Autonomous trucks – it’s not all bad news for drivers

Autonomous or self-driving vehicles are a current hot topic of conversation. Much of the mainstream media seem to have drawn the conclusion that the future use of autonomous trucks will lead to widespread unemployment for drivers.

If drivers did little else but drive the vehicle, this might happen in time. However, the reality is actually not quite so simple, and in fact, autonomous vehicles may ultimately have many positive implications for drivers.

The need for human ingenuity.

The transport industry has become increasingly efficient over the decades, using modern high-tech trucks and sophisticated planning and routing systems in order to deliver goods on time, only to find that interminable delays at collection and delivery points wreck schedules and reduce efficiency.

To really make proper use of autonomous trucks, these issues would need to be addressed; however, I find it hard to believe that a great many individual companies are suddenly going to streamline their operations and change the staff culture to make an autonomous transport system really work.

In many of these situations, human ingenuity overcomes the inefficiency of the operation. Drivers find a way to overcome problems on a daily basis, from building a relationship with the goods-in staff to overriding the system and taking charge of the job themselves.

Adapting to the job at hand.

Other operations require considerable input from the driver, often working in conjunction with others. For example, the operation of truck-mounted cranes to lift cargo might be part of a complicated installation process. The truck itself might be on-site for an extended period whilst the driver carries out tasks that require a wide range of additional skills. Assessing the potential task and if possible, complying with the customer wishes, can only be achieved safely by applying human skill and judgement.

The same applies with heavy haulage and abnormal load work. Driving the truck is only part of the job — the use of very sophisticated trailers and other equipment plays a huge part, along with the careful assessment of the weight and physical dimensions of the load to ensure it will actually fit on the truck and is safe to carry on the road. This type of skill and knowledge only comes with careful training and years of experience.

Whilst some of these examples of driver input may seem related to specialist sectors, problems arise that necessitate human intervention in mainstream trucking operations as well. Older equipment is often subject to damage, but operators might be loath to take it out of service in really busy times. Experienced drivers, however, might have the knack of getting an older set of trailer doors to close where others fail. A trained eye can see at a glance if a load is secured properly and safe to travel.

Are loading bay staff or even automated loading systems able to exercise this type of fine judgement?

What the future holds.

Autonomous trucks will appear in some form in the future. In the long term, I predict that drivers’ jobs may adapt into more of a managing and overseeing role in certain situations. But the essential core of transport operations will still need considerable human input. Younger individuals entering the industry would be well advised to make full use of any additional training that is available in order to widen the range of skills that they have to offer.

Ironically, autonomous truck operations might well lead to an elevation of the driver’s status in our society. The mundane straight-line part of driving may be handled by the machine itself, but the complicated part of the operation, requiring judgement and application of skilled techniques, will remain the preserve of the human driver.

Do you agree with Bob Beech? What do you think the future holds for autonomous trucks and drivers?