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Will Truck Driving Be Automated?
Jun 17, 2021

It’s the question on the minds of truck drivers, owners, and delivery companies everywhere: will truck driving be automated? Automated trucks have been a conversation point for years now, with many worrying that technology advances will put millions of people out of work.


Despite these concerns, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5% growth for trucking employment in the coming years. While other industries struggle to adapt to new technology, the trucking industry is greatly benefiting from it.


There are a range of opinions when it comes to this question, though most truck drivers seem confident that their jobs can’t (or at least won’t) be done by machines any time soon. Before getting into the trucking industry, it’s important that you take a look at the landscape and make an educated decision about it—but remember there will always be a need to move goods from one place to another, and the explosion in online ordering suggests that need is only going to expand.


Let’s take a look at the current state of automated trucks as we dive into the question: will truck driving be automated?

The Technology

The technology for automated trucks has been in the works for some time, and it gets closer to real fruition every day. Automated technology might have the ability to replace truck drivers as early as 2027 (but that doesn’t mean it will happen—keep reading!).


Four years ago, an Uber-backed startup successfully delivered cargo via an autonomous truck. The technology continues to be developed and tested today. Two autonomous vehicle companies have been using self-driving Class 8 trucks for the last several years. Currently, technology for automated trucks is primarily in the Level 4 category, which allows truckers to shift critical functionality to the automated system when all conditional criteria are met (time of day, weather, etc.). When technology reaches Level 5 functionality, it will mean that the trucks can safely, autonomously drive under any condition. Most companies (though not all), however, are focused entirely on Level 4, which still requires a driver to be present at all times.


Former FMCSA Administrator Raymond Martinez asserts that “if you start as a truck driver today, you will likely retire as one.”

Policy & Public Sentiment

The trucking industry employs roughly 8.7 million people, including 3.5 million truck drivers. With job creation on the minds of every politician, many wouldn’t be keen on doing away with an entire industry of jobs. For that reason, policy may curb full-scale automation of the trucking industry. A recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that government regulations and local laws are limiting the ability to even test automated trucks effectively.


Likewise, public sentiment isn’t yet keen on automated trucks, despite the benefits for the environment and speed-of-delivery. Though many are already on the road with semi-automated trucks (and plenty of non-commercial Teslas are dotting the roadways), many people are still hesitant about autonomous semi-trucks cruising down the highway at 65 miles per hour.

The Bottom Line

Change is coming to the trucking industry, and continued automation is certainly part of that change. Technology has improved our industry since its inception, and the current advancements are no different. Rather than fighting the change, trucking companies should strive to adapt with the changing times. Invest in skills training for your employees so that when the technology is more widely available, you can benefit from it. Work to expand your hiring pools to include new, adaptable talent (link to “How to Attract & Retain Women Truck Drivers to Your Business”).


Have more questions about this industry before you get involved? Consider one of Gold Star’s consultative sessions to get started!

Your Guide to the Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program

17 Jun, 2021
It’s impossible to think of the trucking industry without considering Amazon. In 2019, the company delivered 4.5 billion packages in the United States . Their Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program enables anyone with some startup capital the opportunity to get involved in their massively successful business venture. There are pros and cons to becoming an Amazon DSP, but the steady stream of work is certainly eye-catching to start-up trucking companies. Amazon lays out some of the most important information , but let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.

Your Guide to DOT Background Check Requirements for Drivers

17 Jun, 2021
A thorough, compliant background screening program for your drivers should be the backbone of your hiring strategy. Background checks ensure that your new drivers have all of the qualifications necessary to do the job well and to best represent your company out on the road. Background checks also, of course, weed out any drivers with disqualifying criminal histories, a history of driving violations, and substance abuse problems. That’s why they should be a standard part of your fleet safety program anyway (link to “Fleet Safety Program: 4 Important Things to Remember”). In our regulated industry, a DOT background check is required. Here’s how DOT background check requirements differ from standard employment screening.

What Is Carbon Neutral Shipping & How Do Companies Become Carbon Neutral?

17 Jun, 2021
Trucking and logistics is no longer just about getting materials from point A to point B. Much like consumers want to buy their products from socially responsible corporations or boycott businesses that don’t align with their beliefs, many companies want to work with trucking companies that prove they care about the environment. Whether due to their personal beliefs, to the corporate responsibility goals they’re mandated to meet, or to a desire to please their own customer base, you’re serving clients who will ask about your carbon neutral shipping practices sooner rather than later. Now is the time to start taking this topic seriously. Do you find yourself asking “what is carbon neutral shipping anyway?” Are you wondering why carbon neutral shipping might be a benefit? Curious to know how companies become carbon neutral? Keep reading to discover the answers to all of your questions about this climate-responsible approach to business.

What Do I Need to Start a Trucking Company?

17 Jun, 2021
The trucking industry landscape is largely made up of small businesses—with over 90% of companies operating fewer than seven trucks—so there is room for you if you’re considering starting a small trucking business. Whether you’re a professional truck driver already or you’re just a prospective business owner looking to cash in on the projected growth in the industry, you can get on the road toward a successful business with our help. What do you need to start your own trucking business? Just a little bit of insight from Gold Star’s experts.

The Facts & Figures: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Trucking Company?

17 Jun, 2021
Are you ready to work for yourself? Find yourself wondering how much does it cost to start a trucking company? Some estimates anticipate between $10,000 and $20,000 to get started with a small trucking company, assuming you don’t have to factor in the average cost of a semi truck. What goes into the cost of starting a logistics company? Let’s take a look.

Preparing for the 2021 International Roadcheck

17 Jun, 2021
As a big supporter of managing a fleet of well-maintained, safe trucks (link to Fleet Safety Program: 4 Important Things to Remember), Gold Star looks forward to the International Roadcheck every year. This three-day event focuses on motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety. In 2021, it will run from May 4th to May 6th. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), a nonprofit organization made up of motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives, leads the cause. Over a 72-hour period, tens of thousands of commercial vehicle inspections will occur across the continent. It is the “largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world,” boasting that “nearly 15 trucks or buses [are] inspected, on average, every minute across North America” during the event (per the CVSA website ).
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