Tag: driverless trucking

No Image January 23 2023 in Truck Driving, Trucking

Will Self-Driving Trucks Make Trucking Jobs Easier?

The trucking industry is changing, not just because of self-driving freight trucks. As the economy grows, so does the demand for goods. 

And that means more and more cargo is being transported across the country — and around the world. Trucking companies are expected to hire an unprecedented number of drivers this year. That’s good news for people who want a job in trucking! But how will new technology like self-driving trucks affect your ability to land one? 

What Are Self-Driving Trucks?  

Self-driving trucks are trucks with some level of automation. They can operate on highways but require a human operator for off-highway driving, such as going through construction zones and urban areas.  

There are various levels of autonomy for self-driving trucks ranging from 1 to 5, but only levels 1 and 2 are legal for US roads. 

Level 1 automation means that the vehicle can provide steering assistance or braking and acceleration assistance, while level 2 applies to trucks with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with the ability to take over steering, acceleration, and breaking in specific scenarios. 

At the time being, only lower-level automation trucks are available; however, it’s worth mentioning that you can expect more as companies continue their research into this field. 

How Will Self-Driving Trucks Affect Truck Drivers?  

As automated trucking continues to develop, truckers may feel like they will be replaced. However, all levels of self-driving trucks need to be supervised by an experienced human truck driver. The skills required for a professional driver are not easily gained, and the training is extensive. In addition to driving expertise, drivers need good decision-making skills to ensure safe operations. 

Self-driving trucks are being developed for use on highways at low speeds, but this doesn’t mean that once on the road, these vehicles will make better decisions than humans. In fact, human drivers have an advantage over automated systems because they can react quickly if something goes wrong with their vehicle or if other cars on the road are driving dangerously. 

Trucking is the backbone of our economy, and truckers shouldn’t feel like they’ll be replaced anytime soon because the skills and experience gained as a professional truck driver outweigh driving automation by leaps and bounds! 

How Self-Driving Trucks Can Make Truck Driving Easier  

It’s no secret that driving trucks can be a stressful job. With long hours and tight deadlines, truck drivers often have to adhere to strict schedules that can take a toll on even the most seasoned professional. As such, the risk of accidents increases because of driver fatigue or other factors like road conditions and weather.  

Since self-driving trucks are designed for safety and assistance, they can potentially reduce the number of accidents and unsafe conditions on the road, making driving less stressful. Technologies like adaptive cruise control and break assistance enable a better driving experience for the driver. 

While the technology of self-driving trucks is expected to advance in the coming decades, it’s important to remember that even fully autonomous trucks require experienced human operators who are alert, engaged, and prepared to take control at any time. 

Drive with Warrior Logistics  

At Warrior Logistics, people are our greatest assets, and we strive to create an environment that enables each of our Warriors to achieve their fullest potential. We understand the value truck drivers bring to the American economy, so we ensure all our team members have the tools and resources they need for success. From rigorous safety training and competitive benefits to our state-of-the-art Cascadia fleet, we’ve got you covered. 

Move your career forward with one of America’s leading trucking companies. Apply today! 

 

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No Image June 14 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

The Future of Automated Trucking: Why Truck Drivers Will Always Be Needed

The future of truck driving is looking more and more driverless every day. With the advent of automated trucking and developments in the industry, many truck drivers wonder whether they will be replaced by automation. There are several reasons why truck drivers will always be needed in the industry. This blog post outlines the future of automated truck driving, its impact on the industry, and what this means for truck drivers. Stay tuned to learn more!

What is Truck Automation?

Automated trucks are semi-trucks that have at least some level of autonomy. Engineers delineate six levels of automation. Level 0 refers to trucks with no automated ability and need truck drivers to do all of the driving. Level 5 is a fully automated truck that is self-driving even in inclement weather without the need for driver operation. Automated trucks that offer assisted steering and warnings for lane departures are considered a level 1. Levels 2 and 3 are being implemented by some major companies in the trucking industry in controlled environments.

What Impact Does Driverless Trucking Have on the Industry?

While there is a lot of money and a growing interest in truck automation, truck drivers should know that their jobs are still secure. Smaller logistics companies also lack the resources and investor funding to implement these technologies. The impact of automation in the trucking industry means more safety for the driver, specifically during long-hauls, decreased ship times, and reduced highway traffic. While there is a lot to gain from automated trucking, the critical need for human truck drivers will never disappear.

Will Truck Drivers Be Replaced?

A common misconception is that automated trucks will replace truck drivers. Although automated trucks have been in development for the past decade and more companies have begun experimenting with this technology, truck drivers shouldn’t stress about their job security. Since companies are only testing levels 2 and 3, they cannot operate without a human truck driver. Even if the industry transitions completely into level 5 automation, professional truck drivers will still be needed to supervise at all times in the event of an error or accident. One of the key things that driverless trucks don’t have is experience. The insight to navigate difficult situations, experience on the road, and the ability for error correction. Truck drivers are the most important part of the future of truck driving, and that will always be the case.

The Importance of Truck Drivers

Truck drivers do more than just drive. Self-driving trucks cannot loan and unload freight or provide excellent customer service dispatching details about an order. This provides job security for truckers and will for the foreseeable future. Trucking experience can only be gained by putting in miles on the road. This advantage makes truck drivers necessary for the job, and apart from driving, they have the human element to delegate tasks and the ability to carry them out. There is also the issue of safety. While self-driving cars grow in popularity and can be found increasingly on the road, automated trucks are not the same. Semi-trucks are obviously larger and lack the ability to maneuver around a potential accident or roadblock. It also takes more time for a truck to come to a full stop after braking, and there is not much room to avoid cars or people on the side of the road. The potential problems with sensors being on top of a truck’s cab also raise concerns. With the sensors and cameras located at the top of the cab, there is potential for it to be blinded by the sun, have trouble distinguishing between cars and large signs, and become impaired in inclement weather. All of these factors contribute to problems for trucks in city settings where there are constant needs for stopping, turning, and tight spaces. Truck drivers need to be there to supervise these situations and navigate them if the technology fails.

Warrior Logistics understands that truck drivers are their greatest assets. It’s their core value. If you’re worried about your job being replaced, know that Warrior Logistics will always know the importance of truck drivers and their invaluable daily impact on the industry. They hire the best people and provide top-of-the-line training to create a superior environment for them to thrive. Ready to join the team? Contact us today!

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