According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of truck drivers is about 3.1 million. Level 4 automation is an option that could reduce labor costs, but it also creates a new type of risk for truck drivers. Robotic trucks have the potential to replace one quarter of current heavy-duty truck drivers.
In the meantime, automation tools can help ease the driver shortage by automating some tasks. For example, sensors can check for low tires or unbalanced loads. However, human intervention is still required to resolve any problems, such as a flat tire. Another example of automation tools is platooning trucks, which reduces drag and fuel consumption. This type of technology has been cleared for commercial deployment in Texas.
Some trucking companies are already testing their own automated trucks. San Diego-based TuSimple, for instance, recently removed human drivers from an 80-mile stretch of highway between Phoenix and Tucson. By the end of next year, TuSimple plans to run deliveries entirely without human drivers.
Is Trucking Still a Good Career?
The cost of fuel is one of the biggest expenses in trucking. The American Transportation Research Institute reports that repair and maintenance costs rose 24 percent between 2010 and 2016. On top of that, the trucking industry is facing an epidemic of high demand. However, even though trucking is an interesting career option, it isn’t without its downsides.
One of the biggest advantages of trucking is that it doesn’t require any schooling and offers high pay. In addition, it is also stable, with room for advancement. As a result, trucking is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. It is a rewarding career, but it also takes time to advance.
Another huge advantage of a trucking career is the freedom to set your own schedule. Many trucking companies offer flexible schedules to help their drivers find the perfect work/life balance. Flexibility is important for a truck driver, as they can pursue other interests or hobbies without worrying about missing work or family obligations. Additionally, driving a truck can give you a unique view of the country.
How Do Driverless Trucks Get Gas?
Autonomous trucks, which will soon be on US highways, need to refuel every now and then. While these trucks won’t necessarily need a human driver, it will be easier and safer to have someone else pull the vehicle to a gas station and fill it up. They’ll also be more cost-efficient because human attendants will be able to work on other parts of the vehicle, such as inspecting the seal on the cargo and cleaning the LIDAR sensors.
A company called TuSimple, which is based in San Diego, California, has built a prototype truck. The truck uses camera technology instead of radar, and the company claims that this method is more efficient and cheaper than radar. The company plans to put a few autonomous trucks on the road before the end of this year.
The company has been working with Lockheed Martin to develop driverless truck technology. Their vehicles are able to negotiate oncoming vehicles and pedestrians without any human assistance. Other companies around the world are also developing self-driving trucks. A spokesperson for the American Trucking Association, Ted Scott, said that autonomous trucks are only a matter of time. He added that truck manufacturers are already testing semi-autonomous features.
Are Self Driving Trucks Safe?
Self-driving trucks have several advantages. They can increase efficiency while on the road and decrease the risk of accidents. These automated machines are less likely to get tired and work better during off-peak hours. In contrast, most truck accidents are caused by human factors. These factors include fatigue caused by long shifts on the road, intoxicated or distracted driving, and driver inexperience.
However, there are still concerns about the safety of these automated trucks. Although Uber and other trucking companies have begun testing driverless big rigs, safety advocates worry that the new technology could create a safety hazard and endanger motorists. Self-driving trucks are highly complex, utilizing up to 100 computers to control various functions. Even the smallest error in computer coding or a malfunctioning computer can lead to a crash.
Until the technology is fully mature, these self-driving trucks are unlikely to be on the road on a large scale anytime soon. Although they will function like driverless cars, trucking industry regulations may not allow self-driving trucks to be used on public roads. Additionally, the technology could lead to lawsuits if it turns out to be faulty.
What Truck Driving Jobs Pay the Most?
The pay and benefits for truck drivers differ significantly from one company to the next. Some of the biggest companies have standard pay bands for their truck drivers, while others offer competitive raises and free training programs. Some companies also offer clear paths to management. Safety and other factors should also be considered when choosing a job.
In addition to the standard pay levels, you’ll find that trucking salaries differ by region. Some areas offer better wages than others because of demand. New York state, for example, pays some of the highest salaries of any state in the country. Other high-paying areas include Mississippi, West Virginia, and Alaska. Those who deliver loads to Alaska can expect a higher salary. Furthermore, the more licenses and certifications you have, the higher the pay.
While trucking pay varies by region, a median salary is common. Washington, D.C.-based drivers make the most, while drivers in Hawaii make the least. In addition to salary, many companies also offer cash bonuses for new hires. These bonuses are often based on years of driving experience, but they can be based on division and type of vehicle. Some companies also pay drivers extra for hauling tarped cargo.
Is There a Future in Truck Driving?
The trucking industry is large, but it has faced some challenges, including changing workforce demographics and business cycle fluctuations. New technologies are also making it more efficient and safe. Trucking companies will be required to analyze their service offerings to determine what their customers and clients need. Adaptive drivers and carriers will be key to the future of the industry.
While some tasks are automated, human intervention is still necessary to deal with issues. For example, sensors that monitor tires and unbalanced loads still require human interaction. However, the time truck drivers spend updating logbooks and invoices does not equate to much time, so the impact of full automation on the truck driving industry is unlikely to be significant.
One of the major issues facing trucking companies is the shortage of drivers. There are not enough drivers available to meet the growing demand for freight. The shortage of drivers will likely result in lower wages for drivers. Many carriers will need to raise their pay in order to attract good drivers. Without an adequate supply of qualified drivers, some carriers may be forced out of business.
Does Walmart Have Driverless Trucks?
Walmart has announced it is testing driverless trucks in Arkansas. The company is partnering with Gatik, a startup specializing in logistics in the retail industry, to test out the new technology. The trucks are self-driving and will operate on a commercial route in Bentonville, Arkansas. This is the first time driverless trucks have been used in the retail industry.
The first truck operated by Walmart will make deliveries on a loop route of seven miles. It will deliver groceries from a fulfillment center in Bentonville, Arkansas, to a nearby Walmart Neighborhood Market grocery store. The trucks are expected to run unsupervised for several weeks, until they are replaced by a safety driver.
The trucks are not yet fully autonomous, but Gatik has been developing the technology incrementally and has been focusing on the middle mile of the supply chain. Its goal is to make driverless trucks safe and effective while reducing costs. The driverless trucks will be safer and lighter on the gas pedal, resulting in lower emissions and fuel usage.
Could Self Driving Trucks Be Good For Truckers?
Self-driving trucks are on the way and there are a lot of questions that surround their future. One of the most prominent concerns is whether it will affect truck drivers. A recent study from Goldman Sachs projected that 25,000 truckers would lose their jobs every month once the technology is fully deployed. McKinsey Global Institute estimated that 1.5 million trucking jobs would be lost in the next decade, and the International Transport Forum estimated that 2 million truckers could be eliminated by 2030. This is a frightening thought for many truckers, but the future of trucking may not be so bad.
The technology behind autonomous trucks is still in the experimental stage, and the trucking industry must find ways to integrate it into their daily operations. However, it is also important to keep in mind that self-driving trucks will still need a driver in the cab in case of a malfunction. This way, the driver will be able to make basic repairs or communicate with the police if needed.
Learn More Here:
3.) Best Trucks
