TuSimple completes first autonomous (level 4) 80 mile run from Tuscon and Phoenix

I don’t think so. If an autonomous truck can’t do the job of a truck driver, the job will change. The shipper will tarp or strap the load and “service areas” will pop up every 30 or 40 miles where trucks can pull in and a local crew will tighten securement and tarps, check tires and brake temperatures. Some services areas will be at chain up areas, and crews will install chains, verify reefer operation and fuel level, lights and such.

More than half of the operational cost of a semi truck is related to the driver. If transportation can be accomplished without the driver going with the truck it’ll happen. There’s just too much money involved.

 

The autonomous truck will not be running OTR, as we know it now, for decades, if ever, in my opinion. It will run know routes repeatedly. It knows where every ditch, every corner, every mailbox is. It's not going to pull into a mud hole or hit a bollard -- it knows where they are.

The other thing that makes this all different is that these trucks will not be running like solar powered drivers. They will be running at night, and probably SLOW. Take the trucks down to 55 mph, and save 30% on fuel, 50% on maintenance and 80% on labor. Time no longer is a significant limiting factor. Load not ready? Oh, well, no HOS to worry about. No holidays, no dentist appointments, no kid's birthday parties. Load the truck at the end of the production shift, and it runs overnight to the next hub, from where it runs overnight to the next hub, and so on. Trucks won't do the job we know now, the job will be different.