The first automated trucks, including self-driving trucks, for long-haul trucking operations may become available within the next five to 10 years, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The GAO examined the potential effects on the workforce should automated trucks become mainstream.
Commercial trucking currently employs nearly 1.9 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.
GAO released recommendations for how the industry can best adapt to new technologies.
GAO recommends the Secretary of Labor collaborate with the Secretary of Transportation to gather information on potential workforce changes.
The secretaries also should collaborate to share information with key stakeholders on the potential effects of automated trucking on the workforce as the technology evolves and to analyze the potential effects of automated trucking technology on drivers. Analysis will inform potential workforce-related regulatory changes.
There are two possible scenarios for the future of automated trucks, according to the GAO study.
In the first scenario is that self-driving trucks will still need operators. This would change wages and needed skills without significantly affecting the number of trucking jobs.
In the second scenario, long-haul highway driving will be fully automated. This would result in fewer trucking jobs with potentially lower wages.
“The adoption of this technology depends on factors such as technological limitations and public acceptance,” the GAO said.