ATA President Chris Spear: Autonomous Trucks Will Continue to Need Drivers
WASHINGTON — The rapid developments in autonomous trucks that several companies are embracing will continue to require drivers inside the vehicles, the trucking industry’s chief representative told lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Dec. 6.
“This could be, perhaps, a solution to the chronic driver shortage down the road,” American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear told the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, during an informal hearing.
“I think you’re always going to need drivers in the trucks in the cityscapes, doing pickups [and] deliveries,” Spear added.
AUTONOMOUS AUTUMN: Recent video coverage of autonomous vehicle developments
Also, in the coming years, the mainstream adoption of autonomous vehicles is likely to enhance safety, improve fuel economy and alleviate congestion along freight corridors, Spear and other stakeholders proposed to the panel.
Responding to recent federal guidelines and industry advancements, the transportation committees in Congress are exploring ways to develop policy on autonomous vehicles that would promote commerce and reduce traffic congestion. Regulators this fall issued guidelines on autonomous cars outlining state and federal roles in respect to regulating the technologies.
"The possibilities for our nation's surface transportation system are endless over the next decade," Subcommittee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) said. "Autonomous vehicle technology — and the opportunity it presents to make roads safer and highway travel more efficient — is a huge part of that. But policymakers and legislatures across the country must be ready to deal with the regulatory implications of these advancements."
Spear: "In terms of displacement, we just don't see it. You're always going to need drivers. Equate it to pilots." #AutonomousVehicles — American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) December 6, 2016
