Some States Decry Autonomous Trucking, Others Embrace It
The Department of Transportation and the larger federal government as a whole have left the concept of autonomous vehicles, trucks included, to be a states rights issue. As a direct result, states have differing opinions on the up-and-coming technology.
Texas Embraces It
Texas has had legislation on the books supporting autonomous trucking since 2017, but now it is expected that it will allow technology companies to take the next step in increasing the level of autonomy in trucks. Companies such as Aurora Innovation and Kodiak Robotics are hoping to remove the human emergency driver entirely and make their trucks fully automatic.
Indiana Considers Condemning It
Recently introduced into the Indiana state legislature are two bills, one for the state Senate and the other for the state House, that would go in the opposite direction of Texas, absolutely requiring a human that can take over the wheel at a moment’s notice.
The bills have two purposes, according to their supporters. The first is truck safety, upon which the electronics of a fully self-driving car can be hacked (or at the very least, tricked by some pranksters applying stickers to road signs). The other is the economic fallout resulting from the loss of jobs that truckers would have to endure.
Indiana is not the only state trying to fight against the machine. California’s legislature had a similar Assembly Bill, but that was vetoed by the Governor.
Conclusion
Even with some states attempting to welcome autonomous trucks with open arms, the technology is still a long way away before it will be replacing human drivers and putting them out of work for good.
The most likely outcome at this time is for trucks to be autonomous on long stretches of relatively straight highway, but require a human driver for the city where nearly countless variables reside. This semi-automatic method would also allow truckers to stay local, guiding dozens of trucks on the last 20 or so miles toward their destination and back to the highway in a single workday, while being home in time for dinner. There is something to be said about an improved work-life balance!
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!
We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Learn more about Trailer Financing.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
