How Many Autonomous Trucks Are on the Road?

Most of us have heard about increased focus and investment in autonomous vehicles, also referred to as driverless automobiles, in recent years. While it’s been hard to miss stories in the media about Tesla, Waymo, and other brands of self-driving cars operating in the U.S., far fewer reports have been published about driverless trucks. That doesn’t mean that the technology doesn’t exist or that it isn’t being tested, though. It is.

If you’re curious about how many autonomous trucks are currently on the road in the U.S., a brief online search reveals there are approximately a few thousand. There’s been an uptick in news stories about driverless trucks in recent months, though, as we’ll share below. We’ll soon be sharing the road with far more of these tractor-trailers.

Companies at the Forefront of the Driverless Trucking Industry

If you read any articles on self-driven trucks, you’ll see some of the same names regularly repeated in those stories. There are certain companies at the forefront of driverless tractor-trailer technology.

A CBS News story published in April 2024  chronicled how the Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation, Inc. planned to have at least 20 driverless trucks hauling cargo between Dallas and Houston by the end of last year.

Another New York Post article, also from April 2024, chronicled how another tech firm, Kodiak Robotics, which was founded by former employees of Waymo and Uber, has also been testing self-driving trucks in Texas during the past few years.

A third promising company, Daimler Trucks, according to the same article, is planning to expand its cadre of autonomous trucks nationwide by 2027.

So, while there may only be a relative “handful” of autonomous trucks on the road right now when you take into account how many tractor-trailers navigate our country’s roadways daily, that number can only be expected to increase in the next few short years.

Benefits Associated With Autonomous Truck Usage

Retailers and trucking industry insiders have both been keeping a close eye on this driverless technology for a good reason.

In an era where truck drivers are in limited supply, these autonomous tractor-trailers have the potential to fill in any trucker deficits that exist. From a logistics perspective, these trucks have the potential to expedite the delivery of cargo to its final destination. How’s that?

These trucks have the potential to operate around the clock without having to mind hours of service and other breaks. Plus, they can maintain a consistent speed by switching lanes or routes as necessary to avoid blocked or congested roadways.

The potential of getting cargo to its destination more quickly is a big appeal for many in many commercial sectors.

Dangers Related to Sharing the Road With Driverless Trucks

While there are definitely some valid benefits associated with using autonomous trucks, there are some inherent downsides, too.

A Carnegie Mellon University professor interviewed for the CBS news story referenced above concurs with many driverless technology advocates. Their position is that these trucks’ radar and laser sensors’ abilities to better visualize what lies ahead compared to human eyes. He also agreed that these trucks are not subject to intoxication from alcohol or drugs and are less prone to fatigue. However, he argues that technology isn’t problem-free.

He contends that, much like any other computer system, it can fail. And, as you can likely imagine, the problems that may ensue if that happens are quite concerning. Take, for example, if the truck suddenly slows on an interstate or proceeds through a stop light when it shouldn’t. A catastrophic truck crash could occur.

How a Truck Crash Lawyer Can Help if a Collision Injured You

While we certainly hope that the uptick in autonomous trucks on the road will make driving safer as opposed to more accident-prone, only time will tell.

If you had the misfortune of becoming involved in a truck accident in Seattle, where with a driverless tractor-trailer or one with a trucker behind the wheel, get in touch with us at Trucking Injury Law Group.

We want to know more about the truck wreck that injured you so we can discuss any rights you may have to take legal action with you. Meeting with a Seattle truck accident attorney is free, so connect with us now to discuss whether you have a pursuable case.