The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), Arlington, Va., released its report identifying potential impacts of autonomous vehicle technology on the trucking industry, which include significant safety and productivity benefits that may result from autonomous technology adoption. 

Top 10 issues include hours of service, driver shortage, driver health and wellness and benefits and challenges to commercial drivers and motor carriers. 

For instance, ATRI identified numerous changes to the hours-of-service regulations and the ELD mandate that would allow commercial drivers to improve safety and productivity through autonomous vehicle operation. These improvements, however, will require federal leadership and significant input from the trucking industry. 

ATRI's research also documents a number of potential public sector impediments to autonomous truck deployment, including poor infrastructure quality, uncertainties related to tort law and the possible need for federal preemption. 

"ATRI's research underscores how critical it is that the trucking industry has a seat at the table as autonomous vehicle issues are debated," says Chris Spear, president and CEO. "These impacts will be real and have significant consequences for the entire supply chain if they are not deliberately and thoughtfully approached with input from all stakeholders. Now is the time to make sure that autonomous vehicle technology is a win-win for the economy."