this giant leap for America
Policymakers are taking note and recognizing the value of driverless trucks in mitigating growing supply chain challenges. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom recently vetoed legislation that would have effectively banned self-driving trucks in the state, instead allowing the regulatory process to proceed under the oversight of the state’s top safety experts. The U.S. Congress recently held its first hearing specifically on autonomous trucks, creating a rare bipartisan agreement on the technology’s prospects.
To realize the economic and safety benefits of self-driving technology, we must seize this opportunity and recognize a simple fact: Truck drivers and self-driving trucks will prosper together, creating a better quality of life for all Americans.
We should all be aware that the U.S. economy need The truck driver of today and tomorrow. Self-driving trucks won’t change that. Our nation’s supply chains can barely keep up with demand, hurting American farmers, ranchers and manufacturers who need to get their products to market.Experts say supply chain crisis could get worse: federal data estimate By 2050, U.S. freight volume will increase by 50%. This means there will be greater demand and therefore greater opportunities for transporting all types of goods.Currently, the U.S. economy is facing shortage This limit is expected to double to approximately 78,000 truck drivers by 2031, according to estimates.
As we look toward the next era of supply chains, basic statistics show that truck drivers will continue to be needed to move goods as self-driving trucks fill the staffing gap. The entire market is getting bigger and bigger, and there are many opportunities. If you are a truck driver today, you can still be a truck driver tomorrow. Self-driving trucks won’t change that.
At the same time, the self-driving truck industry is creating new high-paying jobs.A study funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation established Autonomous trucking will add up to 35,000 U.S. jobs annually over the next three decades. Currently, autonomous driving companies hire truck drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) to support testing and development and teach autonomous trucks to drive safely. Additionally, the industry has created new employment opportunities such as terminal operators, fleet and vehicle technicians, remote assistance specialists, dispatchers, surveying and mapping specialists, engineers, and more. These jobs are open to a variety of skills and educational backgrounds.
The AV industry is also investing in vocational training, apprenticeships and degree programs to support workers entering or transitioning into these new jobs. Programs at schools like Pittsburgh Technical College, Gallatin College in Montana and De Anza College in California are preparing today’s workforce for new jobs in the new economy. While self-driving trucks perform various aspects of driving, workers remain critical to the self-driving vehicle industry and supply chain.
That’s why the autonomous driving industry is openly working with policymakers and truck drivers to sustain the current workforce while building for the future. Governor Newsom directed the California Department of Labor and Workforce Development to initiate a stakeholder process to address current and future challenges with self-driving trucks – we look forward to participating in this forum.
To realize the benefits of self-driving trucks, we must abandon myths and misconceptions. Self-driving trucks won’t spread everywhere overnight, as the technology is being rolled out intentionally, building relationships within local communities and putting safety first. Just like today, the job of a truck driver will remain an important part of our future. Truck drivers and self-driving trucks will prosper together because they are a critical part of the supply chain that must meet our growing demand. The autonomous driving industry stands ready to work with American truck drivers to move the U.S. economy forward.
Jeff Farrah is executive director of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association.
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