Self-driving trucks, also known as autonomous trucks, have attracted significant attention over the past few years as a potential solution to the trucking industry's driver shortage problem. By using advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and GPS technology, self-driving trucks have become a viable alternative to traditional trucks driven by humans. However, as with any new technology, it's important to consider both its benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we'll compare the advantages and disadvantages of self-driving trucks.
Advantages
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
One of the most significant advantages of self-driving trucks is the increased efficiency and productivity they offer. Self-driving trucks don't require breaks, meals or sleep like human drivers, meaning that they can run for longer hours without any interruption. This can result in a significant increase in the number of deliveries and reduced shipping times. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the use of self-driving trucks could increase trucking productivity by up to 45%.
Improved Safety
Self-driving trucks can also improve safety on the roads by reducing the number of accidents caused by human error such as speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue. The sensors equipped on the self-driving trucks can detect the distance and speed of nearby vehicles to prevent accidents. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94% of accidents are caused by human error.
Cost Reduction
Another advantage of self-driving trucks is a reduction in labor costs. Trucking companies can save on driver wages, benefits, and insurance. Moreover, the fuel economy of self-driving trucks is also better than traditional trucks because they maintain consistent acceleration, braking, and speed, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
Disadvantages
High Costs
The costs associated with developing and implementing self-driving trucks are high, which can be a significant obstacle for many companies. The cost of developing self-driving trucks may be upwards of $1 million per truck, and the cost of retrofitting existing trucks with autonomous technology can be prohibitively expensive.
Lack of Human Judgment
While self-driving trucks can improve safety, they lack the decision-making abilities and adaptability that human drivers have. Human drivers can quickly adjust to unexpected events or road conditions, while self-driving trucks can only operate as programmed under specific circumstances. This inflexibility may lead to dangerous situations in unpredictable conditions, such as bad weather or construction zones.
Job Losses
The adoption of self-driving trucks can have a significant impact on the job market. According to a report by PwC, the use of self-driving trucks could result in the loss of as many as 3.5 million jobs by 2050.
Conclusion
While self-driving trucks offer several advantages, such as increased efficiency, improved safety, and cost reduction, it's essential to consider their drawbacks such as high costs, lack of human judgment, and job losses. As the development of self-driving trucks progresses, it's crucial for policymakers and trucking companies to carefully consider the impacts that they may have on the job market and work towards minimizing the negative effects.
References
- Gurney, K. and Lomnicki, S. (2020). Autonomous Trucks. [online] McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/autonomous-trucks [Accessed 21 Aug. 2022].
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Traffic Safety Facts. [online] Available at: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813051 [Accessed 21 Aug. 2022].
- PWC. (2017). “What effect could automation have on jobs in the US?” [online] https://www.pwc.com/us/ceo-survey/industry-robotics-americas.jhtml [Accessed 21 Aug. 2022].