As technology has changed over the last few decades, so has the transportation industry. Advancements in truck manufacturing have allowed the delivery of cargo to be shortened from days to a few hours. The recent shift that is forecasted to become more common in the future is Autonomous Trucking. Autonomous trucking refers to self-driving trucks that use artificial intelligence to transfer goods and complete other tasks. They use radar, sensory, maps, algorithms, and other technologies to navigate through roads and highways. While autonomous trucks exist, it may be a while before engineers develop “fully autonomous” carriers that need zero human attention.
Most vehicles that are labeled autonomous still have a degree of human input. Driving autonomy breaks down into five levels: level zero, meaning no autonomation, and 5, meaning full autonomy. Most self-driving trucks are between levels 2 and 3, meaning they can move without a driver. However, this also indicates that a person may have to intervene or take back control if necessary. A repercussion of autonomous shipping is that new regulations will appear. An example of a law that organizations like the FMCSA may modify is the ELD rule.
What are ELDs?
ELDs or Electronic Logging Devices are hardware attached to a vehicle engine to track driving hours. The purpose of ELSs is to record data about vehicle operation, such as the record of duty status (RODS). This is helpful for several reasons, including the creation of a safer work environment for truckers driving long hours on the road. Drivers shipping freight while being tired and overworked lead to accidents. In December 2017, the FMCSA made it legally mandatory that most commercial automobiles, including trucks, use ELDS. With driverless trucking predicted to grow in the next few decades, the future usage of ELDS may be unclear.
While many believe there will not be a need for ELDs, the reality is more complex. As previously mentioned, most vehicles labeled “self-driving” are not fully autonomous. It may take a long time before carriers achieve level 5 autonomy. Due to this, the regulations regarding ELDs may have to be modified based on the level of autonomy. For example, automobiles at levels 0-3 may require ELDSs because of the amount of human involvement. Vehicles at levels 4-5 may not need ELDs but could require new technologies to monitor health and safety.
There is Still a Way to Go
Although self-driving trucks will open a new world for international shipping, full autonomy is still in the distant future. The usage of ELDs is here to stay and can help protect the driver, cargo, and bystander. This is increasingly important as the need to transport cargo continues to grow. First-time shippers should be educated on what to expect when shipping and how the process works. This is why contacting a freight broker to ensure the correct handling of the shipment is beneficial. If you plan on shipping goods domestically, contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com to get started. Along with our transportation services, we are with you from the start to the end of your cargo journey.