Robots and Bridges

Robots are not taking our jobs anytime soon, I'd not worry about that.

As for loads that are high, bridge clearance is listed on truck maps, city truck route information is available online, if it's a permitted load the permit should route accordingly for load size (height or width).

You can also call the municipality and Provincial transportation departments.

As a driver, do your route planning accordingly, know before you even pull out of the yard what your clearances are for the entire route, be aware of where you may be "tight" on clearance on the route and be aware of surroundings.

Absolutely no excuse for hitting a bridge or other obstacle.

 

Don't worry about the robots. Just think about all the regulation they must yet overcome, the questions about liability when an accident happens, that's beyond the thing even being capable of finding its way around in the first place. Not to mention if society will be comfortable sharing the roads with trucks and no human at the wheel.

As for height, anything over 13'6" is considered oversize, you need permits and escorts and route planning (done by the jurisdiction - they tell you the route) - this all changes by jurisdiction, this is most definitely not entry level trucking. That being said there are bridges lower than 13'6", while not many, they do exist. There is an atlas you should buy it has them listed for all numbered routes. Almost all major routes do not have low bridges to worry about. Only thing that comes to mind is around NYC the interstate says no trucks left lane and they mean it it is too low over there. Around elsewhere, all the 400 series highways, trans Canada, in usa all the interstates are good to go. It is not a difficult thing to learn. You'll be fine.

Now about that midlife crisis. I'm having one too. You want to be an owner operator? I've had enough of trucking and am ready to be done. Send me a pm if you'd like a link to my kijiji ad. (Don't think I can post it here).