U.S. Logistic Industry Expects Widespread Use of Autonomous Trucks by 2050

A recent survey by Tech.co revealed 65% of U.S. freight professionals expect widespread use of self-driving trucks by 2050.

“Autonomous trucks may seem like a far-flung future vision, but the reality is they're already here, with states such as Texas opening their roads to the technology. Despite being in its infancy, our research shows that the logistics industry is mostly feeling optimistic about self-driving trucks, possibly fueled by the ongoing recruitment crisis that has been hampering logistics in recent years,” says Tech.co’s editor, Jack Turner.

Key takeaways:

·        Though the majority of U.S. freight professionals (65%) expect to see widespread use of self-driving trucks by 2050, 42% of respondents expect widespread adoption of driverless trucks by as soon as 2040.

·        Tech.co’s finding suggests a significant portion of America’s freight industry foresees a relatively swift transition to self-driving trucks.

·        Once the technology matures and regulatory clarity emerges, this form of autonomous tech could become even more integrated into U.S. road freight.

·        U.S. logistic professionals said self-driving trucks could be a good solution in low traffic hours (32%); long-haul highway journeys (31%); highway journeys between distribution centers (29%); and short-haul journeys (18%).

·        Situations with minimal other road users such as low traffic hours, within port and distribution centers, or long-haul highway stretches were commonly cited as potential scenarios. 

·        Many logistic professionals view self-driving trucks as a realistic prospect in controlled environments where the complexities of autonomous driving are more manageable.

·        The data also suggests that logistic professionals are less in favor of autonomous vehicles being used for shorter journeys, as just 18% of respondents selected short haul.

·        If given the choice between using a self-driving truck, or hiring a new driver, nearly one-fifth (19%) of respondents say they would opt for self-driving trucks over recruiting a new driver.

·        Though staff shortages are a big problem within the U.S. logistics sector, freight demand is currently booming, with 87% of surveyed transport and shipping professionals saying they have enough freight to haul.